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

[bobbi-j]

Ok I see. I think mine may be a little too high. They can come in contact with the back but not the front. And of course they mostly lay in the back. I’ll try and fix that and see if that helps.

It will. I had a hard time grasping the idea of the MHP when I first used it this past April. I had used a heat lamp for over 30 years, and just couldn't quite get comfortable with the change. I had the lamp all ready to go, just in case. I was very pleased with how the chicks took to the MHP. I also think this was the healthiest batch of chicks I've ever raised.

 

[bruceha2000]

Yes after I posted I saw all the recent posts. Very good info. Thank you for the temp gauge. Mine do seem to be mostly staying in so I’m not sure what to do. But they are quiet and come out a little to eat and drink.... I’m thinking of putting a heating pad underneath the box they are in.... what do you think?

How old are they and what setting is the pad on? Also what is the general temperature of the space they are in? Even at a few days old they would ordinarily spend a fair amount of time out of the cave if the pad is warm and as @bobbi-j said, they can get their backs up against it. It really does work much like a mother hen. The chicks come out and eat, drink, play and go back under when they start to get cold. When they warm back up they come out again. The big difference is that the hen can follow them around so they can explore their environment and still be near their heat source.

 

[Presnell5]

It will. I had a hard time grasping the idea of the MHP when I first used it this past April. I had used a heat lamp for over 30 years, and just couldn't quite get comfortable with the change. I had the lamp all ready to go, just in case. I was very pleased with how the chicks took to the MHP. I also think this was the healthiest batch of chicks I've ever raised.

I mean I really

How old are they and what setting is the pad on? Also what is the general temperature of the space they are in? Even at a few days old they would ordinarily spend a fair amount of time out of the cave if the pad is warm and as @bobbi-j said, they can get their backs up against it. It really does work much like a mother hen. The chicks come out and eat, drink, play and go back under when they start to get cold. When they warm back up they come out again. The big difference is that the hen can follow them around so they can explore their environment and still be near their heat source.

they were hatched 10-3. I have the heating pad on high. I’ve noticed today they are out much more and sitting on top of it. So maybe it was just that they were in a new space. They are happily playing and chirping softly now. And last night everyone was quiet all night. So I think it’s working!

 

[bruceha2000]

Yep!!
Raise it a bit as they grow (which is a lot faster than I knew when I got my first ones) and turn it down if they stop going into it. They will spend less and less time in their cave as they get older, may just sleep in it at night after a couple of weeks. By 4 weeks they should be pretty well fully feathered and not need any supplemental heat whether they are indoors or out.

 

[Presnell5]

Yep!!
Raise it a bit as they grow (which is a lot faster than I knew when I got my first ones) and turn it down if they stop going into it. They will spend less and less time in their cave as they get older, may just sleep in it at night after a couple of weeks. By 4 weeks they should be pretty well fully feathered and not need any supplemental heat whether they are indoors or out.

Thanks so much for your help and info!

 

[Ms Chicory]

I am going to try the mama hen heating method to use in my brooder. I found the exact sunbeam heating pad I needed that you can choose a setting that does not shut off, it was at my local Walmart. I will make several slip covers that can be washed when needed. I am very excited to try this method.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I am very excited to try this method.

Let us know how it goes! I don't think you will be disappointed!

 

[Presnell5]

I am going to try the mama hen heating method to use in my brooder. I found the exact sunbeam heating pad I needed that you can choose a setting that does not shut off, it was at my local Walmart. I will make several slip covers that can be washed when needed. I am very excited to try this method.

I’m doing it now and I love it. It was stressful at first but worth it. The chicks are much more content. And someone told me on here be prepared to raise it soon. I already had to raise the front of mine after two weeks!

 

[bruceha2000]

I’m doing it now and I love it. It was stressful at first but worth it. The chicks are much more content. And someone told me on here be prepared to raise it soon. I already had to raise the front of mine after two weeks!

Raise the back too! Since they are now 2 weeks, you'll probably need to raise it once more. By the time they are tall enough that it would be raised again they will be old enough to not need it.

I am going to try the mama hen heating method to use in my brooder. I found the exact sunbeam heating pad I needed that you can choose a setting that does not shut off, it was at my local Walmart. I will make several slip covers that can be washed when needed. I am very excited to try this method.

I have one cover over the entire pad/frame enclosure. I put a ratty old dish towel on the top. If it needs to be cleaned, there is no need to mess with the frame and pad "package" just put a different ratty old dishtowel on it.

You will like this method. Happy chicks, quiet at night. No hot spots, no checking the thermometer to make sure the temperature is right. And, of course, there is no "right" 24x7 temperature anyway.

 

[Ms Chicory]

I got my set of three chicks today, so far they really like it, they are staying under cover most of the time and are very quiet..although the temps are not 95, closer to 90. I make sure to get them out and show them the food and water, they eat a little and go back under the heating pad.