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

[Molpet]

I started reading this thread in Jan 2016 and thought I had a lot of reading to do. not bad to keep up on it. So much useful info has been shared. I had bought POL because I didn't want a heat lamp fire. Now I have an incubator too.. of course this spring I already have 2 broody hens, but thats beside the point LOL
I can't imagine starting now and reading it.

 

[Blooie]

Whoa....did you see the home page? The Banner has been BLOOIED!!

 

[bruceha2000]

Whoa....did you see the home page? The Banner has been BLOOIED!!

I figured even the regulars would have taken spells where they didn't check in for a few days (or even weeks like I've had to do a couple of times) and would have just picked up from the latest posts.

Oh ye of little faith!!!

 

[Blooie]

I know, I know.....

 

[bobbi-j]

Will complete construction of the MHPs this weekend. They will immediately be put to the test since, the highs all week are supposed to be in the 30's and 40's, lows in the high 20's, low 30's. Chicks are coming Wednesday... Will post pics of the finished products and when they are in use. I don't really know what else needs to be done on them as DH kind of took over the project. (I asked for suggestions, he went for it - I'm not complaining!)

 

[Blooie]

We’ll be waiting for pics!

 

[Farmer Doc]

Hey All!

I have a follow-up and a couple of questions...

First the follow-up for @aart and others. I did a little research on the reptile heat mats I was talking a while back. The reptile heat mats are said to hold their temperature; however, the company says they do not recommend their use in extremely high or low temperatures. From mine and I am sure other POVs, just not worth the risk. I bought my heating pad!

Now for the questions, I am going to use an MHP for ducklings and goslings and want to do so in a portable run. Do I need to prevent draft from all sides or just the side where the MHP is open for entering and exiting? It isn't a chicken tractor so part of the run has a coop above it to keep things dry. I am removing the ladder because they won't use it anyway. So half the run is covered and hardwire cloth all around. Any concerns I need to consider that I am not seeing? Looks like my goose may indeed being a broody young lady so this will be a raise as opposed to an adoption of the goslings later. First go at this is stressful! Makes me appreciate my broody girls!

As for reading all the posts...I have a long road ahead of me! The information is excellent!!

 

[bruceha2000]

@Farmer Doc - ALL night time sleeping areas should be free of draft regardless of the age of the birds. They should also have access to areas protected from wind during the day, again for all ages. For little ones on the ground you would want to have a wind barrier at least a foot high.

 

[NotAFarm]

@Blooie Kyle is still cancer free. He will have another check next month (that will be 1 1/2 years since his final treatment).

 

[Blooie]

So glad to hear he’s doing well! Ashley just had her 1 year checkup and she’s also still cancer free! The Good Lord blessed them both.

@Farmer Doc, draft free is critical. Um, photos of those babies is also essential! Welcome!