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

[kesrchicky16]

I'm sure it's been discussed before but I am not going to aimlessly wonder through over 1000 pages
I have 22 chicks coming in a few weeks.
I brought out my EcoGlow that I've had for 4 years now, cleaned it, and went to move it to the lower level, and I BROKE IT. Perfect..
So, I am thinking I'll do the heating pad method for the new littles (in my basement).
I will obviously need the bigger heating pad that has been discussed (12x24 i believe?) but will I need two? Or will 1 suffice for my chickies?

They have done 19 in that size and 40 in 2 so use your best judgment. They did say if you do 2 don't just make it a huge square. Either make a 12×48 or 12×24 , 4 inch space and 12×24 So they can get out in the middle.

 

[bruceha2000]

I would guess 22 would be a stretch in a single large pad MHP. It would work for a time but as you know, those chicks grow pretty fast. As @kesrchicky16 said, one long cave, not a big square.

 

[saraiquimby1]

OK. Thank you. I have a small heating pad already, so i may just get the bigger one, and add the smaller one next to it once they get a bit bigger maybe?
You can always find a use for a heating pad right?

 

[kesrchicky16]

OK. Thank you. I have a small heating pad already, so i may just get the bigger one, and add the smaller one next to it once they get a bit bigger maybe?
You can always find a use for a heating pad right?

That's my plan. I'm hatching out 31 eggs right now. I got the 12×24 and will get a 12×15 to put next to it if I hatch out and don't rehome.

 

[bruceha2000]

OK. Thank you. I have a small heating pad already, so i may just get the bigger one, and add the smaller one next to it once they get a bit bigger maybe?
You can always find a use for a heating pad right?

You bet! My 12x24 is currently set on "2" in the enclosed nest box so I have a better chance of not losing eggs to the sub zero temps. I have also been known to use it "off label" ... on my back on the couch

I would think a large and a small would be fine for 22 chicks.

 

[saraiquimby1]

Thank you both!! It's my first online order-Ordered a big variety from Hoovers Hatchery. I'm excited. I went a little crazy But I can't wait to get them!!

 

[bruceha2000]

Don't forget to call the PO a day or two before and tell them you have chicks coming. Give them your phone number though the hatchery usually puts it on the shipping label. You and the PO clerk both want those birds going to your house ASAP and they will call you as soon as they (the clerks) get into the office. Depending on how big the PO is, that can be pretty early. The one my wife works in is just the carrier and her, she doesn't get there until 7:45 the PO opens at 8. Our local PO will call at 6 AM.

 

[saraiquimby1]

@bruceha2000 how do I know which post office they will send them to?? There are two big ones in town, but there’s also a tiny post office I can see from my house but it’s only open 12-5 during the day. I’m not sure which they would send it to. I’ve had to pick up a package before that got returned and that was to the one that’s farthest from my house. Hmm..

 

[bruceha2000]

The chicks should be sent to your mailing address. Whichever PO delivers your mail should get them. If you don't know, either talk to the carrier if you are home when they come by or call the closest big PO and ask them. They can tell you if they are your delivery source and if not, which one is. It can be confusing. For instance the closest PO in the city we used to live in is where we went to "do business" but the mail was delivered from a local sorting facility in the next city. The only mail that went to the PO building we used was for the PO boxes.

That said, my 1st two sets of chicks came through my local PO and I picked them up there but the ones last year were sent from a USPS mail center (NOT a PO) in another town direct to my door. Not sure why that was unless they were sent to the local airport rather than the regional hub in New Hampshire and trucked up to the area sorting center then to my PO which is the normal path. Odd thing is the 2015 and 2017s both came from Meyer. I think the 2017s got here within 24 hours of being given to the PO in Ohio.

 

[aart]

I brought out my EcoGlow that I've had for 4 years now, cleaned it, and went to move it to the lower level, and I BROKE IT.

What broke? I love to fix stuff.