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

[Blooie]

Hey everybody! I have chicks that are 1&2 weeks old. Some of them, mostly the older ones, are going to sleep on top of MHP. I've been going out and putting them underneath and they stay but I'm wondering if it's really necessary. They are out in the coop and it's really hot during the day (up to 100-105) even with fan and dropping to 65-70 at night. This is my first time with chicks and they seem to be thriving so I'm probably worrying for nothing.

They are doing exactly what they should be doing - spending lots of time out from under MHP and growing, learning, and exploring. No need to put them under - just like with a Mama Hen they'll dash under if they need to now that they understand where the heat is!

 

[dpenning]

They are pretty cute when they get sleepy. Turns into a chick mosh pit

 

[dpenning]

 

[dpenning]

Do t know why I can only load one at a time

 

[bruceha2000]

Says 'Lamp'..... but applies to whatever heat source you use:

Here's my notes on chick heat, hope something in there might help:
They need to be pretty warm(~85-90F on the brooder floor right under the lamp and 10-20 degrees cooler at the other end of brooder) for the first day or two, especially if they have been shipped, until they get to eating, drinking and moving around well. But after that it's best to keep them as cool as possible for optimal feather growth and quicker integration to outside temps. A lot of chick illnesses are attributed to too warm of a brooder. I do think it's a good idea to use a thermometer on the floor of the brooder to check the temps, especially when new at brooding, later i still use it but more out of curiosity than need.

The best indicator of heat levels is to watch their behavior:
If they are huddled/piled up right under the lamp and cheeping very loudly, they are too cold.
If they are spread out on the absolute edges of the brooder as far from the lamp as possible, panting and/or cheeping very loudly, they are too hot.
If they sleep around the edge of the lamp calmly just next to each other and spend time running all around the brooder they are juuuust right!

The lamp is best at one end of the brooder with food/water at the other cooler end of the brooder, so they can get away from the heat or be under it as needed. Wattage of 'heat' bulb depends on size of brooder and ambient temperature of room brooder is in. Regular incandescent bulbs can be used, you might not need a 'heat bulb'. You can get red colored incandescent bulbs at a reptile supply source. A dimmer extension cord is an excellent way to adjust the output of the bulb to change the heat without changing the height of the lamp.


Or you could go with a heat plate, commercially made or DIY: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate

Except the problem with heat lamps, SOLVED by MHP is that it is pretty much impossible to have a temperature gradient unless they are in a very big room that can absorb all the extra heat.

 

[aart]

Quote: Maybe you didn't notice the part about not needing 'heat' lamp......and the link at the bottom to my "MHP".

The first two paragraphs apply to what ever heating you use.

 

[bruceha2000]

Maybe you didn't notice the part about not needing 'heat' lamp......and the link at the bottom to my "MHP".

The first two paragraphs apply to what ever heating you use.

Didn't mean to step on any toes.

I certainly agree with the 1st 2 paragraphs. I used a remote reading reptile tank thermostat when I brooded my first chicks 3 years ago. If one does go with heat from a lamp, I like your idea of using the dimmer switch extension cord (didn't even know they existed).

I think the problem with any open source heat (bulb, ceramic plate, etc) is that they will heat the area around them, not just the spot you want. That is why I think the MHPB is so much better. It can be covered, therefore insulated, so the heat stays pretty much in the "cave". A lot of people have a brooder that isn't more than a few square feet, really hard to isolate heat sources that "target" one part of the space. I also like the idea that they aren't under a light source 24x7 for weeks. It just isn't natural. How do they get into a proper sleep/wake pattern if it is never night time?

 

[aart]

Quote: Yeah, tiny brooders are another problem altogether...made into ovens with even incandescent's let alone heat bulbs.

 

[ShidelsRestBB]

Bruceha2000
I have a shelf like that in my old refrigerator. It is part of a modular system.

You can find shelves like that in old closet organizer systems, as well.

Blooie
I think the stand up mister is genius...
Going out to get one this afternoon. Temp is hovering just under 100, and will be for next 4 days.

My meaties and turkes weighed in at 8 to 12 lbs, at 9-1/2 weeks Olds.

The Leghorns that I have for laying hens are about 1/2 of that.

Pics did not turn out. Still trying to post.

 

[Jacqdiva]

I am thinking of doing this. I just bought a 14w heating pad. I am thinking of using a wooden box on legs, and putting it in the roof. I am nervous about putting cloth in direct contact with it. Also I thought of putting it between 2 ceramic tiles and sitting it up on a frame. Then I would feel better about cloth going over it I think. Am I being over cautious? Also I need a little more explanation on your posts with pics. What is the wattage you are both using? What cloth do you have over the cage? Is it directly touching the mat? Etc. hope that isn't too many questions. Sorry!