Selecting
Good Breeding StockSelecting
Good Breeding Stockby D. Marlena
Not all breeders and dealers are interested in your success or the environment, so where you obtain your birds and how they are cared for will be the main key to profit or failure.
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. 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.
Another resource is your state's Department of Agriculture, found in the state section of your phone book. Phone and ask for their advice in locating reliable help. Birds are usually not termed livestock, however I can assure you that Agriculturists are well aware that buying from unscrupulous dealers is always a threat to the poultry industry and our native wild bird
Whether you choose to start small with canaries, finch, lovebirds, budgies, cockatiels, etc. or begin with conures and larger hookbills, the rule is the same... young, healthy stock.
Birds that have recently been eating fruit, vegetables or greens may have a looser stool, just be careful that this is the reason. Colds, viruses and serious bacteria can begin with these symptoms. Birds that sit quietly, with ruffled feathers for prolonged periods of time may be ill. If you're not experienced, don't take chances. Do your research first for your road to a good profit.
Remember, don't take a chance on previously bred birds if you're a novice, buy young birds and let them mature.
Don't ever buy an expensive parrot if the shop, breeder or private owner will not let you purchase on condition that you may have it checked by your vet. Generally you pay for the bird and take it immediately to your vet. If it checks out healthy, you can call the person you bought it from as a courtesy and inform them of the result. If the vet finds a serious problem take the bird back as soon as you leave the vet's with his/her report.
Make sure when you purchase the seller will give you written permission for this checkup, if they won't allow you this security, I would not buy the bird. Speaking of veterinarians, it is to your advantage to find one nearby who specializes in birds and small animals. Many vet's do not treat birds.
For the inexperienced, my advice would be to start with budgies and/or cockatiels for at least one year. You will gain more knowledge and understanding than you could learn through reading all the books ever written. I have already stated in a previous article that books are a wonderful source of information, but you will find there is many different opinions on most everything, just as different parents are very diverse as to child rearing. Knowledge is always an advantage.
Diet and hygiene are of critical importance just as with your children. A poorly nourished and ill kept child is generally not in good health, the same applies to your pets or breeding birds. Fresh water, clean food and clean cages/pens will make a vast difference in production. You don't need to run around cleaning every dropping, etc., but cleaning the area once daily is not too much to expect.
Birds are rather messy little guys, scattering seeds everywhere. This is not important to health, but birds that are left with soured water and droppings through out their feed dishes is correctable and necessary to avoid.
A good steady net profit can be expected if you plan and act wisely. This is not a business where one should expect to get rich over night, but with strategy you can bring in some bread and butter money after your first year and then with proper structuring you can be on your way to a reasonable income established by your third year. This depends of course upon the number of breeding birds you have set up and research of marketability.
There is always opportunity for good and viable sales, and there are many options that can be adapted to your individual desires or needs. Marketing will be discussed in a future article.
There are many ways to set up your breeding stock. Again this is a difference of opinion and consideration of space. This subject will also be covered in the near future.
I like to emphasize that knowledge of a subject is the wisest investment. If you are reasonably sure this is an avocation or vocation you wish to pursue, you are probably ready to begin your venture. Good animal husbandry is learned and if the desire is there, knowledge will come through pursuit.
Another good source of assistance is bird clubs that are designed for breeders. Look in the yellow pages under birds or check with larger feed stores in your area who can probably advise of local or nearby groups.
Sexing your breeding stock is not easy, but there are ways of cutting your odds for all types of birds, which includes the smallest to the largest. The advisable way of sexing parrots, cockatoos, macaws, etc. is through a surgical procedure that the vet will be able to do. Again there are ways of reducing the odds to your favor. This is an extensive subject that will be briefly discussed later.
Check potential breeders for age, health, deformity or flaws as this is a genetic trait and weakness that can be passed on to offspring. Remember a healthy and well cared for bird is a beauty and enjoyment for all of our feathered friends.
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