Having a crazy breeding thought...

[Mayden]

I kinda want to start breeding parrots, but I'd be a complete newbie to it, and wouldn't even know where to begin!

I mean, I have a pretty good idea of what I'd need to do but there's just so much to be done! I also wouldn't know what birds to breed, I'd hate the idea of purchasing two birds just for the sake of breeding, but if I didn't then they potentially wouldn't mate, which makes them not just my breeding birds, but pet birds, which my other half doesn't really want right now.

Anyway! It's a LONG way off idea, but... what birds would YOU want to breed, and have you bred birds before?

I have budgie's and considering trying to pair some up if I get some breeding cages (and all the other fancy aparatus!) but hmm...

 

[MissyMe83]

I considered it when I had cockatiels but always came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be in the best interest of my birds or the potential babies. I mean I know I would fall in love with them and hate to give or sell them to someone that I don't know would properly care for them. I didn't even have any friends that particularly liked birds. I played around with the idea from time to time, but always came back to the same conclusion...The thought of cute little babies is an obvious draw, but who would hand feed while I worked all day? Would my extremely tame parents and pets then become less interested in me? If I let them feed and don't hand feed would I end up with untamed babies? Was too many what if's for me, and baby chicks quickly turn into adults....

Just my view... : )

 

[Rio Mom]

Myself, I wouldn't want to breed birds. However, if there were a rescue anywhere near me, I would love to volunteer at one! Too bad I live in the middle of nowhere, PA and I'm not near anything.

 

[IcyWolf]

I can tell you as a person that is just starting out with breeding, it is VERY expensive and time consuming, but it's so rewarding when you see those eggs. I think it's something you have to be committed to 100% for it to work because it can be very discouraging before you get any good results. I can also say that take whatever you plan on spending, and multiply it by about 3 lol. At least that's how it's happened so far with us. Luckily I have a very supportive spouse that also likes birds, because I could easily see how this venture could cause confrontation between us as well if that weren't the case. If it is something you REALLY want to do, I say go for it, but if you are unsure at all about your commitment to it, I would say hold off because if you hit the inevitable kinks along the way and get discouraged to the point that you want to give up, it will be not only your wallet, but the birds that will suffer.
Getting in contact with some local breeders is a good place to start, talk to them and get to know your local bird scene, use their knowledge to your advantage. You will get some good opinions and good connections as well and I wouldn't be surprised if you find someone willing to teach you how to handfeed and that can hook you up with a few pairs to get you started.

 

[lene1949]

I'm retiring in a couple of years, and need a hobby, and I've decided on breeding parrots on a very small scale.... I'm also hoping to do some volunteer work at an animal centre nearby...

 

[Mrs.Betty]

Well I personally think that you should give it a go on a small scale. You could just start with one breeding pair of budgies. I find breeding takes allot of patience. And if you need or want to hand raise then you have to obviously be available to be with your chicks allot. I know others have mentioned the cost involved and yes there definitely is some cost however other then the initial purchase of the breeding pair, aviary/cage and breeding box. I find I usually make enough money from selling the chicks to pay for the maintenance of the original breeding pair. ( let me be clear They do not make me money, they simply pay for seed ,calcium, handrearing mix ect. Not profitable hobby)

Hand raising takes allot of time and you will need to learn some skills too. But I really love breeding my birds and hope you will enjoy it too.

{currently breeding Eastern King parrots and weeros, in the past have bread budgies and conures too.)

Mrs.Betty

 

[Mayden]

Hm, I forgot to mention that I'm unable to work, so I'm home all day every day, so feeding the chicks are regular intervals wouldn't really be an issue, it's all be cost+setup+ wether I could cope with finding them new homes. I'd never want to be a big scale breeder, just one breeding pair or something ^^

Obviously this would be one of those things where I certainly wouldn't rush into it, and my partner has to agree to it. We'd deffo wait until we've moved house. Bruce and Lucie have been very friendly lately though... hmm!

Thanks for the input guys, I know it's possibly just a passing phase, but I've just seen so many videos of chicks hatching and the way momma+daddy birds behave so well looking after them, I'd like my own! haha