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

[MesMama]

Made our MHP, used one green HP and one of the smaller red ones, the bigger green one is on the back of the cave and the smaller one is on the front. It's 24ish inches wide and 18" deep, seems really wide but for 22 chicks?? We have it pretty low to the ground for now, I'm thinking we need to make the edges more square, it's basically just curved, but wondering if bending the edges into more of a square shape might be better? It's so hard to describe.

Was planning on using a tote but we didn't have one wide enough, so I remembered we had a playpen still from when our son was little Doesn't give them much room but they won't be in it very long, just a day or so and then we will move them to the coop with the bigs. Put the MHP in a pillowcase and duct taped the edges nice and securely, also taped the cords where they attach to the pads like someone suggested because they come apart easily, which we noticed just with putting it all together.

Planning on putting the water and food on the tote lid?? We put a piece of pegboard on top of the mat that attaches to the floor of the playpen, I was concerned about them getting into and under the mat via the corners? But with the weight of the pegboard and the weight of the MHP and the feeder and waterer, it's pretty weighted down. Should be okay? Also going to get some of those pee pad things to use in lieu of any bedding until they go outside. Feedback appreciated ;D

 

[bruceha2000]

That's what god invented the sledge hammer for.

And reciprocating saws (though I don't have one)

I moved the brooder kennel from downstairs to upstairs because I didn't feel they got enough light down there. Now they just prefer to sleep in the sun rays instead of under the MHP

Given they are not all in a pig pile, they are fine. They look quite happy sitting in the sun.

I know this a little off topic for this thread but this thread is so active and helpful to those of us who are new it seems to be the place to turn. The ground where I live is no longer frozen!

It's time for a fenced in play yard. Will the fencing that starts out with 1/2 inch opening on the bottom and gradually gets larger at the top stay critter proof? Or will it need to be all 1/2? I already have a small roofed in run attached to the coop with all 1/2 inch for rainy days. I also will put my chickens in at night. How new am I? My chicks arrive April 15. And Mama heating pad is the plan. Ok advise away...

I don't know of fencing that starts at 1/2" and then gets larger so I don't know how big the larger openings are. Since this is for your outdoor daytime run it would likely be good as long as the wire is a decent gauge and the larger openings (greater than 1") don't start until minimally 18" though 24"-36" would be better.

Quote:
Daytime run, weasels are usually nighttime threats while the birds are asleep on the roost.

Made our MHP, it's 24ish inches wide and 18" deep, seems huge but for 22 chicks?? We have it pretty low to the ground for now. Was planning on using a tote but we didn't have one wide enough, so I remembered we had a playpen still from when our son was little

Doesn't give them much room but they won't be in it very long, just a day or so and then we will move them to the coop with the bigs. Put the MHP in a pillowcase and duct taped the edges nice and securely, also taped the cords where they attach to the pads like someone suggested because they come apart easily, which we noticed just with putting it all together.

Planning on putting the water and food on the tote lid?? We put a piece of pegboard on top of the mat that attaches to the floor of the playpen, I was concerned about them getting into and under the mat via the corners? But with the weight of the pegboard and the weight of the MHP and the feeder and waterer, it's pretty weighted down. Should be okay? Also going to get some of those pee pad things to use in lieu of any bedding until they go outside. Feedback appreciated ;D

Should be fine for a few days. Not sure I would bother with the tote lid since you are going to use the pee pads. You can just put those down and put the MHP frame down on top.

 

[MesMama]

Thank you @bruceha2000

 

[aart]

Quote:
Daytime run, weasels are usually nighttime threats while the birds are asleep on the roost.

There is welded wire fencing that has smaller spaces at bottom and gradually gets bigger towards top...usually called rabbit wire.
It's usually only 30" tall so not good for even keeping chickens in let alone predator deterrence.

 

[aart]

Quote:

Quote: Or 30" crowbar

Quote: I do.....it's the bomb!!

 

[BantyChooks]

Or 30" crowbar

Ah! now that is a good idea.

-Banti

 

[beautifulpirate]

Paying my dues with pics!

And someone is even starting to get tail feathers (middle)...

 

[lazy gardener]

Or 30" crowbar

I do.....it's the bomb!!

Tools of destruction: gotta love them. Even more fun that building.

 

[aart]

Quote: Start with the crowbar to see what fasteners were used and if they're accessible......
....then proceed with driver bit or sawzall, whichever is appropriate and/or needed

 

[BantyChooks]

Start with the crowbar to see what fasteners were used and if they're accessible......
....then proceed with driver bit or sawzall, whichever is appropriate and/or needed