Breeding
Birds -- A Profitable HobbyBreeding
Birds -- A Profitable Hobbyby D. Marlena
Should you desire to breed on a small scale or specialize in a certain field, locating bird clubs in your area can be very rewarding. If you would like to specialize in show birds of any type, you can almost always find a local group willing to share experience and help to their members. There are local, county, state and national clubs, so there is no limit of groups to which you can be a part.
Your local library can furnish numerous reference books of choice and many libraries are now computerized enabling you to do extensive research.
Your local feed store is also a good source of supplies as a rule. They can usually provide you with a variety of breeding cages and/or the name of someone who makes wire cages. Often you can have cages built to your specifications.
There are all types of birds that can be raised for the pet industry and an introduction to this market will be introduced about the middle of February in this location. I will be covering subjects such as costs, housing/caging and where to sell.
Research of your area is essential if you wish to sell from your home or to local pet shops. Don't select a breed of birds that has the market flooded. Choose popular types that are not readily available and have a reputation for making nice pets. Dove, quail, zebra finch are nice additions to outdoor aviaries but they produce little if any profit Exotic finch is not recommended for beginners as most are delicate and require special environments. Most are relatively expensive and are a specialty for the experienced.
Whether you cage or aviary breed, study and research will be your most helpful investment and save you many disappointments. Visiting public aviaries and zoos are not only enjoyable, it will provide you with valuable information regarding caging and atmosphere.
Locating a veterinarian that specializes in birds will be an asset and save many dollars in the long run. Money invested can be wasted if disease strikes and no one knowledgeable is there to help. Find a good book on bird disease before you begin investing in a large amount of birds. Birds are a delight and can provide a good profit if undertaken wisely.
It doesn't matter what you raise or what you call it if you plan to make money you need to do a business plan. A business plan will help insure your success and possibly identify other options you could incorporate into your operation. If you decide at a later date you want to expand your operation you will definitely need one to give to your lender if you're planning to finance any part of your operation. If you need help doing a business plan Click on Business Plan to go directly to the 'How to Put Together a Business Plan' located on AgriHelp. It takes you step by step through the entire process.
In addition to all the resources given earlier in this article there is one more place to look for information. Look in the county section of your phone book for the number, of your local farm advisor, of the University of (your state) Cooperative Extension. If you can't find this listing, in the same section, look for the number of the Agricultural Commissioner as they will be able to give you the number.
The service of the farm advisor is free and he/she should be able to help you with the information you need or refer you to someone at the university who can. Since you have or are planning to build an agriculture type operation these contacts will be very valuable to you. It is also possible they could suggest other niche markets, in your area, that you could successfully add to your operation.
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