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

[ShrekDawg]

Sounds like a good reason to go with the most basic frame

• A piece of 1/2" hardware cloth or welded wire fencing.  
• Attach the pad to one side with the printed side showing, fuzzy side against the wire.
• Stick the whole thing in a pillowcase you got cheap at Goodwill if you don't have any old ones.
• Use some method to hold the pillowcase up to the pad so the chicks can be in contact with it.
• Bend the whole thing into the shape you need for day old chicks. About 2" high in the back, 4" in the front.
• If you like, put an old towel over the top hanging down a couple of inches in the front. 
• If it is outside in the coop, maybe cover the top with hay.
• Need it higher as they grow? Bend it to make it arch more.

Done

That actually is what I did for mine! Except that I didn't secure anything, just placed it on top, and eventually I took the pillowcase off and just used towels. But mine I don't think would arch so I used the bricks. Maybe I jist didn't think of the arching it more thing, not sure. But I had adjusted the shape a lot so it got kinda messed up, i had the vinyl coated one so maybe its easier to bend. Anyway, maybe next time it would work better but it didn't really work so well this time for me. I liked the idea of hardware cloth or an ove grill thing screwed to wood, may try that one next. Or try the welded wire again but secured on with bungies or something this time

 

[member 373180]

Glad you're doing well, Blooie!
I've been lurking and learning from all of you for a long time. My peepers arrived yesterday so I'm finally able to show my setup in action. They will only be in here for a few days, then the whole thing will move out to the coop and they'll be able to explore their own little area through to pop door on the bottom right. Thank you all for the great suggestions and advice!

 

[Blooie]

Oh, you are so very welcome! And look at that - brand new and your membership dues are already paid!! Good job!!! And welcome to the Broody Bridage!!

And I'm glad to be getting back to my old self again too. As soon as I get this stupid monstrosity off my arm I'll be almost good as new!

 

[member 373180]

Thank you, this is a very happy friendly place to hang out at BYC.

 

[lazy gardener]

That's b/c we have our own Blooie as MC!

 

[Blooie]

We sure like to think so, @WVForestGirl We keep snarking down - in fact the worst snarker (is that a word?) can sometimes be me.....the rest of the Brigade are nicer than I am at times!

To us it's okay if someone comes in, reads the thread, and asks lots of questions, then ends up doing the heat lamp anyway. This isn't for everyone, and we all know it. It depends so much on your own personal comfort zone and how willing you are to step outside that. Some are, some aren't. But in the end we all want the same things- healthy happy chicks in a safe environment so the "how" is often secondary to our strong belief in Mama Heating Pad. So all are welcome here.

 

[Blooie]

That's b/c we have our own Blooie as MC!

Aww, thanks, LG.....um, your check is in the mail.

 

[lazy gardener]

Good b/c I've already spent it.

 

[Blooie]

I love you!

 

[duluthralphie]

My birds seem to play king of the hill and hide and seek on top of and under the MHP more than using it for warmth. Is this normal?

BTW a 4 week old chick can survive 20 degree temperatures outside with no heat source and have no ill effects from it...

I had one escape yesterday and we could not find it. I found it this afternoon at 5pm outside free ranging..