The Old Folks Home

[microchick]

I'm using Momma heating pad for the first time. Mine are doing really well with it except at night. I have them in our bathroom which is wanting for natural light so we have a light rigged over them on a timer. Goes off at 8pm. Last night the chicks were standing outside 'momma' and crying their little eyes out. I had to show them how to get under it for the night.

Not the brightest bulbs on the Christmas Tree but they are danged cute.

 

[microchick]

Mama Heating Pad is a game changer, isn’t it?

So Blooie, how do I get these little nitwits to go under momma when it gets dark?

 

[CSolis]

I have a MHP in with the last batch I hatched, and they are climbing it like Mt Rushmore!

 

[microchick]

So are mine. And sleeping on top of it.

 

[Hermits Garden]

Mama Heating Pad is a game changer, isn’t it?

It is, for sure. But as I've never played the game until now, it's still a little nerve-wracking.

 

[Hermits Garden]

So Blooie, how do I get these little nitwits to go under momma when it gets dark?

Do they use it during the day? I had to teach them where the "warm" was by repeatedly putting them back in after they'd pop out--I had twenty of them, so it was rather like herding cats, but they did figure out it was warm and learned to go under there to warm up.
But the room they were in had big windows and a natural sunset. Maybe you could have the timer go off at seven, but light a candle on the vanity for a simulated "twilight". Then see if they figure out?

 

[Blooie]

So Blooie, how do I get these little nitwits to go under momma when it gets dark?

You push them under and hold your hand in front of it until you hear those sweet little churring sounds of contentment they make as they settle in for the night if that’s what it takes. I’ve never had to do that. Now mind you, if there’s any light, they ain’t gonna stay. Their natural internal time clocks say that light means time to wake up…dark means time to sleep. So any light triggers them to be up and busy.

I have a MHP in with the last batch I hatched, and they are climbing it like Mt Rushmore!

So are mine. And sleeping on top of it.

Perfectly natural. They do this with a broody hen, too. I know we’ve all either seen that or seen pictures or videos of chicks hitching a ride on Mom or peeking out from under a wing when they snuggle beside her.

It is, for sure. But as I've never played the game until now, it's still a little nerve-wracking.

It is, I know. It takes a huge leap of faith to try it for the first time! you’ve got this!

Do they use it during the day? I had to teach them where the "warm" was by repeatedly putting them back in after they'd pop out--I had twenty of them, so it was rather like herding cats, but they did figure out it was warm and learned to go under there to warm up.
But the room they were in had big windows and a natural sunset. Maybe you could have the timer go off at seven, but light a candle on the vanity for a simulated "twilight". Then see if they figure out?

They spend very little time under it during the day. Life is calling them out there into the big world! Once they understand where warmth and security are, they pop under for a quick warm-up or if they get spooked, then they come right back out again!

Since you have a big room with a lot of natural light, you’re in an ideal position to provide them with the natural day/night cycles they are pre-programmed for. A broody hen doesn’t have night lights under her wing. When it starts getting dark, they mosey under or around her to sleep through the night. So I wouldn’t use any artificial light. They’ll figure it out. They always do,

 

[CapricornFarm]

G'Day folks.

I popped in earlier to crow about my new chicks (see what I did there?).

Now I'm going to brag about the nap I just took. You know those naps that you wake up from that leave you so weak you can't even make a fist? Yeah. One of those.

I wish everyone a good nap today if they want one.
Cheers!

We need to see photos of your new chickens! Welcome to the thread!

 

[microchick]

Thanks @Blooie.

I'm going to try adjusting the shut off timer for their light so it goes off while it's still light outside here. Say 7pm tomorrow and see if they go under on their own as the natural light diminishes.

I love seeing broody hatched chicks sitting on mom's back.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Thanks @Blooie.

I'm going to try adjusting the shut off timer for their light so it goes off while it's still light outside here. Say 7pm tomorrow and see if they go under on their own as the natural light diminishes.

I love seeing broody hatched chicks sitting on mom's back.

Yes, so cute when the peek out between feathers!