Outdoor brooder heat source?

[blackdog043]

I use the mama heat pad, it works great. I made mine with a cooling rack instead of wire, so it's flat like the plate.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...er-picture-heavy-update.956958/#post-14882145

 

[aart]

Here's my version of the 'MHP':
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/

 

[henless]

Here's my MHP. I put my pad on the bottom so the chicks can press up against it like the Premier.

Here's is Blooie's thread about the MHP.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/


eta: I prefer to have some kind of rack to use instead of wire. My chicks always love to sit on top and use it for a launching pad.

 

[harice4806]

The wealth of information you all have provided for me about this is incredible. I can't thank you enough!!! Still thinking of waiting a few weeks for new babies until our overnights aren't quite as cold. But this will also give me time to consider these options as well! Thank you, thank you, thank you all!!!

 

[harice4806]

So chicks have come home!!! A few cool nights coming up so they're gonna be in the house for a week maybe. (Will be posting better pics of my one baby for possible identification help in a few days once they settle!) But my heater seems to be working just fine and they're so quiet I'm a little concerned but they feel warm to me!

 

[blackdog043]

But my heater seems to be working just fine and they're so quiet I'm a little concerned but they feel warm to me!

Those three words mean their happy and content, no need to worry.

 

[losttexan]

I've been using warming plates (Ecoglows) for a few years now, and I'll never go back. Less fire risk, less electricity, chicks can regulate their exposure, more like a broody mom, more natural light cycles - what's to think about? As far as how warm it "feels" - stick your hand under a broody or a laying hen. I bet your hand doesn't feel scorched. Quiet chicks are happy quicks.

 

[harice4806]

They haven't been home long but under the warmer they will peep once in a while but not the constant noise my other hens made as babies under the red bulb. It's like a quiet happy peep. I just checked again and they're fine. It's such a difference from the bulb. I don't think I'll ever go back!!!

 

[harice4806]

So thanks to the weather here in Upstate NY chicks are still inside (only 4 days so far). It's given me time to experience the plate heater. It's been great. Overnight they're so quiet and occasionally can hear them actually cooing. A little noisy during the day as they're now running around their brooder and climbing the heater and roosts. Thank you again everyone for the feedback you provided. I wish I had invested in this sooner!

 

[henless]

Isn't it great? I just went and checked on mine. All are underneath with their heads sticking out just looking around waiting on night to fall. Wish I had my phone for a pic. They were so cute!