Using heated pad for Brooder

[urbanhatch]

I have successfully used heating pads as brooders instead of heat lamps. Anyone else use them? I put paper towels on the heating pads and change them a few times a day. I do not like using lights. I think that the chicks sleep better as I provide natural daylight with warmth using the pad method.

 

[bluedawg]

hmmm - sounds like a great idea!

 

[urbanhatch]

Well, I am in NYC with limited space. The heating pad is a great brooder, plus saves on Electric bill

 

[redhen]

i have used them on the OUTSIDE of a glass tank for brooding...i lay the pad down..lay a hand towl over that....put the tank on the towel/pad...but i only have the heating pad under ONE siide of the tank..they HAVE to be able to get away from the heat if they are to hot...on the inside of the tank..i line the bottom with paper towels..so, the babies dont get burned..the glass can get VERY hot....but, i have used a heating pad for brooding chicks and many baby parrots also..., Wendy

 

[urbanhatch]

You are so right. You have to be careful about the heat. I leave open space for then to get off the pad. Also I never use high setting, Only medium and then low after a week.

 

[Lobzi]

When I found Chickie I had no idea what to do nor did I know of BYC. As a matter of fact, I thought Chickie was a little bird fallen from its nest.
Anyway, I used a heating pad until I learn some things about temp necessary and the heat lamp method. He did fine though he cried a lot. I made him a little house over the pad with cloth. He used to crawl inside and I think that kept him sorta warm. Poor guy, his mom didnt have a clue what to do for him and he survived in spite of me!

 

[urbanhatch]

Sounds like you did a good job. Good for you.

 

[key west chick]

I have a glass fish tank. On one end I use a heat strip from when I had my snake. It seemed to work great for me.

 

[urbanhatch]

Sounds like it works just fine. Like I said a lot of people use light bulbs, I find then obtrusive. My chicks sleep great without all the lights. BTW - I also sleep better without all the lights LOL

 

[amysue2012]

I like the idea of saving on the electric bill