Question for those of you who use wool hens

[SomeChickinTN]

The chicks are a week old today.... I've been researching other methods than the heat lamp, and I was going to try the heat pad, but I can't seem to find a freaking cooling rack anywhere and my husband doesn't have time this week to cut me a bit of wire, so today I am trying the wool hen.

If the chicks are quiet does that mean they are warm enough? I still had the box they shipped in, so I took off the top and put it on it's side and used the existing holes and added a few more to thread strips of a deconstructed fleece blanket. I put bedding in the bottom, and finally figured out how to get them in it, and now they are quieter than they were with the heat lamp on.

I started during the day so I can keep a close eye on them, and I will add supplemental heat if I need to... Is there anything else to watch out for besides chirping?

 

[Pork Pie]

I have used a very quickly made version. The chicks were quiet which usually indicates contentment / comfort. If you are using the wool hen in your house, then there should be no reason that it would not sufficient, imo.

At a week old, you should seem them coming out to eat and drink. If they are doing this and then going back to the wool hen then all should be well.

 

[Kiki]

Where are the chicks?
Indoors or out?
What is the temperature of the area they are in?

Sounds like they are happy with their current set up.

 

[SomeChickinTN]

Where are the chicks?
Indoors or out?
What is the temperature of the area they are in?

Sounds like they are happy with their current set up.

They are in my laundry room, and my thermostat is set at 73. So far they are still quiet. I took the piece of cardboard off the opening and they didn't run right back out, so that's good.

 

[Kiki]

They are in my laundry room, and my thermostat is set at 73. So far they are still quiet. I took the piece of cardboard off the opening and they didn't run right back out, so that's good.

They should be ok with that temp. I wouldn't stress about adding heat.
Is the box big enough for them to run around and do chicky things?

 

[SomeChickinTN]

They should be ok with that temp. I wouldn't stress about adding heat.
Is the box big enough for them to run around and do chicky things?

I think the box is about a foot by a foot, but it's inside the brooder box....

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Are heating pads safe to use? I'm pretty sure they have teflon insulation.

 

[Kiki]

I think the box is about a foot by a foot, but it's inside the brooder box....

Sorry, I meant the brooder box.
I guess I was thinking they were just in the delivery box only still.

 

[Kiki]

Are heating pads safe to use? I'm pretty sure they have teflon insulation.

Really?
I am talking to Google right now, I have never heard this before.

 

[Pork Pie]

They are in my laundry room, and my thermostat is set at 73. So far they are still quiet. I took the piece of cardboard off the opening and they didn't run right back out, so that's good.

Those temps are the same that my newly hatched chicks used my wool hen, so at a week they will be perfectly fine.
Seeing them accessing food and water and returning to the wool hen is important.