Using radiator for brooding chicks

[Molnut]

Didn't get the result I had hoped for. The top opening was too big to maintain the high temperature required. Even with the radiator fully crancked, there wad too much heat loss through the top. I put several layers, even had a foil first aid blanket. I had a shield hanging half way down the radiator too. It was looking sort of like a skirt. I was trying to mimic the mother's wings, the radiator acting like the surrogate mom's body.
Went back to the heat lamps. It was a bad batch with 5 DOAs and more losses afterward. The heat lamp allowed unobstructed viewing too, unlike my set up where the chicks were under the "wings" of the radiator-mom.
Someone with more experience may have better luck. It was my second time brooding chicks.

 

[aart]

Thanks for the update.

 

[Mrs. K]

Try a wooly hen, I was happy with it.

 

[Vampstorso]

Have you considered an electric towel rail? Designed to be on all the time and covered. Could cover the top and make it into one big "mama hen" style warmer. Can get bargain ones on eBay.
If you do a search there's a few photos examples, I'm on my phone and being a bit slack or else Id link.


I think I'll be going this route myself.