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

[aart]

If I'm going to never had more than 6 chicks at a time, can I use a 12x15 heating pad? And do I use regular 1/2" square hardware cloth>

Yes, 12x15 should be fine for 6 chicks...
...and depends on your configuration, should work for caves but flat 'plates' will probably need more support across span.

 

[Minky]

Happy that Lovey is doing well. At this age chicks spend a lot of time out of the cave, but you will probably have some adjusting to do when the new ones get here. You’ll have some size differences and heat requirement differences to balance out, but I think you’ve got this and will figure out quickly what’s going to work best for you and the chicks!

Okay, the elephant in the room....by “someone’s” I can only assume you are referring to me, since I started this thread. Yep, I suggest this method. I encourage it, I promote it, I try to answer questions and alleviate fears about it, and at times I’ve even had to defend it. But I also acknowledge that this is not the only way to raise chicks and have said so many times. I have pointed out that at times it’s just not practical, such as with very large batches of chicks. I have never even taken credit for the initial idea. And while I’m justifiably proud of the way MHP is becoming more accepted, my ego doesn’t suffer when folks go their own way. Regardless of the method used, the ultimate goal for all of us is to raise healthy chicks safely, and to do so within our own personal “comfort zones”. So no worries - my ego isn’t hurt one bit.

Actually, I was referring to the guy giving the raising chicks seminar- and I meant that I would've spoken up and added to the conversation by sharing information I knew about MHP and/or heat lamps that dont give off light etc... and not worried about hurting this guys feelings or ego-because sharing info is always the best way(rather than biting ones tongue). I was in absolutely no way referring to you, Blooie.

Yes, she is doing great, thanks. And the new chicks will only be 2 days younger than her, so no need for any special requirements.

 

[aart]

I was referring to the guy giving the raising chicks seminar

That's how I read it...and maybe your friend.

 

[kklowell]

Thanks, aart, and I'm not sure which way to go. Is there an advantage to one configuration over the other?

 

[aart]

Thanks, aart, and I'm not sure which way to go. Is there an advantage to one configuration over the other?

IMO the flat rack with adjustable legs, and cardboard cover instead of linens, is safer and easier to use. But I am highly biased towards my own design.

 

[Blooie]

Actually, I was referring to the guy giving the raising chicks seminar, and I meant that I, would've added the information I knew about MHP and/or heat lamps that dont give off light etc... and not worried about hurting this guys feelings or ego-because sharing info is always the best way(rather than biting ones tongue). I was in absolutely no way referring to you, Blooie.

Yes, she is doing great, thanks. And the new chicks will only be 2 days younger than her, so no need for any special requirements.

I did read that totally wrong, silly me! Guess I sometimes get a little too defensive, but in my defense (see what I dun there? Teehee) the “doing this for my own ego” thing has come up many times before, usually said to me outright. But I wasn’t offended one bit - I just responded as I always have, so it’s all good! Guess if any of us want our egos stroked, advocating something so outlandish as MHP ain’t exactly the way to go!

 

[aart]

but in my defense (see what I dun there? Teehee)

 

[Leigti]

I got my five Little chicks today. They immediately went under the MHP and fell silent. It was amazing. Since then they have gone in and out of it ate some food, drink some water. They jumped on top of it for a while.

 

[Blooie]

Sounds like just what you’re looking for! Make sure that you perk once in awhile the first couple of nights to make sure none are stuck underneath, but as you’ve seen, they learn it super-fast.

 

[Leigti]

This is where they will be for the first week or two. Then I will move them out doors. They are just day-old right now. I have already double checked them about 20 times to make sure that nobody is stuck underneath. The overhead light is just for actual light itself because the room is dark even during the day. This is my reptile/chicken room.