I incubated eggs and used a heating pad cave from day 1. It's summer here so initially I set it on 5 (out of 6) and now in the 3rd week I'm down to 3 and weaning them off heat. They are feathering quickly and usually sleep on top of it or out on their shavings. Use strong wire so it doesn't collapse under their weight as they grow. I started with it low to the ground and have now adjusted it to be taller. We are very happy with this method. The heat lamp was just too hot and the 24/hr light was very unnatural.
