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Becoming a Bird Breeder

© Mary Wilson

For those of us in the hobby of keeping birds, one bird soon isn't enough. We find a species, or two, of birds that we like, then soon decide that we must creat baby ones. For those of you wishing to follow your dreams of becoming a bird breeder, this article will offer some hints.

A word of caution, however, about becoming a bird breeder. If you're looking for an easy job, one that is all joy and no work, then breeding birds, truthfully any animal enterprise, is not for you. Breedings birds full time is a hard job that has its own share of sorrows. But, if you're looking for a rewarding hobby turned career, then bird breeding might be for you.

So, if breeding birds is your dream, then read onward.

1. Breed birds for the love of it, not for money.

If you look in the back of any bird magazine, you might see adds that state something like "Make $40,000 a year breeding parakeets." Don't be drawn into such schemes. The successful bird breeder breeds birds for the love of the creatures and the joy they bring, instead of the dollars. In fact, most bird breeders make little money from their hobbies.

2. Find a species you like and stick with it.

When I started breeding birds, I began by attempting to breed parakeets, then moved into finches when my husband complained about the parakeet noise. Once Matt had a day job, instead of sleeping during the day, I purchased a pair of parrotlets. Then, we moved into this house, and I've breed parrotlets, lovebirds, and now canaries and finches. I've offered my story as an example of what not to do. I'm back to breeding finches, with my one pair of parrotlets, and I'm happy, but it took a long time to get there.

3. Remember that your birds are a 24/7 job.

Birds do not understand such things as illnesses, vacations, or simple exhaustion. They must be cared for each day. Fresh food and water needs to be provided, and the birds need attention. For untame birds, such as breeders, the attention may come in the form of observation to ensure that the birds are well. If the birds are tame, then you will need to interact with the birds outside of their cages. If you're sick, or on vacation, you need to make arrangements for your birds to have the same level of care as if you were there.