Near Tragedy

[Yvonne G]

When I got my first pig blanket, many years ago, I didn't buy the controller and just plugged the pad into the socket. It got way too hot. So now all of mine are on a controller.

Tom: Please keep us updated when you hear from Mr. Kane.

 

[exoticsdr]

When I got my first pig blanket, many years ago, I didn't buy the controller and just plugged the pad into the socket. It got way too hot. So now all of mine are on a controller.

Tom: Please keep us updated when you hear from Mr. Kane.

I was going to put it on a control circuit, but I monitored it closely for about 2 weeks before installing it and it kept an even 90 degrees for all that time, so figured it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[Tom]

This incident has all heat mat users a little uneasy. Understandably so. I've just gotten off the phone with Kraig Kane, the owner of the company. He's a very good guy and like us he's curious and concerned how this could have happened with his product. They manufacture and test their products very strenuously and have random, unannounced safety inspections by CSA. Its a group similar to UL, but even more stringent.

Anyhow, the new design eliminates this as a possibility and all old mats can be sent in for retrofitting, if people wish. As far as this unit; he'd love to have it sent in for inspection and testing. I'll forward the info to Dr. Westin. I hope we can all continue this conversation as we learn new things.

 

[DoctorCosmonaut]

Gotta love the connections that people have!

 

[exoticsdr]

Talked to Kraig Kane just now...what a stand-up guy, very helpful and I could tell he was honestly concerned about my situation and not just his product's reputation. Will keep you all posted.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

I have been using an Osborn mat just for my one big tortoise. But I don't use it without a rheostat. Bob poops and pees on it but can't drag hay over to it. It's about 8 to 10 years old and Bob uses it daily. As cold as it gets here I can't imagine not having a mat here. I want to figure out how to install a remote sensor as his shed is about 20 yards away from the house and he shares it with Queenie. It puts out 90 degrees 24/7, and Bob uses it several times during the day. In fact he spends more time on his pig blanket then he does under his MVB. He used to bask all the time, now he snoozes on the mat, I don't know why. But I really want a remote sensor for the fear of fire or because Queenie is in there and if her lights went out it would be too cold fro her but Bob is big enough to handle the cold...
Thanks for letting us know that Doctor

 

[Tom]

Gotta love the connections that people have!

Funny, I never thought of it that way. I've just used a lot of Mr Kane's products over the years in a lot of unconventional ways and have frequently called him to ask his opinion. In fact, he's helping me with one of this springs upcoming sulcata hatchling experiments right now. He's just always been a great guy and very helpful. Plus I've never had any trouble with any of the products either. I'm sure that if I ever did, the customer service would be great.

I'm very glad to hear that Dr. Westin had a good experience too, although I'm not at all surprised.

 

[Edna]

These mats are used in farrowing operations, so was surprised that a small amount of hay and some tortoise turds could cause such a problem. Could have been a hard lesson learned.

Information I wish I didn't have: These mats are used in farrowing operations, as you stated. They are used in confinement farrowing settings, and there is no hay ever present. The mats are hosed off several times each day to remove waste.

 

[exoticsdr]

These mats are used in farrowing operations, so was surprised that a small amount of hay and some tortoise turds could cause such a problem. Could have been a hard lesson learned.

Information I wish I didn't have: These mats are used in farrowing operations, as you stated. They are used in confinement farrowing settings, and there is no hay ever present. The mats are hosed off several times each day to remove waste.

Just so I'm not reading anything into your post and can respond appropriately, exactly what is your point?

 

[Edna]

These mats are used in farrowing operations, so was surprised that a small amount of hay and some tortoise turds could cause such a problem. Could have been a hard lesson learned.

Information I wish I didn't have: These mats are used in farrowing operations, as you stated. They are used in confinement farrowing settings, and there is no hay ever present. The mats are hosed off several times each day to remove waste.

Your photo shows a (toasted) crust of hay and manure that would have been an insulating layer over the mat. My point was that in confinement farrowing settings no such insulating layer is present, or is not present for long. And I seriously wish I had never worked in a confinement farrowing setting.

 

[exoticsdr]

Your point is taken. My point was..thes mats are designed for extreme conditions and I have personally witnessed longterm usage of these mats in conditions in which they are totally covered with mud, feces and whatever for long periods of time without a problem. As you can see from the photo (the mat is 12" x 48"), so we are dealing with an area the size of a small cantaloupe that was covered with about 3" of feces and loose hay. True that most farrowing units are more or less forced to keep things as clean as possible, but that is not because of fear of equipment failure, but rather due to the fact that baby pigs get sick very easily and diseases spread readily in feces thus effecting the operations bottom line. I clean out the tort/roo house weekly, just so there isn't a buildup of feces and hay on the heat mat. I was just confused by the "Information I wish I didn't have" statement, it frankly sounded a little accusatory and I just wanted to clear it up.