Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

[Auntiejessi3]

I'm going to attempt to use MHP this year for brooding. I'm getting 6 chicks this weekend. Here's a pic of my brooder (which will be outside under a covered porch).
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My idea is put an old pillow case on the heating pad and to use zip ties to secure it to this stand. The stand is adjustable both ways. I might flip it upside down to make sure it's low enough. The heating bad will secured underneath the stand and kind of hang down the back so the chicks can lean against it but both sides will be open. Then I'll put a towel overtop to make a cave.
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Open to suggestions! Does this sound ok? We're having some crazy weather here so hopefully it's not too cold for this method.
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Very crafty! I like it! They'll be fine, I had chicks outside at the end of February last year and had zero issues.

 

[WingItRanch]

Very crafty! I like it! They'll be fine, I had chicks outside at the end of February last year and had zero issues.

I'm just excited to have found this. I used my guest shower as a brooder last time and while they were cute to watch, I was so ready for them to be out of my house!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I'm just excited to have found this. I used my guest shower as a brooder last time and while they were cute to watch, I was so ready for them to be out of my house!

I completely understand! I usually have them in the house for 1-3 days (depending on the hatch) to make sure everyone is eating, drinking, and pooping and out they go. I describe chicks as disgustingly cute to my family, lol

 

[WingItRanch]

I'm going to attempt to use MHP this year for brooding. I'm getting 6 chicks this weekend. Here's a pic of my brooder (which will be outside under a covered porch).
View attachment 4048513

My idea is put an old pillow case on the heating pad and to use zip ties to secure it to this stand. The stand is adjustable both ways. I might flip it upside down to make sure it's low enough. The heating pad will secured underneath the stand and kind of hang down the back so the chicks can lean against it but both sides will be open. Then I'll put a towel overtop to make a cave.
View attachment 4048514
View attachment 4048515

Open to suggestions! Does this sound ok? We're having some crazy weather here so hopefully it's not too cold for this method.
View attachment 4048516

Just an update.. the MHP is a hit! It's been pretty cold but they're doing just fine! They are super active eating and drinking and when they get chilled, they go back in their cave. The stand is absolutely perfect. The heating pad was pretty disappointing. On the highest setting, it was barely warm so I swapped it out for a heating pad I had in my closet that I knew had a 'stay on' function. It's smaller but has been working well for 8 chicks.

 

[Goth_RAD]

I'm so discouraged, I was doing the MHP in the coop but I only have 5 chicks. But the space I'm using is on the bigger side and I go out to check on them and of course they're crying out cold and almost lifeless because they weren't under it. Now I have them in my place in a tote, not exactly what I wanted but I didn't really see another choice.

 

[fuzzi]

I'm so discouraged, I was doing the MHP in the coop but I only have 5 chicks. But the space I'm using is on the bigger side and I go out to check on them and of course they're crying out cold and almost lifeless because they weren't under it. Now I have them in my place in a tote, not exactly what I wanted but I didn't really see another choice.

They need to be shown the pad until they understand. Mine would cry because they were cold and I would gently push them underneath. And check on them frequently that first day.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I'm so discouraged, I was doing the MHP in the coop but I only have 5 chicks. But the space I'm using is on the bigger side and I go out to check on them and of course they're crying out cold and almost lifeless because they weren't under it. Now I have them in my place in a tote, not exactly what I wanted but I didn't really see another choice.

Maybe you could make a little temporary wall with cardboard to enclose the area a bit and make it smaller for the first week until they get the hang of it.

 

[Goth_RAD]

They need to be shown the pad until they understand. Mine would cry because they were cold and I would gently push them underneath. And check on them frequently that first day.

I have done that. I think after a day or two in the house and them learning the pad is warm and safe, I'll try again. Momma of 3 and 2 are sick so it's hard to keep going to the coop to adjust them.

 

[WingItRanch]

Didn't get above freezing yesterday and last night it dipped to 26° F but the MHP is working great. No heat lamp and brooding outside. I was worried they wouldn't want to leave their cave to get food and water but they're running around playing and eating just fine.

I love this method!

 

[fuzzi]

Didn't get above freezing yesterday and last night it dipped to 26° F but the MHP is working great. No heat lamp and brooding outside. I was worried they wouldn't want to leave their cave to get food and water but they're running around playing and eating just fine.

I love this method!

It's amazing how tough chicks can be.

Mine, March 4, 2023...5 days old and outside in freezing weather. The little blonde chick in the middle is Martha.

Martha now: