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

[Redufresne]

@Blooie: help! How long before my two week old chicks understand about sleeping in the warming cave? I tried putting hem in the cave rght at sunset before it was completely dark, but they wouldn't stay (prolly still hoping for more treats). Three nights in a row now, I go down AFTER sunset and they are huddled together anywhere but inside the cave and they look cold (it is 60 degrees ir less in that had to heat room). I pick each one up and put them in the cave and they all stay inside after that (72 degrees inside). Why wont they go in on their own? I worry (yeah, I guess I'm a nervous newby) they wont understand going into the coop at sunset when they go outside in a few weeks (i have an automatic door out there). Thoughts? Do I just keep doing what I'm doing and hope for the best? They seem fine in the mornings.

 

[emorems0]

I would be tempted to get out a strong set of pliers and angle the back pair of legs so the back of the cave will be lower than the front, ~ 2" off the floor.

And that gap in the front looks like a perfect "chick suicide" location, getting trapped between the pad and the rack above, overheating and dying. Just because they can get in doesn't mean they can get out.

Thanks for being specific about what the danger is... I didn't really think they'd be able to get in there with the towel hanging over. But I pulled down on it to see and it did give a little so I wrapped a scrap of fleece around it and put the towel back on top for the night. I was also able to let the towel hang down more over the opening since I had a tail of fleece to let hang over the back. Tomorrow I think I will make a fitted pillowcase to go over the whole thing instead of using the towel.. I couldn't figure out how to make a pillowcase work so that it stayed taut, but I can just sew one up that is just the width of the shelf w pad.

I wanted my MHP to be open on both ends so they could easily come in and out of both sides. I just have 6 chicks in there now, but they were an unexpected surprise... I am setting up two MHPs for the 40 chicks that are arriving next week. I had 25 together in a brooder last year (with a heat lamp) and they really crowded eachother... I'm afraid of chicks getting lost in the bottom of a chick pile so I want easy exits.

Tonight will be the first night outside for the surprise 6. I rearranged the fabric around the pad around 7 and by 8pm they were all tucked in under it sleeping peacefully.

MHP in outdoor brooder before I rearranged the fabric.

This is how I wrapped the fabric around. Better?

More overhang

 

[MesMama]

Feedback please
Thinking I should turn the HP down since they're inside? It's 68* in here. I've had it on 6 but wondering since everyone is under there and it's in the house here that maybe I should turn it down? Thoughts?

 

[Blooie]

I need to ask you guys to field questions again for me for a day or so. Just can't focus. Thanks.

 

[aart]

Feedback please

Thinking I should turn the HP down since they're inside? It's 68* in here. I've had it on 6 but wondering since everyone is under there and it's in the house here that maybe I should turn it down? Thoughts?

Go by their behavior...if they are underneath and calm and quiet, they are probably fine.
How old are they?
If you want to turn it down, go ahead and then check on them after an hour or so....if they are uncomfortable, you will know.

 

[perchie.girl]

If in doubt go cooler on the MHP. Ideally their wittle backs should touch it when in the cave.


Listen to your chicks If they peep alot they are uncomfortable.

deb

 

[bluejean55girl]

I need to ask you guys to field questions again for me for a day or so. Just can't focus. Thanks.

hang in there, is your hubby keeping an eye on you?

 

[dyorto]

Feedback please
Thinking I should turn the HP down since they're inside? It's 68* in here. I've had it on 6 but wondering since everyone is under there and it's in the house here that maybe I should turn it down? Thoughts?

Mine are inside at 68 as well during the day, might get to 60 at night and I have found they seem happiest at setting 4. I have 6 chicks under the xl heating pad

 

[MesMama]

Thanks all! So I have 22 chicks under the big HP and a small one, the cave is about 24" wide and 20 or so deep.

Eta-just thinking with that many warm bodies under the same "roof" indoors, might get too hot at 6

 

[Jensownzoo]

Has anyone washed their MHP yet?  I had mine outside and it got wet.  When I took it out when the chickens were not using it any more and took off the press and seal it was quite moist (nasty).  I've got it in the washing machine and will run it with the dog towels on a gentle cycle but just wondering if anyone has washed one successfully?

I have washed them repeatedly. My original pad is 3 years old and still works great.