Pulled the trigger. Arrival: Next week

[Counting chickens]

I had rigged up the heating pad last night, and let it go all night.
When I put them in, 4 or 5 went under the pad.
The rest were running around drinking, eating, pecking and generally being loud and raising hell. I took my hand and scooted them all up under the pad, and there was silence... just the occasional content chirp...

 

[Counting chickens]

How old do they have to be before my 5 surprises can be identified?
I have ZERO knowledge, so I will be relying on all the crazy people here...

 

[deepbluesea]

They're adorable! Guess I know what I'm putting on my birthday list (if only to give them to myself!)

 

[21hens-incharge]

Post what specific breeds you ordered and then individual pics of the chicks and we can start right away.

Of course 6 weeks will be much easier and more accurate.

 

[aart]

Congrats!!

What is that taped and wired piece of cloth in there?

 

[nminusyplusm]

Happy Birthday and congrats! They are super adorable!

 

[Counting chickens]

Post what specific breeds you ordered and then individual pics of the chicks and we can start right away.

Of course 6 weeks will be much easier and more accurate.

There are 5 that I just picked the "surprise" option... lol

 

[Counting chickens]

Happy Birthday and congrats! They are super adorable!

Thanks!

 

[Counting chickens]

Congrats!!

What is that taped and wired piece of cloth in there?

That is an old t-shirt, clothes hangers and duct tape, combined to make a heating pad tunnel, so they can get in and self regulate on the temps a bit...
If it works as planned

 

[aart]

That is an old t-shirt, clothes hangers and duct tape, combined to make a heating pad tunnel, so they can get in and self regulate on the temps a bit...
If it works as planned

Best to lay heating pad flat and low enough they can get under and put there back against the pad. They could get stuck in a tunnel, unless I'm misunderstanding.

Here's how I did it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/