Parrot Breeders
Parrot breeders play extremely important rolls in the lives of the parrots that they raise. They adopt the role of being the parrot’s surrogate parents. The way a parrot is raised and how it is handled when it is young directly affect its personality when the parrot is an adult. When looking for a parrot breeder, make sure you find someone who has a very good reputation. Rescue groups and pet stores may be a good place to buy parrots but when you purchase one from a breeder you are able to get the bird’s history and see the way it was raised.
Raising a healthy parrot depends a lot on the particular breeder’s methods. Feeding the parrots is a huge part of the duties of a parrot breeder. Different types of parrots have different feeding needs. Breeders are responsible for giving their parrots nutritious and safe food. They are also responsible for weaning the parrot babies before they are sold. Young parrots should be eating fresh produce, warm soft food, pellets and/or seeds.
Another important requirement in a bird’s life is the ability to fly. Most owners prefer to have their bird’s wings clipped. They don’t like the idea of their birds flying around their homes possibly breaking things. But baby parrots need to learn how to fly before their wings are clipped. It is in the best interest of the bird to work with parrot breeders who will allow their babies to learn to fly. They also need to learn how to land and maneuver in flight. A parrot’s level of socialization and their emotional health depends a great deal upon the care it receives early in its life from the breeder. Potential buyers should always ask breeders how they socialize the baby birds they are selling.
Most parrot breeders are responsible and caring individuals who love the breed and being part of a parrot’s life at such a crucial stage. But some parrot breeders are just in it to make money. As a buyer, you need to be aware of who you should do business with and who you should stay way from. It is also important for a parrot breeder to introduce bathing to their birds at an early age. The best time to introduce bathing is when the baby is partially feathered. Potential owners need to ask their breeders questions. Breeders should allow buyers to view their aviaries. Having a written agreement for this very important business transaction is a must. Good parrot breeders will also be available after the purchase to answer questions and give support to new owners. A new bird is a huge commitment and is worth the effort you put into finding the right kind of breeder.
Some parrot breeders are more knowledgeable then pet store owners and continue to breed parrots for the love of the breed. If you choose to buy a parrot through a breeder you will have a better chance of purchasing a well adjusted, happy, and more importantly, a healthy bird that will last a lifetime.
Raising a healthy parrot depends a lot on the particular breeder’s methods. Feeding the parrots is a huge part of the duties of a parrot breeder. Different types of parrots have different feeding needs. Breeders are responsible for giving their parrots nutritious and safe food. They are also responsible for weaning the parrot babies before they are sold. Young parrots should be eating fresh produce, warm soft food, pellets and/or seeds.
Another important requirement in a bird’s life is the ability to fly. Most owners prefer to have their bird’s wings clipped. They don’t like the idea of their birds flying around their homes possibly breaking things. But baby parrots need to learn how to fly before their wings are clipped. It is in the best interest of the bird to work with parrot breeders who will allow their babies to learn to fly. They also need to learn how to land and maneuver in flight. A parrot’s level of socialization and their emotional health depends a great deal upon the care it receives early in its life from the breeder. Potential buyers should always ask breeders how they socialize the baby birds they are selling.
Most parrot breeders are responsible and caring individuals who love the breed and being part of a parrot’s life at such a crucial stage. But some parrot breeders are just in it to make money. As a buyer, you need to be aware of who you should do business with and who you should stay way from. It is also important for a parrot breeder to introduce bathing to their birds at an early age. The best time to introduce bathing is when the baby is partially feathered. Potential owners need to ask their breeders questions. Breeders should allow buyers to view their aviaries. Having a written agreement for this very important business transaction is a must. Good parrot breeders will also be available after the purchase to answer questions and give support to new owners. A new bird is a huge commitment and is worth the effort you put into finding the right kind of breeder.
Some parrot breeders are more knowledgeable then pet store owners and continue to breed parrots for the love of the breed. If you choose to buy a parrot through a breeder you will have a better chance of purchasing a well adjusted, happy, and more importantly, a healthy bird that will last a lifetime.
Proper Handfeeding of Parrots
It is very important to note that unless you are experienced with
handfeeding, never buy an unweaned bird. A baby birds experiences in
the first few months of its life will imprint him or her on how they see the
world forever. It is vital that proper methods of handfeeding, weaning and
the socialization process be performed correctly. This will determine if the
bird is trusting, healthy, and secure. Always ask about the history of a pet
bird when making the decision to purchase a parrot.
.
Why do I want to hand feed a bird?
Handfeeding a baby bird takes time and effort. Handfeeding is timely and
consists of round the clock care of a baby bird. The handfeeder takes on
the parent's role of feeding the baby. In this way, humans come to be
perceived as part of the flock and the baby becomes accustomed to being
touched and to the sound of the human voice. Adult birds, like humans,
are the product of their early socialization. A baby who learns to trust
humans in the early weeks and months of life will make an excellent
companion bird.
The handfeeding process begins between one and two weeks of age until
the baby bird is completely weaned. Many breeders take the baby birds
from the parents when the oldest is about two weeks old.
There are dangerous risks in buying an unweaned baby bird.
There are several reasons why businesses would sell an unweaned bird,
one is to take the responsibility and cost off of them onto you.
Handfeeding should only be done by an experienced handfeeder because
the typical person buying an unweaned bird will not know when something
is wrong until it is too late.
