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

[Paganrose]

Quote: You can always check the product number on the sunbeam website to make sure it is the right one. I know often times amazon uses a generic picture. So frustrating sometimes!

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

I saw it in the Q&A on the Sunbeam website - per the company, models without auto shutoff include:

000731-500-000 000732-500-000 000756-500-000

 

[henless]

I saw it in the Q&A on the Sunbeam website - per the company, models without auto shutoff include:

000731-500-000 000732-500-000 000756-500-000

The one I bought is not on that list, #000771-810-000. I will probably be ordering the large on off of Amazon. I plan on hatching some Cream Legbars this year, so I'll need another one. Using Prime, you can't beat the free shipping!!

Good idea using the grill cover! I used a folded up blue tarp under my watermelon box. It worked good, but your idea would be easier.

 

[aart]

...... I'm ordering 2 to make sure they'll have plenty of room as they grow. Not sure yet if I'll put them side by side longways or sideways (12" x 48" or 24" x 24"). Any thoughts or opinions on that? I'm thinking the pet playpen will be big enough either way.

I'd go 12 x 48.

 

[bruceha2000]

I read some of the reviews. Apparently, the pictures are just WRONG! According to the reviews, the unit does NOT shut off and is the LARGE 12" x 24" size. Since I've got 26 (FS) chicks coming, I'm ordering 2 to make sure they'll have plenty of room as they grow. Not sure yet if I'll put them side by side longways or sideways (12" x 48" or 24" x 24"). Any thoughts or opinions on that? I'm thinking the pet playpen will be big enough either way.

I'd go 12 x 48.

What is your reasoning? I pondered the options and I'm sure that both would work but leaned toward a 24x24 because I think it would be easier for the wire frame to hold shape. 48" seems a large span unless there are intermediate "bearing walls".

 

[Paganrose]

I think with the long thin cave would have less issues with chicks getting trapped in the center and overheating. You could use small dowels (maybe 3 in a row along the center) to help hold it up.

 

[aart]

Quote:

I think with the long thin cave would have less issues with chicks getting trapped in the center and overheating. You could use small dowels (maybe 3 in a row along the center) to help hold it up.

I would do separate frames for each pad.

 

[bruceha2000]

I would do separate frames for each pad.

Ah, Option #3!!!!!

 

[COChix]

@aart . I had some questions for you regarding your heat pad brooder set up. Didn't you use a larger metal rack, sort of stainless steal shelving last year? If I remember you had them on wooden block risers...anyway, if I have confused you with someone else please forgive me. How did you like your set up? We have numerous shelves from a large stainless steel kitchen shelving unit that I am wanting to use for my MHP. What where the pro's/con's to the shelving unit and what would you do differently. Will you be using this system again this year? Inquiring minds want to know, thanks!

 

[aart]

@aart

. I had some questions for you regarding your heat pad brooder set up. Didn't you use a larger metal rack, sort of stainless steal shelving last year? If I remember you had them on wooden block risers...anyway, if I have confused you with someone else please forgive me. How did you like your set up? We have numerous shelves from a large stainless steel kitchen shelving unit that I am wanting to use for my MHP. What where the pro's/con's to the shelving unit and what would you do differently. Will you be using this system again this year? Inquiring minds want to know, thanks!

Yep, here's the deets: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate
Best part is adjustable legs....and yes, will use it again this year, it worked great!
May add some 1/2 HC on the bottom of rack so heads can't push thru.....haven't had that happen to disastrous effect, but it's a possible risk.