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

[bruceha2000]

Here's my finished result. And I just called TSC and they have in the chicks I want! What side is down on the heating pad again? The writing or the cloth? Also, I've always used pine shavings in my brooder but you don't recommend that?

My chicks last June were raised by a broody on pine shavings. I don't think there is as big problem with chicks thinking shavings are food as I seem to read.

Welcome to the Broody Brigade!! Cute picture! Love folks who pay in advance!

Yeah, it helps keep the brigade running smoothly while those slower to pay get off their duffs

 

[lazy gardener]

I had to look it up: IF I RECALL CORRECTLY

By the way, if Bruce is right, thank you for your service!!

Ditto that.

 

[dyorto]

I love this method. My chicks seems so content and not scared. I have had the heat level on 4 and they seem to like that best...

 

[Blooie]

I love this method. My chicks seems so content and not scared. I have had the heat level on 4 and they seem to like that best...

I tend to forget that when chicks are inside, you can start with the pad on a lower setting because they aren't subject to the wildly fluctuating temperatures mine are. Since I start mine outside, it can be 15 degrees one day and 40 the next. So you did just right - find a temp they are comfortable with and then let them regulate themselves. Good job!

 

[poodlechicks]

It doesn't look too bad. My concern is that the others might peck at it. Hopefully, it's concealed enough.

 

[ShanandGem]

I used 2 heavy metal baskets I bought at Dollarama. Zip tied them together and voila! Perfect geodesic chicken cave. As they got bigger they wanted to sleep on top though and huge fights would break out at night so today I replaced it with a 24" shelf 6 inches off the ground. Put the heating pad back on with a towel so everyone should fit on top and have warm feets all night long.
I left the geodesic cave in their house without a heating pad since it makes a great chicken play structure.

 

[poodlechicks]

Sorry, the previous msg was meant for dyorto.
It's hard for me to msg on this site using the smartphone. Just to be on the safe side, keep a watch on this chick. Best of luck!

 

[BantyChooks]

Wow.... The chicks have been sleeping for 4+ hours. Are they OK?
Or just zonked from the trip?
-Banti

 

[poodlechicks]

I am reading this thread and I found this method so amazing. I'd like to try it with the chicks I'm getting in April but I wonder if one heating pad will be enough for 16 chicks?

 

[perchie.girl]

I just watched it eat, drink and poo......

normal the big girls will do it too