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

[jrjoplin]

Quick question:
I have used the MHP with great results.
This time around I am ordering close to 70 chicks. Has anyone used this on larger number of chicks and how many of the MHP did you use?
I have a total of 4 (2 xlarge) and 2 smaller ones.
I don't think that will be enough. What are your thoughts?

I just got 70 chicks last Tuesday. My rule is no more than 25 chicks to a 12x24 MHP. I have 3 brooders set up with the chicks spread out evenly between them. I thought about one large brooder with the 3 MHPs but thought that the chicks might try to crowd into one and lead to crushed chicks. It might work but I didn’t want to take the chance.

 

[jrjoplin]

I’ll add that at arrival to 1-2 weeks you could go over 25 but once they’re a little bigger it’s too crowded in my opinion.

It should also be mentioned that my MHPs are “caves” open on the front with smaller openings on the sides. They are open on 3 sides but there are corners in the back that chicks could get pressed into if it gets too crowded.

I think it would be different if you had multiple Brinsea like MHPs that were open on all 4 sides and not placed against a wall.

 

[bobbi-j]

Thinking about @aart comment about lining up multiples and how you wouldn't want to separate the chicks...
I think (dangerous I know) if you lined them up end to end, not side by side, you would want to leave a space between the ends so that no chick would get trapped inside a long tunnel filled with chicks. Maybe leave a gap about the space of 2 or 3 chicks size. This way even the space would have a bit of warmth and could even escape if needed.
Just a thought. Any thoughts?

Last year I had two MHPs in the coop where I brooded my chicks. I did exactly that - put them near each other, with about a 3-4" gap in between so no one would get trapped. It worked well.

 

[aart]

I just revamped the adjustable legs.
Put them end to end, one all ready to go and one with just the frame.
Doubt I'l ever use them both, but might need one in basement brooder for sale chicks and one in coop fr my own.

 

[Cryss]

Yes, a long tunnel could be disastrous.
why I specified flat type(see quote below).
Am not fond of the 'caves',
but when I made mine I was emulating the commercial heat plates with 4 sided access and adjustable legs.

LOLOLOL!!!! I thought you were just talking about the unit, didn't know there was a different model. I haven't seen that one yet I guess.

 

[Nksg75]

I can just imagine a brooder with 4-5 mhp. The chicks will be running from one to another like musical chairs trying to make up their wee minds which one they like the best.

Please post a pic of your setup. I would like to see it.

Yes I will if I choose this route. I would love to use what I have and what has work before, however I need to figure a way to set it up that will work.

 

[Nksg75]

I just revamped the adjustable legs.
Put them end to end, one all ready to go and one with just the frame.
Doubt I'l ever use them both, but might need one in basement brooder for sale chicks and one in coop fr my own.
View attachment 1721579

View attachment 1721580

View attachment 1721582

Thank you for the pics! That helps so much!!

 

[Nksg75]

I just revamped the adjustable legs.
Put them end to end, one all ready to go and one with just the frame.
Doubt I'l ever use them both, but might need one in basement brooder for sale chicks and one in coop fr my own.
View attachment 1721579

View attachment 1721580

View attachment 1721582

What is that metal grid you have pictured?
The holes are a great size, it almost looks like part of a dog kennel door.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What is that metal grid you have pictured?
The holes are a great size, it almost looks like part of a dog kennel door.

I believe that @aart uses a cookie cooling rack, the same style I use for my own heat pad/brooder plate

 

[9876]

That is a great idea! Thank you!