Using radiator for brooding chicks

[Molnut]

Hello All,
I am considering using an oil filled radiator to brood my chicks. It has the convenience of constant temperature and allows for the chicks to have a night/day rhythm.
I feel it is more natural than the red light which has to be on constantly to ensure their well being.
Any input appreciated.
Thanks

 

[wamtazlady]

That could probably work. I can't think of any reason it wouldn't. The only problem I see with it is you'll end up heating a much bigger area then you need to heat. A brooder just needs to have a certain temperature there for the chicks to warm up. I'm going to use the Mama heating pad method when I get my new chicks. If you haven't read about that you should. Basically it's making a frame and attaching a heating pad underneath. You make a cave the chicks can get into when they are cold. They put their backs against the heating pad just as they would the broody hen. People have used this method even outside when it's cold. My chicks are arriving first week of April. It'll still be chilly here in northern Montana. Heck, at the rate the snow is falling sometimes I think we won't see ground until then. Anyway, my chicks will be outside in a screen porch with the Mama's heating pad.

 

[junebuggena]

Chicks don't need a constant temperature. They need a warm zone and a cool zone. That isn't exactly easy to do with a space heater.

 

[lazy gardener]

Hello All,
I am considering using an oil filled radiator to brood my chicks. It has the convenience of constant temperature and allows for the chicks to have a night/day rhythm.
I feel it is more natural than the red light which has to be on constantly to ensure their well being.
Any input appreciated.
Thanks

This would not be a good way to heat them, as stated by JB. Have you checked out brooding with a heating pad? Read this article:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors

And check out the MHP thread.

 

[aart]

Might work if you could lay it on it's side and securely suspend it on something.
BUT I don't think they'll operate on their sides.

Or you could go with a heat plate, commercially made or DIY: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate

 

[Molnut]

Thanks to all.
I will check on the links you forwarded.
What is the "MHP" thread?

FYI, the radiator would be in a 5x5 box with 2 feet tall walls. The difference in temperature zones would be achieved by lifting the sheet in corners to lower the temperature. The rest will be covered while providing for ventilation.

 

[wamtazlady]

MHP stands for Mama Heating Pad.

 

[Molnut]

Thanks!

 

[junebuggena]

The cool should be about 20 degrees cooler than the warm zone.

 

[aart]

How did this work out?
Got any pics?