I used to think that the pad under the chicks would not work and used to build the forts as well. However over time, I switched to using the pad underneath and noticed no problems. I do not do this until the chicks are at least a week old and partially feathered. And they go outside with a heat source, usually a plate, right away during the daytime. I had some problems with the fort type, using the Sunbeam heating pad, I felt like it was keeping too low a temperature. I remember struggling to get it above 88 degrees underneath during the winter when my house is very cool. They go from the heating pad to the seed germination pad by three weeks, even in the winter. The Sunbeam heating pad also drew more power than halogen lights, so that is a major consideration because I hatch almost continuously and may have several groups in brooders at the same time. It adds up, and the electric company routinely sends me "shaming letters" pointing out that I use more power than my "efficient" neighbors! My husband is an electrical contractor, so it's kind of funny. Anyhow, I don't say this to be contentious, but a heating pad underneath does work for me and I hatch, brood and sell hundreds of chicks per year. Location may matter-we are in the high desert above the Coachella Valley in So Cal at about 4000' elevation. What we think is cold would seem spring-like to many other folks. It is interesting to hear about what works for others.
