Homemade Brooder??

[luvmyson]

I just made a homeade brooder for a budgie chick.
I used a container, paper towel to line the very bottom making for quick clean up, cotton balls ripped up and smashed on top of the paper towel & some pine shavings thrown over the cotton...
I then placed a heating pad down, laid the container on top of it, I put a thermometer inside and am Hoping that the temp will reach to 98degrees, if not im going to have to buy a newer heating pad, this one is older but has barely been used....Its gotten to 91, So keeping fingers crossed for 98!
Does this sound ok? Ive also got the lid on it right now, I'm going to put some holes in it for air ventilation...

Once I got my container home it was really smaller then I wanted but. it will do for now. All the running I've done today to try and gather everything up with the traffic was ridiculous, And at that packing my 30lb 10month old around lol..
It all came to $45...So, not to bad.

Can the heat inside the Brooder be like 1-2 degrees below or above 98degrees? or does it have to be exact?...I was wondering about that?..
I guess this is one reason why bought brooders are better for that reason they are probably more accurate but, for my one use there would be no use in me buying one, and I need one tonight..

Thanks!! =)

[MicahEspudo]

Maybe get a desk light shinned on or near it ... it may add a couple degrees.
I don't really know bout his stuff, but I'm just saying... it's worth a shot!

[sweetrsue]

I used a heating pad on a cooling rack then a cardboard box with shavings in it. It had a 3" hole in it (simulated nest box) and it got up to 99 degrees on the lowest setting. I had to ad more shavings because at first it was getting up to almost 110. Baby digested well and is now fully fledged and in his own cage. Still not weened so will not join the aviary 'till then.