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

[Beekissed]

I loved this idea but I can't stand the thought of using anything with an AUTO OFF feature - I would never sleep! I rigged up a small experiment with an aluminum foil roasting pan and two reptile heating pads. Because I plan to brood my chicks outside in the empty coop it just didn't' generate enough heat to keep ME happy ( maybe the chicks would have been fine, who knows).
For a few dollars more than a household heating pad you could buy an extra large reptile heater. It's either on or off, no electronics to go wrong. One size comes with adhesive on it and they tend to be at least a little moisture resistant. Might be a viable option?

I don't know if you read comprehensively what people are saying when they refer to an "auto off" feature. This means the heating pad has a feature where it goes off automatically after two hours of operation....and these HPs we are using also have a feature that overrides the "auto off" feature so that the heating pad stays on continually....all the time...for months, if need be.

Unless someone lives in an area where the power goes off frequently, these HPs are not much of a risk at all. I've used them to incubate eggs for three straight incubations in a row without any issues...then used them to brood the chicks after they hatched.

 

[ShanandGem]

I don't know if you read comprehensively what people are saying when they refer to an "auto off" feature. This means the heating pad has a feature where it goes off automatically after two hours of operation....and these HPs we are using also have a feature that overrides the "auto off" feature so that the heating pad stays on continually....all the time...for months, if need be.

Unless someone lives in an area where the power goes off frequently, these HPs are not much of a risk at all. I've used them to incubate eggs for three straight incubations in a row without any issues...then used them to brood the chicks after they hatchedaer I

My reading comprehension is pretty good, thanks. My point was that I would lie awake at night wondering if it was warm enough or if somehow the device had shut itself off despite my best efforts to the contrary. And my power DOES go out frequently, especially in winter, sometimes for 12 hours at a time.
I love the concept it's just not in my comfort zone.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I don't see why there was a need to insult their reading comprehension :/

But yeah, if the power goes out then there might be an issue but that could be an issue with a heat lamp too or any other thing. Although there are heating pads that don't even have auto off to begin with and that also will turn themselves back on if the power goes out, perhaps that's more practical for you? I know several people brought them up recently but can't remember if they mentioned a specific brand or anything

 

[ShrekDawg]

Anyhow, good luck

 

[ShanandGem]

Anyhow, good luck

Thanks! I do love the concept and it did reveal to me the idea that my chicks might appreciate a day/night cycle. I put together a separate heat lamp with a ceramic heat emitter for sleepy time. I'll swap it back and forth with my infrared to create light and dark cycles.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thanks!  I do love the concept and it did reveal to me the idea that my chicks might appreciate a day/night cycle.  I put together a separate heat lamp with a ceramic heat emitter for sleepy time.  I'll swap it back and forth with my infrared to create light and dark cycles.

No problem! And oh that sounds like a good idea! A lot of work but a good idea lol

 

[jrjoplin]

I can relate to the frequent power outages. I'm using the setup for my next batch of chicks so I had the same concerns. I purchased an backup UPS like you would use for a computer. It alarms when the power goes out and it's using the battery and should last about 30 min giving me time to figure something out if the power is out longer than that. I got mine off of Amazon for about $45.

 

[Beekissed]

I don't see why there was a need to insult their reading comprehension

But yeah, if the power goes out then there might be an issue but that could be an issue with a heat lamp too or any other thing. Although there are heating pads that don't even have auto off to begin with and that also will turn themselves back on if the power goes out, perhaps that's more practical for you? I know several people brought them up recently but can't remember if they mentioned a specific brand or anything

I wasn't intentionally insulting anyone, but if that's how people take certain phrases it can't be helped. From her/his post it seemed they thought the HP would shut off automatically and they were worried about that feature.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
You would have the same issues for power outages you would have with a heat lamp.

IF Its not in your comfort zone dont do it... no one is forcing you to.

I am going to and I am a Mechanical Engineer.... nothing fancy but I see systems and possible failure broad cast into the future. I see solutions too. Like in a colder environment using a better insulative container... My environment is incredibly windy I have see chcks blown off their feet and rolled off into the yard with momma hen fiercly trying to keep track of them. 40 degrees 50 miles an our in the winter.... 90 degrees and 50 in the summer.

The point of this exercise the single point of this exercise is rasiing chicks with a true night and day and free access to a place that is warm enough to keep them healthy for the night. And the ability to raise them in the coop with all the natural good bacteria that exists there. Making them healtier and more roebust in the long ron..... All the other stuff is gravy. Oh and also they neeeed to be able to get away from the heat no matter what style of brooding to do... Little forays out to do chick stuff only to have a place to warm up even for a few seconds beofore going out again.

Sorry if any miss spellings or odd words I am suffering from Bells palsy right now and have been pretty much bed ridden since thurseday

deb

 

[Hholly]

I comprehended that @Beekissed was being helpful.

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