September Hatch-a-long!

[aliciaplus3]

That's an interesting insight. Probably because they're out in the "weather" when not under the hp vs the light heating the whole area but warmest right under it.

Yes I believe that's the case. It is supposed to mimic mama hen so they get under it and warm up and then venture out to eat or play and get back under to warm up as needed. Last year I hatched most of the winter one thing about it when the babies have to stay in the house longer I tend to give more time between hatches. I think my incubator was off a total of 2.5 months over the last year and no that was not at the same time.

 

[slordaz]

Aliciaplus3 my son says no giving me ideas lol I'm already obsessed with hatching chicks , might be a good thing, 4 are starting molt and 3 decided to brood, but they have a home to go to already as some of the members of the local blessings page I run are willing and able to keep em to share more eggs with community members in need. and I don't do
shipped eggs.

 

[BlueBaby]

I set 12 more eggs in my incubator again.

 

[igorsMistress]

I set 12 more eggs in my incubator again.

 

[L1sa]

I set 12 more eggs in my incubator again.

Hahahaha, addicted?? Much??

 

[igorsMistress]

Hey all, I made the MHP for the quail brooder today. I think I'm going to add a few more bungee cords but then we're ready for hatch day. We have about a week to go. How is everyone else coming along?

 

[anvia]

I set 12 more eggs in my incubator again.

What are you hatching next?

 

[igorsMistress]

What are you hatching next?

More naked necks. She's incorrigible!

 

[anvia]

View attachment 1529703

Hey all, I made the MHP for the quail brooder today. I think I'm going to add a few more bungee cords but then we're ready for hatch day. We have about a week to go. How is everyone else coming along?

We go into lockdown tomorrow...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Is anyone using a heating pad in their brooder? I'm going to make an MHP this week, hate the lights!

I use the premier 1 heat plates. I originally used infrared heat lamps but didn't like the idea that they didn't allow a dark period, they are too hot for small spaces and they break.
I then went to ceramic heat emitters of various wattages which are a bit more efficient, aren't as fragile and allow for hemeral lighting (daily light and dark periods).
The Premier heat plates were recommended by a couple people but I fought the temptation because of the initial cost. However when I calculated the energy savings over a heat lamp, it was a no-brainer. In just over one brooding of chicks, the heat plate pays for itself in energy savings.
I have a small and an extra small. They are 22 watts and 15 watts respectively and will brood 20 or 15 chicks. If I have a lot of chicks, I will use my homemade Ohio brooders and ceramic heat emitters.