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

[aart]

Although I have read a lot of the posts here, I haven't had time to read them all. My question is if anyone has used the MHP for goslings. I know you can use it for chicks and ducklings but haven't seen anyone using it for goslings. I have never had goslings and don't have any idea how much larger they are than ducklings. I have some ducklings and goslings arriving in 2 weeks and would much rather use the heating pad. The heat lamp scares me.

I think I remember reading of it being used for turkey poults too.
Should work for any barnyard bird...height might need adjusting...and of course, due diligence is always required.

 

[TerryH]

That's fantastic! Hope that she continues to make such progress as she looked like a happy, normal chick in the video.

I think of euthanasia as a blessing, but being involved in animal rescue, I also believe in giving animals a chance. So, I suppose that's the management philosophy I have for my flock too? Two of my chicks just got over a respiratory infection with a little nursing and antibiotics. Now I'm off to read about scissor-beak (which she did NOT have when she arrived, darn it!).

Thanks. We have agreed that we will do everything we possibly can for her. We've also agreed that we won't go forward if she doesn't recover fully. Cheryl and I both want very much for her to be well but we do not want her to suffer or be picked on or have a troubled life.

We gave her more ND and some Vitamin E from a capsule this morning. She ate and drank with the rest of them after that. She is not back to normal by any means but we believe that she is improving. Time will tell. I agree that euthanasia is sometimes the best thing for the animal. If that is the end game here we will accept that. At this point we will treat her and pray and wait.

 

[lazy gardener]

I just introduced my 1 week australorps (6) to my day old buff/barred rocks (4). They seem to be mixing okay, save for some hierarchy establishment, but should I worry about the older ones keeping the littles out of the "cave"?

No. There should not be turf wars at this age. But just to be sure the littles have equal access, in case the biggers are blocking the entrance, you could provide access from both sides. I do this to ensure that they can easily enter and exit. I have 19 under a 12 x 24.

Why @lazy gardener ?

Because, in my experience, when I've seen a chicken get stuck, they typically fight it a bit, then give up. The damage was too severe to be self inflicted.

Although I have read a lot of the posts here, I haven't had time to read them all. My question is if anyone has used the MHP for goslings. I know you can use it for chicks and ducklings but haven't seen anyone using it for goslings. I have never had goslings and don't have any idea how much larger they are than ducklings. I have some ducklings and goslings arriving in 2 weeks and would much rather use the heating pad. The heat lamp scares me.

Should be fine as long as you account for the size difference. Read up on brooding requirements by doing a thread search, or checking the goose forum on BYC.

 

[poodlechicks]

If that's a Roo (or turns out to be) you could just name him MacGyver!

You should've seen what happened BEFORE this pic. What you see is half duct tape. There were 2 chicks attached to each other, one by the head and the one shown by its side the way to the ear and wing.

They came running in panic from the cave. I couldn't take a pic at the time bc I got so scared to see them that way. I had to use vegetable oil to detach them and then cut most of the duct tape. Then, I left that little one alone for a day before removing the rest.

Looking back now that all are ok, it was hilarious

 

[Blooie]

Although I have read a lot of the posts here, I haven't had time to read them all. My question is if anyone has used the MHP for goslings. I know you can use it for chicks and ducklings but haven't seen anyone using it for goslings. I have never had goslings and don't have any idea how much larger they are than ducklings. I have some ducklings and goslings arriving in 2 weeks and would much rather use the heating pad. The heat lamp scares me.

As has been said, just allow for the extra height and you should be good to go. I only wonder about the body shape difference - chicks are kinda squat and low all over, while goslings tend to have low backs and very high heads on their long necks. Since you want the heat at their backs, I wonder how that would work. But I'll bet they'd figure it out.

You're breaking new ground here, so keep us posted. That way if it comes up again we have good, solid answers for the next person! Good luck!

 

[circlehouse]

My chicks are 1 week old and all doing well and thriving! They have been outside with the MHP from day one With temps 26F to 75F and they are doing great and feathering out fast! Love how low key this experience has been.

 

[aart]

Quote: It is possible.....maybe squirrel, chipmunk...unless there's a possum living in the lumber pile under the coop.
But the dog would have been on that big time, he shows me where all the mice, rabbit, and ground hog nests are.
The yard is pretty well fenced and have had no predator issues at all (except hawks around) in 2-3 years.

The damage wasn't that bad really, more scraping and a poked out eye than any bites.
The CW was a bit of a crumpled mess in that area and I had to really work to get it out.
The CW and the 2x4 formed some might tight pinch points...many of the other chicks had scraped up combs from sticking their heads thru for greens.
I figure it got stuck, panicked (may have even been trampled by the other chicks) and broke it's neck.
Will probably never know for sure...CW came down last night and HC goes up today, chicks have been coop bound since the incident.

 

[Finnie]

The way you first described it as being stuck tight in the mesh made me think a predator had tried to pull it through.

 

[mobius]

As has been said, just allow for the extra height and you should be good to go. I only wonder about the body shape difference - chicks are kinda squat and low all over, while goslings tend to have low backs and very high heads on their long necks. Since you want the heat at their backs, I wonder how that would work. But I'll bet they'd figure it out.

You're breaking new ground here, so keep us posted. That way if it comes up again we have good, solid answers for the next person! Good luck!

Maybe they will just stick their tiny heads out!

Now I want pics!

 

[Blooie]

My chicks are 1 week old and all doing well and thriving! They have been outside with the MHP from day one With temps 26F to 75F and they are doing great and feathering out fast! Love how low key this experience has been.

I'm happy that it's working so well for you! I have to agree - putting them out there from the start just makes for such a stress- free time! They just do what they'd do if they had a mommy, except this mommy doesn't move! In my case, with older birds just on the other side of the wire in the run, they learn how to be chickens by watching adult chickens. Your chicks look great - and your dues are paid!