munchkin Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Hi everyone With the fear of sounding daft, I have bought an animal snugglepad. It's a pad that is heated in the microwave and claims to hold it's warmth for up to 12hours. It's like an animal hot water bottle. I have put it in the litter tray for the chicks to keep warm tonight. My husband thinks it's a daft idea and that i might not be doing the chickens any favours as they should get used to the cold. What does everyone think Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 I think it's a fab idea! I'm a bit worried about our last hatchings, the chicks are now 6 weeks old which is how old the last lot were when Mum got fed up and came away. Although she's showing no signs as yet I am a bit worried how they'll manage when she does as the little silver laced wyandotte is very small compared to the others. But now, problem solved!! I don't think it's really necessary with adults, I shut the door when it gets really cold like now, supposed to be -1 tonight but I think they would be alright really - my two boys still refuse to sleep inside and I hate thinking of them outside but that's where they are Mrs B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Chickens have natural duvets so at the risk of getting flamed I do think it's a bad idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronmusgrove123 Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 wow its £20 i think its good for when chicks first go out ust to aclimitise them but why not just a hot water bottle ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 Hi The snugglepad claims to keep it's warmth for 12 hrs whereas a hot water bottle loses heat quickly. I was also worried about hot water within the bottle bursting and possibly squalding the chicks. Still unsure if i've done the right thing though It's useful to get your responses Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daj198 Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Sounds great! Especially for those of us getting ex-batts in the winter. I'm sure they'd appreciate something to keep them warm at night while they grow back their feathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Aw nice and warm. Dont think you'll want to put it in the microwave after its been in the litter tray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 got to be honest - unless you've got chicks, I mean baby chickens, or hens who aren't fully feathered, then I think it's unnecessary. They cope very well with cold, and if you stick your hand in the Eglu/Cube at night it's quite warm. In the wild they'd be roosting in trees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 I wouldn't bother. They are wearing duvets and the Eglu is very warm inside. So long as they have plenty of food inside them as they go to bed, they should be fine. I must admit I wouldn't fancy putting it in the microwave after it has spent a night in the poo tray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock N Rose Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 I was a bit worried tonight with the cold weather, but when u think about it there are loads of birds in the trees without protection and only have their feathers to keep warm and they get on ok, so I guess our chickens are living in 4 star cosy accommodation really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 I bought one as a standby for poorly pets and tested it myself when I was feeling under the weather. It does stay warm for much longer than a conventional hottie and is safe too. I bought mine for £16 (free delivery too) from VetUK its a good online store for lots of stuff you can't easily get locally and they don't request prescriptions either as I recall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggalp Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 can you put these in the oven to heat up? i dont have a microwave! i dont want to put one in the poo tray, but i thought i could put one under the glug to stop it freezing whilst i'm at work all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 can you put these in the oven to heat up? i dont have a microwave! I wouldn't have thought so! Have a dekko at the website. **Here**. There are contact details so maybe you could email and ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 I use mine under the water container. I have a water dispenser which freezes up overnight but that's OK because I give them fresh water in the morning. Chooks prefer a bowl out in the garden .... so do the wild birds .... This often freezes during the day if we have a cold snap so I put the snuggle pad underneath it. It's fun to watch the garden birds bath in it even when it's snowed. Have a picture somewhere ... will look for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 DA - what a great idea to put it underneath a bird bath or dish- might have to try that one myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 Hi everyone With the fear of sounding daft, I have bought an animal snugglepad. It's a pad that is heated in the microwave and claims to hold it's warmth for up to 12hours. It's like an animal hot water bottle. I have put it in the litter tray for the chicks to keep warm tonight. My husband thinks it's a daft idea and that i might not be doing the chickens any favours as they should get used to the cold. What does everyone think Thanks in advance I thinks it's great we read about these and my dad is picking one up tonight! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 we bought a pair of really cheap hot water bottles from superdrug (complete with spotty fleece covers!), we put them under the roosting bars last night as it was very cold here and 2 of my lot are moulting (Ella's practically bald on her neck! ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandychick Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 can you put these in the oven to heat up? i dont have a microwave! i dont want to put one in the poo tray, but i thought i could put one under the glug to stop it freezing whilst i'm at work all day. Was just thinking the same........but I don't have a microwave either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKH Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 i bought a hot water bottle yesterday too ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
