Transition from Heat Lamp to MHP

[Rick&Chris]

They all are hanging out on top and won’t go underneath. Think it is enough heat as it gets colder?

 

[aart]

They all are hanging out on top and won’t go underneath. Think it is enough heat as it gets colder?

Heat on top may be enough.
If they start distress cheeping because they are too cold, you may have to put them under then block the exit with your hand hold them there until they feel the heat and settle.....may take several attempts, once one or two 'feel the heat' the rest will likely follow.

Nice setup!!

 

[Rick&Chris]

Thanks!! It’s pretty dreary here, I hope they aren’t too chilly

 

[Rick&Chris]

Last evening after dark I went out into the coop and put them all under the heating pad. I held my hand in front until they are settled and remain there. Checked on them several times before I went to bed, hardly slept LOL

This morning everybody was up and running around! I checked on them a couple of hours later and they were all in the coolest part of the coop. Not a big deal today because it is 75°, but will they figure this out, or am I just a nervous mama?

 

[aart]

Last evening after dark I went out into the coop and put them all under the heating pad. I held my hand in front until they are settled and remain there. Checked on them several times before I went to bed, hardly slept LOL

Good! It's hard not to check.

This morning everybody was up and running around! I checked on them a couple of hours later and they were all in the coolest part of the coop. Not a big deal today because it is 75°, but will they figure this out, or am I just a nervous mama?

Just keep watching, as long as they are not distress cheeping, they will be fine.

 

[Rick&Chris]

I need to close off the nesting boxes to keep them out of them

 

[wyoDreamer]

Yes, close off the nest boxes. You don't want the birds to have access to them until they are about ready to lay. I put young birds in with the older gals so I had to leave the nest boxes open - 3 spaces for 12 birds. Even though they are a year old now, I still have 2 birds that insist on sleeping in the nest box - at least they have learned not to sleep in the favorite one anymore.
The chicks will figure out the MHP. At 2 weeks, most of my first batch was sleeping on top of the heating pad, only a couple still went under it at that age. And they were out in the barn, in October, in Northern Wisconsin. Avg. outdoor temp is 60 degrees this time of year.
I followed @Blooies advice and used that sticky saran wrap (can't think of the name right now) on top of my MHP. they make quite a mess up there and it sure makes it easy to clean up after them.

 

[Rick&Chris]

Yes, close off the nest boxes. You don't want the birds to have access to them until they are about ready to lay. I put young birds in with the older gals so I had to leave the nest boxes open - 3 spaces for 12 birds. Even though they are a year old now, I still have 2 birds that insist on sleeping in the nest box - at least they have learned not to sleep in the favorite one anymore.
The chicks will figure out the MHP. At 2 weeks, most of my first batch was sleeping on top of the heating pad, only a couple still went under it at that age. And they were out in the barn, in October, in Northern Wisconsin. Avg. outdoor temp is 60 degrees this time of year.
I followed @Blooies advice and used that sticky saran wrap (can't think of the name right now) on top of my MHP. they make quite a mess up there and it sure makes it easy to clean up after them.

Thank you! Makes me feel more comfortable!! My husband said I’m over thinking it!

 

[Rick&Chris]

We had a cold front come through, along with the remnants of the hurricane and the inside temp of the coop dropped to 64 degrees. They are all up and running around, eating, drinking and pooping. Temps this weekend are supposed to be in the 50’s for a high (ugh) - do you all think I should put a little heater or the heat lamp in there? The heating pad seems to be lacking and not as warm as it was a few days ago. Last night they were all huddled in a corner, I moved them under the pad and went back to check on them 5 minutes later, they were huddled together in the same corner. See how nervous I am?!?

 

[aart]

Last night they were all huddled in a corner, I moved them under the pad and went back to check on them 5 minutes later, they were huddled together in the same corner.

Did they eventually stay under?
Are their backs able to touch the pad?