Advice for Prospective Parrot Breeders
Parrot breeders fall into several different categories. Commercial breeders produce and sell birds for profit while others breed birds for educational purposes. Another category of breeders are the hobbyist breeders who raise birds for the love of it and sometimes for profit. Conservationists breed parrots to preserve the species. These groups introduce captive-bred birds into the wild to preserve their numbers.
All parrot breeders have good reasons for breeding these birds. By doing so (whether consciously or not) they contribute to sustaining the parrot population. Many parrot species are nearing extinction due to habitat destruction. By breeding new birds; future generations will be protected and we will be able to enjoy parrots for many years to come.
If you have an urge to contribute to the conservation of parrots by breeding your own birds, stop and think for a moment. Breeding parrots isn't as easy as many people think and requires plenty of dedication, experience, and patience. Potential parrot breeders should also realize that breeding birds isn't cheap.
Parrot breeders need to know how to react to parrot illnesses or disease and know how they should be treated. Access to a good bird veterinarian is essential as not all vets are experienced or knowledgeable in the care of birds. You will also need to be able to deal with the death of your birds as this is sometimes a part of breeding with any animals (and in particular birds).
If you are determined to become a parrot breeder we strongly recommend obtaining advice and guidance from experienced parrot breeders in your local area. These breeders should be individuals who breed successfully with the same species of bird you want to breed with.
Experienced parrot breeders will be able to give you valuable insight into how much money you will need to get started, what equipment you will need to buy and how you should choose your breeding pairs. They will also be able to pinpoint areas where you are lacking in specialist knowledge and or equipment and staff.
If at all possible, we recommend that prospective parrot breeders go and work at a parrot breeding establishment. This will achieve two things. First and foremost you will be able to determine if you enjoy working with birds and caring for them from birth to adulthood. Secondly it will teach you the tricks of the trade and give you the critical experience you will need to make a success of your business or hobby.
There is much to be learned and each species is different. For example did you know that baby chicks need to be kept at a constant temperature of about 85° degrees Fahrenheit? Baby parrots are not able to keep their own bodies warm so you need to constantly monitor them and keep them warm in a brooding zone. Parrot breeders must be experts in the care of baby birds or they are likely to lose them.
Parrot breeding can be an interesting hobby, but make sure you are experienced and responsible enough to handle it. A great place to get advice and help is your local parrot club or organization. These groups contain great avenues for information and you will be able to make contact with parrot breeders who are willing to teach newbies. There is nothing better than receiving good advice from those who have successfully bred healthy parrots.
