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

[Blooie]

So I went to Amazon to look at heating pads and the sunbeam ones had some bad reviews where the electrical line that connects to the until was faulty, sparked and caused a fire. This makes me just as hesitant as a ceramic heat bulb. I would use the Eco glow but worried about the few winter nights that drop below 45 degrees.

Some Sunbeam heating pads have had that problem, I've heard. But the model we are using has had no issues. A few pages back in this thread someone posted a link to a heating pad and the reviews were bad. But others did some research on that link and found it that the reviews were actually for a different pad an posted under the wrong model.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-2013-...kmr1&keywords=Sunbeam+x-tra+large+heating+pad

The smaller version of this heating pad was on continuously for several weeks for Scout both when he was in the house and when he moved outside, even in temperatures of 6 below zero and lower. No issues at all. Then I had the larger one (the one in this link) on for a couple of months with no problems whatsoever. That one ran in temps that varied from a balmy 50 degrees down into the teens.

I will say this, though. If you have any doubts whatsoever, don't use MHP. I'd like everyone who expresses an interest to give it a try, but if it's not for you - if you don't feel safe - then don't worry about it! None of us want you to try anything that makes you so nervous. The ultimate end result is healthy strong chicks, and no matter what you end up doing, if you have that you have it made!

 

[henless]

So I went to Amazon to look at heating pads and the sunbeam ones had some bad reviews where the electrical line that connects to the until was faulty, sparked and caused a fire. This makes me just as hesitant as a ceramic heat bulb. I would use the Eco glow but worried about the few winter nights that drop below 45 degrees.

I bought the one I used off of the Sunbeam site. It has no auto off, so even if the electricity goes out, it comes back on once the power is restored. It only has 3 heat settings, low, medium & high, but works really well. I bought it for use a few weeks ago with my Cream Legbars. It worked great! Here's the link: Sunbeam Blue Heating Pad. If you go down and read the reviews, be sure and read below the review. Most of the reviews listed are reviews on a different heating pad. I do not understand why the put reviews from other pads. Makes no sense.

If you decide not to use a heating pad, and go with one of the commercial heat plates, I would go with the Premier heat plate. I have one, and love it! I used it for my first batch of 21 chicks. They all fit under the small plate. My chicks were outside in my dh's shop, no insulation or heat except for the Premier plate.We had temps in the low 20's, and they did fine. The premier heats at a lower temp than the ecoglow does. The only thing is it is one temp, no way to dial it up or down. That is why I got a heating pad for this summer, I didn't need all that heat for summer brooding.

Anything electrical has a risk with it. But I believe the heating pads and heat plates offer a much lower risk than the heat lamps. The chicks seem to do much better also.

 

[Blooie]

I bought the one I used off of the Sunbeam site. It has no auto off, so even if the electricity goes out, it comes back on once the power is restored. It only has 3 heat settings, low, medium & high, but works really well. I bought it for use a few weeks ago with my Cream Legbars. It worked great! Here's the link: Sunbeam Blue Heating Pad. If you go down and read the reviews, be sure and read below the review. Most of the reviews listed are reviews on a different heating pad. I do not understand why the put reviews from other pads. Makes no sense.

If you decide not to use a heating pad, and go with one of the commercial heat plates, I would go with the Premier heat plate. I have one, and love it! I used it for my first batch of 21 chicks. They all fit under the small plate. My chicks were outside in my dh's shop, no insulation or heat except for the Premier plate.We had temps in the low 20's, and they did fine. The premier heats at a lower temp than the ecoglow does. The only thing is it is one temp, no way to dial it up or down. That is why I got a heating pad for this summer, I didn't need all that heat for summer brooding.

Anything electrical has a risk with it. But I believe the heating pads and heat plates offer a much lower risk than the heat lamps. The chicks seem to do much better also.

Ah, Henless - thank you and forgive me for not remembering your name! I couldn't remember who it was that we had this discussion with and I've had such a bad day that I couldn't seem to make myself go through all of the posts to find the conversation. I'm grateful that you stepped in - it's what we all seem do best here on this thread!

 

[henless]

Ah, Henless - thank you and forgive me for not remembering your name! I couldn't remember who it was that we had this discussion with and I've had such a bad day that I couldn't seem to make myself go through all of the posts to find the conversation. I'm grateful that you stepped in - it's what we all seem do best here on this thread!

Way too many post to go hunting through! lol

Sorry you've had a bad day. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better one.

 

[curious chickee]

Thank you, both of those heating pads look better quality then the one I was looking at with the bad reviews. I went ahead and got the one beekissed and blooie suggested since it was nice and large. I am going to make one end smaller than the other but put the heating pad on the inside similar to bekissed. I will be making it over the next week or so as my chicks should be hatching around Halloween. 36 eggs went in to the incubator but new incubator so this is a test run, we will see how many hatch.

 

[Blooie]

Thank you, both of those heating pads look better quality then the one I was looking at with the bad reviews. I went ahead and got the one beekissed and blooie suggested since it was nice and large. I am going to make one end smaller than the other but put the heating pad on the inside similar to bekissed. I will be making it over the next week or so as my chicks should be hatching around Halloween. 36 eggs went in to the incubator but new incubator so this is a test run, we will see how many hatch.

@curious chickee - now, you do know that photos are required on this thread! Photos of setups and chicks are always welcome, and so helpful to new folks popping in for a visit. And welcome to the Broody Brigade! I think you are going to be very surprised with the strength and maturity rate of your chicks. I have also seriously considered giving Bee's "inside out" design a whirl, but I don't see chicks in my immediate future.

@henless Feeling some better today, thanks!

 

[kzas]

Since it's a requirement!

Thanks for all your help here! They huddled under for the first hour or so then got brave and ventured out! Everyone is eating, but I haven't seen anyone drink (is that normal?) I did dip all beaks when I put them in, so we'll see- I'll keep an eye on them today. I love them- so sweet!!

 

[Blooie]

Aww, they are so cute! Nice photos, too! When you dipped their little beaks, did any of them actually swallow? I wouldn't worry too much..they'll find it. Congrats!!! Glad to have you and your new little family with us!

 

[gjamesi]

So everyone is doing great popping in and out, they found the food and water and are busy checking things out.
Question though, is there any evidence of rooster behavior in chicks? Because egg kicker [2nd one hatched] Comes running out and up chirping on top of its lungs anytime a light gets turned on.

the rest



and the bantam is the most active, what a little speed demon.
Thanks again @Blooie

 

[Blooie]

You are so very welcome! They sure are cute! I can't answer your question about the roo-like behavior. I try to figure it out when mine are babies and I'm wrong every time! I do think, though, that I can with confidence assure you that you have a 50/50 shot at it.