Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

[HenLeia]

I've put it on 3, but they seem to want to just hang out on top.

 

[debid]

I've put it on 3, but they seem to want to just hang out on top.

Go by what they do at night. Mine spend very little time anywhere near it if the sun is out but they are still using it at night.

 

[HenLeia]

Go by what they do at night. Mine spend very little time anywhere near it if the sun is out but they are still using it at night.

I'll check on them tonight. I know at a month old they may not need it anymore, they have been without in the garage. The temps outside are in the high 30's-40's now. Should I take it out after 1 week? There's another cohort that is waiting to use it

.

 

[junebuggena]

I'll check on them tonight. I know at a month old they may not need it anymore, they have been without in the garage. The temps outside are in the high 30's-40's now. Should I take it out after 1 week? There's another cohort that is waiting to use it

.

I'd turn it off completely. None of them appear to be even the slightest bit cold.

 

[HenLeia]

I'd turn it off completely. None of them appear to be even the slightest bit cold. 

I guess I'm concerned about the transition outside and worried about night time temps.
I would give them a huddle box, but I don't have one big enough to hold all of them. I'll check tonight and if they are all just roosting I'll take it out.

 

[aart]

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I just want to thank everyone on this thread for just continuing to innovate and improve a great idea. I started with an ecoglow before I found out about the MHP, but now that I'm brooding 20+ chicks at a time I finally built my own larger MHP. Just put my month old chicks outside today and was wondering what number I should turn the heating pad up to.

Are those loose grass clippings?
Beware of impacted crops with long and/or 'tough' foliage.

 

[HenLeia]

Are those loose grass clippings?
Beware of impacted crops with long and/or 'tough' foliage.

Not loose, it was just growing in the bed where the tractor has been living this winter. The chicks have just trampled it flat, all except the garlic.

 

[10AcreChick]

I've put it on 3, but they seem to want to just hang out on top.

Did you know you have the heating pad upside down? I think the side with the words is the warmer side. I put it facing towards the floor.
I have the same heating pad, BTW.

 

[aart]

Quote: It's not that much warmer...worked fine for me, used it that way as the power connection was in the best position.

 

[HenLeia]

Did you know you have the heating pad upside down? I think the side with the words is the warmer side. I put it facing towards the floor.
I have the same heating pad, BTW.

Oh, I assumed the soft fuzzy side was what you'd want to snuggle up to. I'll have to check, stupid I didn't try it while inside and dry