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

[galaga6846]

that looks very cute! I would just caution to make sure the heat vents etc aren't blocked if it's an electric heating plate. If it's too covered it could be a hazard I think.

There are vents on the sides, it's just a paper tray.

 

[aart]

that looks very cute! I would just caution to make sure the heat vents etc aren't blocked if it's an electric heating plate. If it's too covered it could be a hazard I think.

Uhm, but you don't actually know @littlecoopnextdoor ?
Have you made one of these heating pad brooders?

This is about 2" from the pad to the table. If I need to, I can set shims underneath to raise it up.

Good to have it set at an slight angle, higher in the front and lower in the back.
Get your shims ready to go.
@galaga6846 what kind of heating pad(link or pic) did you use and how is it attached to the tray?

 

[Blooie]

View attachment 2997351I think I got it! This is about 2" from the pad to the table. If I need to, I can set shims underneath to raise it up. I know it's goofy with the colors, but my daughter is going to love it. And I think the chicks will appreciate the feathers. I will put something on top to protect it from poop and whatever other grossness may accumulate, but I'm not sure what yet. I'm thinking I may carve out a piece of plastic from the lid of the brooder bin, and make slots that fit the raised parts of the paper tray that are supposed to keep another tray on top in place.

I know you worked hard on your setup, but I do have some concerns. Plastic worries me a bit. I know you said you bungied the pad to the underside, but plastic doesn’t leave much for air circulation over and under the pad. My other worry is the feathers. Yeah, they’re cute, but the chicks really don’t care about fru-fru. In fact, they’re very inventive about finding ways to end their little lives, and dangling feathers are a good way for them to do that. They can easily get entangled in them. Your covering should be anchored down somehow. They’ll crawl up under it, be unable to find their way out, and overheat very quickly. That can be fatal, too.

You’re on the right track, but I think your setup needs some fine tuning. Your temp should be fine….but watch them. They’ll tell you if they’re too hot or too cold. I just think you need to be more concerned with safety that cutsie. I’m sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but my first concern is always for the chicks.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

@aart I said "I think" because with many electronics, they get warm in the wrong places if they're covered up. Was just tryin to help. I don't know for certain, that I know.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

There are vents on the sides, it's just a paper tray.

thanks for showing that!

 

[galaga6846]

I know you worked hard on your setup, but I do have some concerns. Plastic worries me a bit. I know you said you bungied the pad to the underside, but plastic doesn’t leave much for air circulation over and under the pad. My other worry is the feathers. Yeah, they’re cute, but the chicks really don’t care about fru-fru. In fact, they’re very inventive about finding ways to end their little lives, and dangling feathers are a good way for them to do that. They can easily get entangled in them. Your covering should be anchored down somehow. They’ll crawl up under it, be unable to find their way out, and overheat very quickly. That can be fatal, too.

You’re on the right track, but I think your setup needs some fine tuning. Your temp should be fine….but watch them. They’ll tell you if they’re too hot or too cold. I just think you need to be more concerned with safety that cutsie. I’m sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but my first concern is always for the chicks.

I have nixed the feathers and put a soft, stretchy cover over top of them. Now, they'll be used for insulation.

 

[bruceha2000]

Insulation??

I've been successful with a very basic setup. Pad under a wire frame, entire thing encased in an old pillow case, Gorilla tape holding it all tight. Paper towels changed a few times a day on the floor of a large cardboard box. Old dish towel on top since the chicks will be up there within a day. They'll be on the feeder and waterer as well

 

[aart]

I've been successful with a very basic setup.

Mines even simpler, pad bungied to bottom of rack, changeable cardboard top.
Well, I guess the adjustable legs aren't simple.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/

 

[Blooie]

I love you both!!

 

[galaga6846]

Uhm, but you don't actually know @littlecoopnextdoor ?
Have you made one of these heating pad brooders?


Good to have it set at an slight angle, higher in the front and lower in the back.
Get your shims ready to go.
@galaga6846 what kind of heating pad(link or pic) did you use and how is it attached to?