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

[Leigti]

I moved the little chicks outside today. I’ve checked on them about 15 times already I put them in the cave once but they all came out. So I guess I won’t worry unless they don’t go in tonight. I will put them in after dark if I have to.

 

[Leigti]

Well, they didn’t go in when it started getting dark so I pushed them in there and kind of held my hands there for a little bit so they wouldn’t come out. I’ve checked on them a couple times since it got dark and they seem to be staying in now. Do you find that they pretty much stay in all night or do they go in and out? It’s going to be low 40s tonight. I have the heating pad on high but I figured I would lower it One level every couple days.

 

[bobbi-j]

Well, they didn’t go in when it started getting dark so I pushed them in there and kind of held my hands there for a little bit so they wouldn’t come out. I’ve checked on them a couple times since it got dark and they seem to be staying in now. Do you find that they pretty much stay in all night or do they go in and out? It’s going to be low 40s tonight. I have the heating pad on high but I figured I would lower it One level every couple days.

Chickens don’t move around much at night. Pretty sure they’ll stay put.

 

[Blooie]

Check them tomorrow for going in and out freely, and then be sure to check them tomorrow night to see if they go under and stay put. If they still seem reluctant to go in, try putting the heat down a notch. Sometimes the combination of the pad on the highest setting and their shared body heat makes it too warm under there, and if it’s too warm they won’t use it.

 

[bruceha2000]

How old are they? They seem to have lots of feathers. Once they are fully feathered they don't need much, if any, supplemental heat. They might still like to sleep in their cave at night, if it isn't too hot.

 

[Leigti]

How old are they? They seem to have lots of feathers. Once they are fully feathered they don't need much, if any, supplemental heat. They might still like to sleep in their cave at night, if it isn't too hot.

They are about three weeks old. They’ve been kept in the house until last night.

 

[bruceha2000]

OK, then they are quite well acquainted with the MHP cave and know there is heat in there. If they aren't going in at all, and especially if they are piling outside the cave, it is too hot for them inside.

 

[Blooie]

Oops...I didn't read very well, did I?

 

[bruceha2000]

In what way @Blooie? Your answer was straight up "how to figure out the proper heat setting for MHP".

 

[Blooie]

I missed the part where they were already 3 weeks old, Bruce.