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

[Blooie]

I had planned on paying my dues with a pic of the 3 feed store chicks I picked up today to "test" the MHP before my eggs hatch but they are so content under there that I've only seen them out once to eat and drink and then scoot back under. At the feed store they were jammed into a box with a heat lamp blaring. Lots and lots of cheeping and confusion. I can't imagine how any of them got any sleep. Now, not a peep (pun intended) out of them. Warm and cozy in a nice dark place. You wouldn't even know I have chicks in the house. Hopefully they will be well rested by morning and ready to investigate their brooder world.

We can be patient.....

Ok, so you have me intrigued. I have to try this with my newest brood that is coming in two weeks. I have two sets under lights and they all seem miserable and I have lost 23 of the 75 I had. I have some show quality birds coming, as I want to raise Wyandottes, and I want to see how this works. I had done something similar for a baby quail my daughter found last year, but opted for chicks when she wasm't doing so well. The chicks were from the feed store and I wanted her to just have the experience of being raised with other birds so that she didn't imprint on my husband, my daughter or I. She ended up imprinting on one of the chicks, and even after being released she still would come to the fence and talk to the chickens.
Anyways. I have to try this out for these new little ones.

I hope you'll be as happy as me and the many people who have changed over to this system have been! You know that your membership dues are photos of your setup and little ones, right?

My first night with MHP was a success! We picked up 8 chicks last night and put them right in the cave. I checked on them couple times overnight and everybody was snuggled in the back. I admit I was very nervous, I live in upstate NY and it called for temps in the 30's but this morning I went out and everybody was out and eating!

I'm so happy that they had such a good first night! Personally I can't imagine ever going back to the old days and the old ways when it comes to brooding chicks! Frankly I'd worry more about you if you WEREN'T nervous....it's a huge change to accept!

@Jensownzoo You are paid in full! They are so doggone cute!!

 

[bruceha2000]

I've got big hatching plans. Have most of the components for a new coolerbator. Planning on setting 2 batches of shipped eggs next weekend. And some of my own eggs, perhaps some duck eggs from health food store... And local feed store has SLW coming in the same week I'll be hatching... I really don't even need to be hatching... let alone buying some feed store chicks. Somebody please stop me!

LG, I would rush over and

that right out of you since it is only about 280 miles but D2 just took the car to work. Sorry.

 

[aart]

Quote: Hmmm......maybe can't do anything now tho, on day 4. Next time ;-)

 

[aart]

I've got big hatching plans. Have most of the components for a new coolerbator. Planning on setting 2 batches of shipped eggs next weekend. And some of my own eggs, perhaps some duck eggs from health food store... And local feed store has SLW coming in the same week I'll be hatching... I really don't even need to be hatching... let alone buying some feed store chicks. Somebody please stop me!

JUST STOP!!!

I tend to think about 'housing plans' rather than 'hatching plans'.....
......where ya gonna put them once they so quickly get past that cute little fluffball stage?
That usually stops me pretty quick.

 

[Blooie]

JUST STOP!!!

I tend to think about 'housing plans' rather than 'hatching plans'.....
......where ya gonna put them once they so quickly get past that cute little fluffball stage?
That usually stops me pretty quick.

I've finally reached that point too, @aart Unfortunately I reached it AFTER I ordered 9 Carolina Blue Sex Link eggs and was gifted (totally out of the blue) a dozen eggs from MPC. They'll be shipped on Monday.

 

[lazy gardener]

Nope, 'fraid not! Interventions mean self discipline - when it comes to chicks I ain't got that!

LG, Ken sat down at my computer and answered your electrical question on the other forum.

Blooie, give that man a hug for me please!

@lazy gardener l just put together my coolerbator, and found that the thermostat is shorting out... a dozen eggs to set and only room for 7 in the Brinsea Mini Advance! What was that about not counting your chickens????

I have my first styro home made. It's been doing well for 3 seasons. So the cooler will be bigger and better. (and allow a staggered hatch.) It will hold about 50 eggs, and have a STC1000 thermo. Has your thermo burned out, or just a loose connection? What kind? I did find with my first bator that the thermo went a bit wonky (bimetal) when I kicked the humidity up for lock down. I'm not overly concerned about the "counting" part. Just gotta feed the addiction, and get fodder for my gender experimentation.

Wow 117 pages! I am new to this whole chicken thing although I've wanted chickens for 35 plus years. I have building my coop, run and yard all winter. My chicks arrive April 15th. Was was terrified about the whole brooding thing. Thank you to each of you. You have made me fearless. I can hardly wait to share photos of my brood. 20 Cochins.

WELCOME MITCH!!! I'm expecting my hatch on that weekend if scheduling goes as planned. You get bonus points for getting your build done before getting your birds. This is an entirely different thought concept!

LG, I would rush over and

that right out of you since it is only about 280 miles but D2 just took the car to work. Sorry.

Thank you so very much Bruce. You are the only voice of reason in this whole motley crew. 280 miles is not really too far. Come deliver that

and I'll give you a coupon for discount towards that puppy you've been wanting.

JUST STOP!!!

I tend to think about 'housing plans' rather than 'hatching plans'.....
......where ya gonna put them once they so quickly get past that cute little fluffball stage?
That usually stops me pretty quick.

Unfortunately, housing plans are really not much of an issue. I really should do some flock replacement. Need to get a second generation of "Little Jacks" on the ground. And want to test the market re: selling hens, and day olds.

 

[aart]

Quote:
Well, then no need to stop, eh?

 

[dyorto]

The tractor supply only had Isa Browns, so I have a bit more time yet to set up the brooder. I'm going to do that today so as soon as they get more of a variety, I'll be ready to go!

 

[micheleomal]

This is as good as it gets with pics this morning before they scooted back under "Mamma"

 

[Blooie]

Well that looks pretty doggone good enough!! Nice job. Just remember, though, that they'll grow out of the tote pretty darn quick, so have something a little bigger in hot running standby!