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

[mymilliefleur]

Thought I would share a photo of my brooder set up:


I started the chicks out in a large mettle stock tank (I have since moved them outside). I covered the heat pad with shredded news paper, and than placed a cut box over that. The chicks are enjoying their cardboard mama hen!

 

[aart]

W
Quote: Ehhh....I guess usually 'failure to thrive' hits sooner, 2-3 days...so maybe that's not the right term for this case,
but with just dropping dead with no prior overt symptoms in the first week or so, I've seen it called that.
Unless you get a necropsy done, it will most likely remain a mystery...something wasn't functioning correctly internally.
Could have been heart, lungs....sorry can't offer finite answer.

 

[aart]

Thought I would share a photo of my brooder set up:


I started the chicks out in a large mettle stock tank (I have since moved them outside). I covered the heat pad with shredded news paper, and than placed a cut box over that. The chicks are enjoying their cardboard mama hen!

So your heating pad is on the ground?
I know couple folks who do it that way on another forum.

 

[aart]

Can I get some 'votes'.... aka thumbs up/ovation counts as a vote.
PleaseandThankYou https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...21-2016-pic-by-chicken-girl1/20#post_16734205

 

[Melschen]

Chicks are doing great. One week old now. Pasty bottom is starting to clear up and everyone is growing. Question for all of you... How in the heck do you keep straw/hay on top of your mama pad?? Those chicks hop right up there and tear it all off. Lol

 

[MesMama]

Ehhh....I guess usually 'failure to thrive' hits sooner, 2-3 days...so maybe that's not the right term for this case,
but with just dropping dead with no prior overt symptoms in the first week or so, I've seen it called that.
Unless you get a necropsy done, it will most likely remain a mystery...something wasn't functioning correctly internally.
Could have been heart, lungs....sorry can't offer finite answer.

No worries I just appreciate your input! I know it's hard to say for sure what has happened, it's so strange.
I sifted the bigs grit and mixed it with their feed so hopefully were good on that. We added about 2 ounces per quart of feed. I also broke up some of the dirt and sprinkled it around, they're funny running over each other to check it out LOL

I also checked a few crops, they're full, a little squishy and grainy feeling.

Oh and are they sickly if they have coccidiosis?

 

[aart]

Quote: Yes, usually..... hunched, lethargic, fluffed up, and often have bloody stools.

 

[Molpet]

Can I get some 'votes'.... aka thumbs up/ovation counts as a vote.
PleaseandThankYou https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...21-2016-pic-by-chicken-girl1/20#post_16734205

good caption

 

[MesMama]

Yes, usually..... hunched, lethargic, fluffed up, and often have bloody stools.

Okay well it's definitely NOT that, can rule that out.

 

[Redufresne]

I've had good luck with press-n-seal. After seeing some uses here, I've pretty much started putting it on everything - roosting perch, top of MHP with extra layer to peel off after they invariably poop there, around outdoor plug to keep rain off while I need an extension cord to coop. I wrapped it around the big dog crate I use to give them outside time so they cant get through the bars and to block some wind. I'm moving my ladies outside next weekend as they are restless and getting big and mostly feathered. I've had no trouble with pasty butt, but i gave them clump of sod from day one, plus that log thingy thay they peck at that is supposed to keep this problem at bay. No electrolites, no probiotics (until they go outside), some small amounts of chick grit because I wanted them to expect treats from my hand. They adore dried mealworms, but I've gven less lately after reading treas may not be great for them yet.

By far, though, the best thing I've learned in this new adventure as a first time chck mom s the Mama Heatng Pad, instead of a heat lamp. I will never ever risk a heat lamp again! And the added bonus of learning how useful the press-n-seal is....I cannot say enough thank yous!