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

[poodlechicks]

I was thinking of using of half of a clay garden pot as a frame?  It would be more open at the front... 

That would thwart the intended use of the MHP.  You want the chicks to be able to access the heat from both above and below.  Also, the "more open front" would not do as well holding in the heat and creating the dark environment that they are looking for.  I'm guessing that the pot would also be too high in the middle, and not at all adjustable the way a wire frame is.  Just my opinion, I'm wondering what Blooie might have to say about the pot.

I agree w lazy gardener. Even w the metal frame adjusted, I had to pile a lot of pine shavings to make it high enough for the chicks to touch their backs against the HP.

 

[circlehouse]

Chicks came a day early! And one extra hopped in. But super happy with the MHP so far. I am a little worried about the tape now after hearing of some scares, I'll wrap it in a pillow case tomorrow. But they are all under neath cuddled in for our 27 degree night.

but they are quiet, and all seem to know where the water is.

 

[Bowldy45]

I am especially grateful to Blooie for starting this thread and providing all the initial info.
Here are a few pictures of my baby flock.

I agree! If it had not been for Blooie and all of the rest of you wonderful folks, my chicks would most likely be under one of them dang red lights! My daughter has even said when she has to start with chicks again, she will be doing it this way instead of the red light.

 

[lazy gardener]

Thanks! Things are going great w the MHP, but I had to use the heat lamp w a weakling who was barely alive. Some of the chicks got here in poor shape. The one struggling even has a curled toe. I'm leaving that toe alone for now as she gets stressed out after a feeding.
The others are doing very well. They are still feeling very cozy w the heating pad at 6. They are in the basement w the temp around 60.
Am I the only one who has the HP at 6 on day 2? Just curious, not the least bit concerned

BTW, what's the breed of your avatar? I got 2 chicks just like that.

I recommend that you contact the hatchery regarding the sick chick for a refund. While you are doing a good job trying to save it, in actuality, the hatchery should not be sending out chicks with obvious defects. If we as the customers of these hatcheries accept this, then they will continue to send chicks that are not viable.

 

[Bowldy45]

Thanks! Things are going great w the MHP, but I had to use the heat lamp w a weakling who was barely alive. Some of the chicks got here in poor shape. The one struggling even has a curled toe. I'm leaving that toe alone for now as she gets stressed out after a feeding.
The others are doing very well. They are still feeling very cozy w the heating pad at 6. They are in the basement w the temp around 60.
Am I the only one who has the HP at 6 on day 2? Just curious, not the least bit concerned

BTW, what's the breed of your avatar? I got 2 chicks just like that.

I received my chicks yesterday morning, and did turn down the HP to 5 today, but then I noticed they were getting a bit noisy, so I turned it back up to 6. All happy campers again!

 

[poodlechicks]

I recommend that you contact the hatchery regarding the sick chick for a refund.  While you are doing a good job trying to save it, in actuality, the hatchery should not be sending out chicks with obvious defects.  If we as the customers of these hatcheries accept this, then they will continue to send chicks that are not viable.  

I sent an email on the same day I received the chicks b/c 1 arrived dead, another died a few hours later and the one chick I had ordered to arrive w the ornamentals ( a white Orpington) was not sent. McM apologized and issued a refund for the 3 chicks. Now they are asking me to wait till Friday to call them to say how the rest is doing.
I have to say that they have a good customer service, but a refund will not replace all the heartbreak of finding a chick dead and others too far gone to be saved. And I am experienced in saving birds.

 

[Bowldy45]

As a new chicken momma, I guess I am going it right. Day 2 and all seem to be happy campers.

And they have tucked themselves in for the night, under the HP. Only had to show them once what it was for.

 

[Redufresne]

Chicks didnt go in the coop for the nght! I just happened to notice because i was trying to set up a camera for inside. The door had shut but they were hunkered in a corner of three sided feeding station! Must rethink the feeding station to eliminate hiding places and then make sure they go in the coop before door shuts. I did have the heating pads off for a bit while I moved the extension cord to mow lawn. I wonder if the lack of warmth made them choose outside? Confused. It is way too cold at night for them to be out, i think.
.

 

[junebuggena]

Chicks didnt go in the coop for the nght! I just happened to notice because i was trying to set up a camera for inside. The door had shut but they were hunkered in a corner of three sided feeding station! Must rethink the feeding station to eliminate hiding places and then make sure they go in the coop before door shuts. I did have the heating pads off for a bit while I moved the extension cord to mow lawn. I wonder if the lack of warmth made them choose outside? Confused. It is way too cold at night for them to be out, i thnk.

Chicks need to be taught to go into the coop at night. You may have to 'herd' them in each night for a few nights.

 

[Redufresne]

Chicks need to be taught to go into the coop at night. You may have to 'herd' them in each night for a few nights.

They had been going in on their own several nghts in a row and I thought they were ok. Will watch more closely now, to ge sure. Chickens are crazy!