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

[aart]

Turning to my trusty MHP group because you're always quick to answer! What type of material would you/have you all used for the roof of your runs metal or plastic?

Some of each....metal for shade, plastic for light?

Sorry<gigglesalittle> but it would depend..... both can be good depending on shade needed at site.
Metal is more durable especially with snow load, plastic is lighter and maybe less expensive.

 

[DonnaFreak]

I just have to chime in here to tell you all how much fun I'm having! Yes, there have been some scary moments and I'm sure there will be more, but this experience has just been so cool for this first time chicken Mama! My fluffy butts are thriving and growing so fast! They are now 2 1/2 weeks old, and three of them race each other to come see me as soon as I open the door to their coop. Those three love to perch on my arms, be petted, and cock their little heads when I talk to them. Of the other five, four of them come to check out my hands for treats even though they're not attention hogs like the other three. Only one still runs from me. She still hasn't forgiven me for dunking her butt in warm water to clean her pasty butt when she was 3 days old. I've been thinning out my rows of mustard and kale greens, and feeding those sprouts to them. Thank you all so much for all of the help and advice on here. I don't believe any of them would be as friendly as they are if they had been raised under a harsh light and constant heat whether they needed it or not. My heating pad has been turned down to 3 since the weekend, so I don't think they'll even need it for very much longer. I'm so glad I found all of you!!! :yiipchick

Donna

 

[jennyf]

Six chicks, one week old, in a garage that's 60 degrees. They seemed to be settling down for the night outside the MHP so I lowered setting to MED from HIGH. Sound about right? Was wondering if they were opting for outside b/c it was too toasty in there. It's the sunbeam with three settings. Should I go to LOW?

 

[aart]

Six chicks, one week old, in a garage that's 60 degrees. They seemed to be settling down for the night outside the MHP so I lowered setting to MED from HIGH. Sound about right? Was wondering if they were opting for outside b/c it was too toasty in there. It's the sunbeam with three settings. Should I go to LOW?

You've got to go by their behavior.
If they're not going under, then maybe it is too hot under there, so turn it down a notch.....
....or it needs to be raised up a bit.

 

[Blooie]

You've got to go by their behavior.
If they're not going under, then maybe it is too hot under there, so turn it down a notch.....
....or it needs to be raised up a bit.

Think I'd do both, turn it down and raise the pad up a bit.

Donna, I'm so glad it all worked out for you. Another satisfied customer!

 

[dyorto]

Is it bad to have the heating pad for too long? My chicks have been outside since they were about 2 weeks old. They are 5 weeks old today and fully feathered. The pad has been at 2 for a bit now. But there are some night still predicted to be in the high 20s. They don't sleep under the cave, just all piled on it.

 

[junebuggena]

Is it bad to have the heating pad for too long? My chicks have been outside since they were about 2 weeks old. They are 5 weeks old today and fully feathered. The pad has been at 2 for a bit now. But there are some night still predicted to be in the high 20s. They don't sleep under the cave, just all piled on it.

If they aren't really using it anymore, it's time to remove it.

 

[chickensarenew]

Took a little bit for all of them to go under but i pushed some under and it was bliss such happy little peeps

 

[debid]

Is it bad to have the heating pad for too long? My chicks have been outside since they were about 2 weeks old. They are 5 weeks old today and fully feathered. The pad has been at 2 for a bit now. But there are some night still predicted to be in the high 20s. They don't sleep under the cave, just all piled on it.

They will choose to roost on their own at some point as long as you have made that option available. Rather than forcing the issue and then worrying over the temperature, I just let them use it until they stopped. 5 weeks on the nose for this batch. It's not like weaning toddlers from their pacifiers, chicks have no emotional attachment to the heating pad.

 

[oldhen2345]

Love the Mama HP cave. MIne isn't so pretty, but functional. Just got new chicks and they took a little tweaking to get them to stay in the cave. Now everything is peachy. I raised the cave up about 1 inch and lowered the control on the heating pad to 5. I guess it is right for them, they have happy chirps and then silence from the cave every little bit. Then they come charging out to eat and drink. I love Chicken TV.