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

[Nathan J]

Quote:
Yeah, just watch their behavior. Mine would spend a little time under MHP after I put them there but then most of them came out and huddled on the other side of the box. That went on several times before I finally clued in to the fact that despite the temp in the garage being in the 30s they were still too warm under there with it at Med. There are a lot of variables in this method (different heating pads, materials, brooder type, ambient temperature, etc.), so it's tough to come up with guidelines that will apply in every situation. So just "listen" to your chicks and don't be too rigid in your thinking, as I was in thinking there was no way they didn't need at least Med setting with it that cold in the garage. And I was wrong.

 

[Nathan J]

One week old yesterday. Temp today was about 65 and they love that temp. Very active and out of MHP, and when it was time for a nap they all settled down on top of MHP. Then later in the evening when it got cooler they started to occasionally go under MHP again. Again, heating pad is on Low.

 

[ImportTheBest]

If you move that brooder to where it can get some natural light, you won't need that lamp in there. And they will be on a more natural day/night cycle. Even a normal bulb can put out too much extra heat. 

Thankfully this is just a little 24w bulb, it only raises the temp in the brooder a couple degrees and that is still no higher than about 60 on our warmest day so far. When it hits about 60 degrees and sunny, I open the big garage door and shut off the little light while the garage and brooder air out nicely. I may be able to get help to move the brooder directly below the one window, but that won't be until this weekend at least. The brooder is too much for my sore back to move right now, as is the toddler bed near the window. I'll keep an eye on the temp and their movements in the brooder. Actually, I may just be able to raise the lamp to be coming from overhead instead of down as low, at least for now.

 

[junebuggena]

Thankfully this is just a little 24w bulb, it only raises the temp in the brooder a couple degrees and that is still no higher than about 60 on our warmest day so far. When it hits about 60 degrees and sunny, I open the big garage door and shut off the little light while the garage and brooder air out nicely. I may be able to get help to move the brooder directly below the one window, but that won't be until this weekend at least. The brooder is too much for my sore back to move right now, as is the toddler bed near the window. I'll keep an eye on the temp and their movements in the brooder. Actually, I may just be able to raise the lamp to be coming from overhead instead of down as low, at least for now.

It's just that with the natural day/night cycle, it gets dark gradually, so they learn that they need to start settling down under the heating pad because soon it will be completely dark. The whole one minute it's bright, and the next it's black makes doesn't really help getting them settled in for the night.

 

[ImportTheBest]

It's just that with the natural day/night cycle, it gets dark gradually, so they learn that they need to start settling down under the heating pad because soon it will be completely dark. The whole one minute it's bright, and the next it's black makes doesn't really help getting them settled in for the night.

Good point, I'll try and get that sorted out as soon as I can!

 

[Merrymouse]

Hi All

2 questions...My chicks are one week old today and I've had them home for 5 days. When do I lower the heat? I have the XL sunbeam with the digital 6 settings and it has been on 6. They are acting great. Out and about, testing their wings now, then back under MHP etc. Does not feel warm under there at all but I know thats how it works by contact but I have to admit I was a little worried about my BR last night when I got home from work I noticed a little pasty butt and washed it off and she accidentally dipped her entire leg up to her belly in the water so I feared she would be cold but she's fine this morning.

And the other question, not really related to the MHP, I still have them on paper towels with pine shaving underneath. Can i ditch the paper towels now? I think their legs are plenty strong now and I think they would really like to dig around in the shavings.

Ok, 3 questions? Im not feeding medicated chick starter, when should I throw in a clump of sod for them?, Dust bath? Meal worms? Grit? OK way way more than 2 questions as per usual with me

Im loving my chicks and Im totally sold on the MHP!

 

[Nathan J]

Can i ditch the paper towels now? I think their legs are plenty strong now and I think they would really like to dig around in the shavings.

Ok, 3 questions? Im not feeding medicated chick starter, when should I throw in a clump of sod for them?, Dust bath? Meal worms? Grit? OK way way more than 2 questions as per usual with me

Im loving my chicks and Im totally sold on the MHP!

Take this for what it's worth, from another newby, but I think it's valid.

Yes, you can ditch the paper towels. Mine were moved to shavings on day 4. Yes, they definitely want to be scratching around by now.

Give them some sod yesterday!

And more than just a clump, if possible. Give them as much of a pile of dirt and grass (and whatever else comes with it, sticks, stones, etc.) as you can. And some wood, bark, logs, whatever you can that will fit. They love it as they climb all over it, foraging, perching, being chickens.

Ditto with the dust bath. Make it a couple inches deep, they love to get down in it and forage around in it too.

Grit, right now, and same with some mealworms. I gave them some on about day 5, I think, and they love 'em. And it's hilarious to watch them chase each other around. Great entertainment, for you, and them. Same with red wiggler worms from my vermicomposter. I'm sure you don't want to overdo it with the worms, but a small amount (I know, that's imprecise) each day is great for their bodies and minds.

Pictures (I've gotta take some new ones, these are from Sunday, day 6):









That's a wedge of log from when I felled a tree recently. Works great. And though you may not be able to tell from the picture, that pile of dirt in the middle is several inches high. And down at the end is a screened frame sitting on a bowl down in the litter. Meant to sit their feeder on but I haven't set it up like that yet. Right now the dust bath sits on there; a cut down box that's a foot plus square with about 3 inch high sides.

BTW, the light is just a small wattage one for lighting only.

 

[debid]

Do you know how much easier it is to just have them outside than to bring the outside in?

But yes, they'll be much happier and healthier the more chickeny they can be.

Paper towels are really only needed with new hatches -- it's something I don't use at all because I get 3-day olds from a local hatchery. They're ready at that point.

For reducing heat, go by behavior. If they sleep underneath with their bodies touching the pad, leave it as it is. If you see them sleeping partially under, on top, or away altogether, then I'd reduce the heat. I've only just clicked mine down to medium because they were sleeping with heads out. It was what they'd do with a hen but I figured it would be OK to reduce my energy consumption and they could pull their heads in if they needed to.

 

[Carlisle-Washam]

Wow! I love this setup. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

[Merrymouse]

Do you know how much easier it is to just have them outside than to bring the outside in?

But yes, they'll be much happier and healthier the more chickeny they can be.

Paper towels are really only needed with new hatches -- it's something I don't use at all because I get 3-day olds from a local hatchery. They're ready at that point.

For reducing heat, go by behavior. If they sleep underneath with their bodies touching the pad, leave it as it is. If you see them sleeping partially under, on top, or away altogether, then I'd reduce the heat. I've only just clicked mine down to medium because they were sleeping with heads out. It was what they'd do with a hen but I figured it would be OK to reduce my energy consumption and they could pull their heads in if they needed to.

Yes

I realize it would be easier to start them outside but it would be way less fun. Newbie chick momma and really enjoying watching them and learning their behaviors. Also we had a blizzard last week and I have been unable to do my last minute things to complete my coop somfor their safety they are going to stay inside for a bit longer. But of course I want them to be healthy. I took people's advice here and did not feed medicated chick starter but I think it's time to introduce some grass/dirt/logs etc to build up some immunity and give a little grit from the soil. So I just went outside got a rotten log from the woods and dig through the snow for a bit of sod. My question is do I have to let it dry out before I put it in the brooder? I hear so much about making sure they have a clean dry environment. So should I let it dry out or should I just add it to the brooder even though it is damp from snow melt and cold? Thanks. Here is a pic of the log and sod