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

[KiminPA]

x2.  Also, I can't quite make out what I'm seeing, is that the heating pad or a towel covered in the plastic stuff?  It looks slicker than normal.  I know that a lot of people use the plastic coating stuff, but I don't see the need really, it's easy to shake out a towel and wash it. I'm new to the MHP game, though I've had chickens and chicks for several years.  I am using it now with my chicks that just hatched, and it is WONDERFUL!!!!  btw I got 11 chicks from my first incubated batch of eggs.  

It's a towel covered in press and seal. I put shelf liner overtop and more pine chips and they are climbing all over it now.

 

[Victoria-nola]

It's a towel covered in press and seal. I put shelf liner overtop and more pine chips and they are climbing all over it now.

Ok, that's cool. I do want to mention that a number of people have experienced deaths of chicks because a chick got caught in some layer of this (either between the pad and the wire frame, or amongst layers of towels or getting stuck in a pillowcase). I basted closed the flannel covering that surrounds the heating pad (big hand stitches-- quick) so I didn't have to worry, and am using a single layer of towel on top that is free but is only one layer. This information came about later in this MHP thread, as people were trying the method, so I took it into account as I made my plans. fyi.

 

[KiminPA]

Ok, that's cool.  I do want to mention that a number of people have experienced deaths of chicks because a chick got caught in some layer of this (either between the pad and the wire frame, or amongst layers of towels or getting stuck in a pillowcase). I basted closed the flannel covering that surrounds the heating pad (big hand stitches-- quick) so I didn't have to worry, and am using a single layer of towel on top that is free but is only one layer. This information came about later in this MHP thread, as people were trying the method, so I took it into account as I made my plans.  fyi.

Ok thank you. I made it thru quite a few pages but I didn't see that so thanks. I will go over my setup tonight to make sure that's not possible

 

[Finelyfound]

Blooie. I have the towels on top b/c it was suggested to me by folks on this site. I was initially concerned that the towels would absorb heat that could go to the chicks, but I saw and heard that many layer the top of the cave and cover with straw. I cut my towels to fit now so there are no places to get stuck (that I am aware of) Two nights with the new set up and everyone is well. My main concern was that someone would stick their head through the wire shelf and directly onto the heating pad, but so far so good. I will switch out the 4x4 blocks for 6x6 blocks when they get a little taller so I don't have anyone hang themselves on the shelf.
After breeding equines for years (VERY stressful and expensive) I have been looking forward to chickens, but I guess I am true to form b/c I am stressing plenty about these chicks. The silver lining is no matter what happens I won't end up with a 5K vet bill. I am loving them, I just dont' want to lose anymore of them. Thank you for your wisdom and advice

 

[Coop de Grass]

Here is my latest hatch with their MHP!

 

[azygous]

Thelma, Louise, Lucy, and Ethyl - portrait at eight days taken on their "auxiliary heating pad".It's been in the low 40s during the day, too cold for me, but not for these tough little squirts.

 

[GardenNut]

Thelma, Louise, Lucy, and Ethyl - portrait at eight days taken on their "auxiliary heating pad". It's been in the low 40s during the day, too cold for me, but not for these tough little squirts.

So cute!

 

[saraem]

For me, rain is not the issue.  Hawks are!

Our yard has a ton of tree cover in summer and our dog is out with them, which I think helps. I still do check on them constantly since they are small, and never leave the house while they're out (I worry the dog would come in without me knowing and a predator would make their move). Hoping I can let them roam without worries come Winter but I'm not sure if that will work once the trees are bare and hawks are hungry.

 

[Coop de Grass]

Thelma, Louise, Lucy, and Ethyl - portrait at eight days taken on their "auxiliary heating pad".It's been in the low 40s during the day, too cold for me, but not for these tough little squirts.

Oh my! What kind of chicks are they? I will take one of each!

 

[Leahs Mom]

They ARE really pretty little kiddos @azygous