Heat mat or heat lamp?

[xxemmaxx]

Should hopefully have some cockatiel babies to hand rear in the coming months(pulled at around 2 weeks) and i’m wondering if a heat lamp or heat mat would be better for the brooder. Any brand/ product recommendations would be much appreciated!!

 

[Xoetix]

Mat, I believe - lights are harder to control the heat on for reptiles, I would assume the same is for birds?

@BrianB breeds, but not cockatiels I don't think. @Zara have you had love bird babies?

 

[Zara]

A heat mat is usually safer than a lamp. And have it under half of the brooder.
Line it nice and deep (4-5 inches) with aspen shavings and have a digital hygrometer and thermometer inside.
edit; to increase humidity use wet paper towel or sponge on a plate in a corner away from the chicks, never leave open sources of water in the brooder.

 

[Xoetix]

A heat mat is usually safer than a lamp. And have it under half of the brooder.
Line it nice and deep (4-5 inches) with aspen shavings and have a digital hygrometer and thermometer inside.
edit; to increase humidity use wet paper towel or sponge on a plate in a corner away from the chicks, never leave open sources of water in the brooder.

Just for my own curiosity, would using something like sphagnum moss work as far as increasing humidity? You soak it, squeeze some of the excess water out, and it lasts quite a while as far as holdi the moisture.

 

[xxemmaxx]

Thanks guys!

 

[xxemmaxx]

A heat mat is usually safer than a lamp. And have it under half of the brooder.
Line it nice and deep (4-5 inches) with aspen shavings and have a digital hygrometer and thermometer inside.
edit; to increase humidity use wet paper towel or sponge on a plate in a corner away from the chicks, never leave open sources of water in the brooder.

Would have to be a glass tank i take it, as plastic may melt?

 

[Xoetix]

Would have to be a glass tank i take it, as plastic may melt?

No, a heat match shouldn’t get hot enough to melt the plastic. A plastic tub should be perfectly fine. Just make sure that you put the mat on a thermostat.