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

[SunHwaKwon]

Where is the "picture" finding thingy, this is the second time I've seen you reference it and I have yet to find it    

You have to be in the computer or using the desktop version (not mobile version) on your phone. You'll see the album of all the pictures in the thread to the right of the thread.

 

[casportpony]

Quote: Switch to desktop, then if you want to look at just the pictures in this thread, all of them are here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/lightbox/

 

[chickieschicks]

Well those pictures could certainly help a lot with what I'm about to ask but I'm going to ask anyway. Would anyone be kind enough to do a concise recap of the various materials/methods uses for covering the heating pad? I most definitely want to use the Glad press n seal to cover the pad so that it is liquid-proof (it has a fuzzy cover over the actual plastic heating pad). I still haven't decided on whether I'm going to attach the pad to the top or bottom of the wire but either way, has anyone found a method where it's not necessary to use towels or pillow-cases? I would like to avoid having chicken waste-soiled cloths having to go through the washing machine if at all possible. I thought of just using paper towels but I'm afraid they will slip off of the MHP, especially if the pad is on top with a layer of press n seal, because it will be slippery.

Has anyone used hay alone without any towels or cloths? And can hay be used when the chicks are very young?

Also, maybe the press-n-seal is no longer recommended? Has anyone had any issues with it? I did see someone in an earlier post mention that it was just plastic wrap and not sure if anyone has pointed it out since then but it isn't just regular cling wrap, it sticks to itself and therefore, I think would make a great liquid barrier...

 

[chickieschicks]

Thank you, very helpful!

 

[chickieschicks]

Thank you, very helpful!

This was in reply to an earlier post, sorry everyone! I'm still figuring out this whole message-board world. I've read them for years but never really replied in one.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

This was in reply to an earlier post, sorry everyone! I'm still figuring out this whole message-board world. I've read them for years but never really replied in one.

No apologies needed - it can be a challenge to learn all the ins and outs of navigating these things. I am glad you found the post helpful.

 

[Texgal57]

Is your small pad a smaller version of the King size pad? I found one that doesn't have auto shut off but it's three settings only.

 

[debid]

Is your small pad a smaller version of the King size pad?  I found one that doesn't have auto shut off but it's three settings only. 

I have the regular with a slide switch, 3 temps. I'm happy with it. I don't feel any great need to change the temperature as I figure that a broody hen doesn't change hers. Chicks just warm up less often and will eventually sleep along side rather than under her.

 

[Merrymouse]

You have to be in the computer or using the desktop version (not mobile version) on your phone. You'll see the album of all the pictures in the thread to the right of the thread.

Switch to desktop, then if you want to look at just the pictures in this thread, all of them are here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/lightbox/

oh ya....I see it now, Wow, I'm such a doofus...I was looking at the top as I tend to ignore the sides and thought all that stuff was just ads, feeling a little dumb right now, captain obvious

but thank you so much.

 

[Merrymouse]

Well those pictures could certainly help a lot with what I'm about to ask but I'm going to ask anyway. Would anyone be kind enough to do a concise recap of the various materials/methods uses for covering the heating pad? I most definitely want to use the Glad press n seal to cover the pad so that it is liquid-proof (it has a fuzzy cover over the actual plastic heating pad). I still haven't decided on whether I'm going to attach the pad to the top or bottom of the wire but either way, has anyone found a method where it's not necessary to use towels or pillow-cases? I would like to avoid having chicken waste-soiled cloths having to go through the washing machine if at all possible. I thought of just using paper towels but I'm afraid they will slip off of the MHP, especially if the pad is on top with a layer of press n seal, because it will be slippery.

Has anyone used hay alone without any towels or cloths? And can hay be used when the chicks are very young?

Also, maybe the press-n-seal is no longer recommended? Has anyone had any issues with it? I did see someone in an earlier post mention that it was just plastic wrap and not sure if anyone has pointed it out since then but it isn't just regular cling wrap, it sticks to itself and therefore, I think would make a great liquid barrier...

Im a newbie but i just made mine the other night and I posted pictures if you want to check out this post a few down on this page

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update/8780

I put my heating pad under the wire for two reasons, 1. so the chicks could easily press their backs against the heat and 2. so they don't get trapped between the wire and pad in their effort to get warm.

I did not use the press and seal for my pad but i did use two cloth diapers side by side and wrapped them in press and seal and placed those on top of the MHP. So hopefully I could wipe off the mess a little. I think with chicks there is no way you're going to get away without a big mess. If you don't like the idea of putting poopy cloths in your washer there is no need to. I would let the poop harden then take it outside shake most of it off then you could just soak the towel, diaper or what ever you use or wash it in a sink or bucket or whatever. I have a separate sink that I use for all my animal stuff. After I caught my son dumping the muddy dog bowl and poopy parrot water bowl right in my main sink over my dishes

I'm not a neat freak but that is just asking for trouble.

You'll find what works best for you as there is no right way. I've learned that lesson during my coop build, sometimes you just have to do it and figure it out as you go and if you get stuck on something just ask here. So good luck and ask questions and post pictures