Raising chicks in shed - need heat source

[fuzzi]

I agree, Blooie's heating pad cave is a great method, including outdoors in cold weather. How well do you think the OP's 25 chicks would do in that set-up? The 25 chicks is why I didn't mention it. I'm not talking about the dog crate, OP will use a shed which should be a lot bigger. The question is how many chicks can the heating pad cave handle, especially in a few weeks. after they grow.

Maybe have a second MHP?

Mine is 12" x 24", closer to 20" across top because I draped the heating pad down the sides.

 

[sybonbon]

Maybe I could wrap the crate in cardboard (except for the top) and hang a heat lamp directly over the cage, that way the heat will go in more directly?
Also, I saw this. Maybe the heating pad huddle idea + heat light would do the trick?
Thanks

I use a crate and wrap the sides with light on zip tied on top. They are in my basement. With the ambient temperature of 64 in the room, the brooder stays at 85 degrees. My 8 chick's are happy with that temp.

 

[rosemarythyme]

For 25 chicks a heat lamp would be your best option. I don't favor heat lamps but it's difficult keeping larger number of chicks warm while avoiding them piling up and accidentally crushing each other. Make sure to secure it very well like Ridgerunner noted!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have brooded chicks outside in a box inside a wire dog kennel in February with a heating lamp. So I think a heating lamp is fine if properly secured. Make sure you have a back up bulb just in case.