PROBLEMS THAT CAN OCCUR - Lack of feeding response, respiratory
sounds, slight aspiration, delayed crop emptying, restless or lethargic
babies, lack of weight gain are just a few symptoms of trouble. These
indicators require IMMEDIATE HELP if the baby bird is to be saved. With
babies in trouble, the first system that shuts down is the digestive system.
Very close attention must be paid to the slightest clue that the digestive
system is not performing as it should be.
Crop burn - Improperly heated formula can have hot spots. Babies will eat
scalding hot formula which can burn away the esophagus and/or the crop.
If the burn is very serious, the baby will die. Some burns can be treated by
implanting a feeding tube in the crop, but the esophagus must be intact for
the bird to live after the tube is removed.
Crop stasis - The temperature of the environment and the formula are
very important. Low temperatures can cause the crop to not digest
properly. Unfeathered babies cannot regulate their body temperatures
and don't have the reserves to heat cool or cold formula up to digestion
temperature. When this happens the crop doesn't empty. Formula that sits
in the warm environment of the crop can sour.
Bacterial, fungal and yeast infections can also cause a crop to stop
emptying. Everything that touches or is in contact with a baby must be
clean. Babies pick up gram positive bacteria from the environment - the
handfeeder's responsibility is to make sure they don't pick up gram
negative bacteria, yeast or fungal spores. Babies don't have the reserves,
or a fully competent immune system to be able to ward off these
contaminants.
Aspiration - This occurs when large or small amounts of formula enter the
baby's lungs. When the babies aren't given time to swallow or the mouth is
flooded, aspiration can occur. Care must be taken with formula/water
mixtures required by neonates. If a small amount of formula is aspirated,
the body may be able to encapsulate it and wall it off from the rest of the
body. If the amount of formula aspirated is large, the baby will die
immediately - there is no treatment.
Beak Deformities - It is possible to cause a deviation unless careful
attention is paid to avoid pressure of the feeding implement against the
chick's beak. By far, the more usual cause of lateral deviation or
compression deformities occurs from faulty technique.
Too much pressure in wiping the beak can cause it to deviate. Often one
can see the indentations or compression deformities when a thumb and
forefinger are used to clean the bottom beak.
Poor socialization - The experienced handfeeder knows how important
very early socialization is and will take care that the babies are kept warm,
safe, secure. A person might think that because the babies are very young
or blind they aren't aware of the handling they receive. But they are and at
a younger age than one would ever think. Blind babies especially need a
reassuring touch. They frighten easily. A gentle touch is required for all
babies, but the very young are quite responsive to a soft voice and a
loving hand.
When and How to Wean - The experienced handfeeder watches very
carefully for the first sign that the baby will respond to the weaning foods
and is ready to begin the long process of weaning. Weaning is a process,
not an event. There is a window of opportunity and age, around 6 weeks
for the larger birds, when the baby will explore dishes of brightly colored
and textured foods. If the baby is accustomed to seeing food from a very
early age, he will be drawn to the weaning foods naturally, without stress
or fear.
Early unforced weaning is the proper way to wean a bird. It relies on the
natural instincts of the bird, promotes trust and security and prevents food
related behavioral problems such as chronic begging, picky eating,
whining, restlessness and insecurity. A properly weaned bird is healthy
physically and emotionally.
The beginning of the weaning period varies widely among species. As a
general rule, the smaller the species, the sooner they wean. All babies are
individuals and wean slightly differently from each other, even from their
clutch mates. If these differences aren't accommodated, the chick's
behavior and demeanor can be adversely affected. His suitability as a
companion bird can be impaired by forcing him to wean before he is
emotionally ready.
handfeeding, never buy an unweaned bird. A baby birds experiences in
the first few months of its life will imprint him or her on how they see the
world forever. It is vital that proper methods of handfeeding, weaning and
the socialization process be performed correctly. This will determine if the
bird is trusting, healthy, and secure. Always ask about the history of a pet
bird when making the decision to purchase a parrot.
.
Why do I want to hand feed a bird?
Handfeeding a baby bird takes time and effort. Handfeeding is timely and
consists of round the clock care of a baby bird. The handfeeder takes on
the parent's role of feeding the baby. In this way, humans come to be
perceived as part of the flock and the baby becomes accustomed to being
touched and to the sound of the human voice. Adult birds, like humans,
are the product of their early socialization. A baby who learns to trust
humans in the early weeks and months of life will make an excellent
companion bird.
The handfeeding process begins between one and two weeks of age until
the baby bird is completely weaned. Many breeders take the baby birds
from the parents when the oldest is about two weeks old.
There are dangerous risks in buying an unweaned baby bird.
There are several reasons why businesses would sell an unweaned bird,
one is to take the responsibility and cost off of them onto you.
Handfeeding should only be done by an experienced handfeeder because
the typical person buying an unweaned bird will not know when something
is wrong until it is too late.
PROBLEMS THAT CAN OCCUR - Lack of feeding response, respiratory
sounds, slight aspiration, delayed crop emptying, restless or lethargic
babies, lack of weight gain are just a few symptoms of trouble. These
indicators require IMMEDIATE HELP if the baby bird is to be saved. With
babies in trouble, the first system that shuts down is the digestive system.
Very close attention must be paid to the slightest clue that the digestive
system is not performing as it should be.
Crop burn - Improperly heated formula can have hot spots. Babies will eat
scalding hot formula which can burn away the esophagus and/or the crop.
If the burn is very serious, the baby will die. Some burns can be treated by
implanting a feeding tube in the crop, but the esophagus must be intact for
the bird to live after the tube is removed.
Crop stasis - The temperature of the environment and the formula are
very important. Low temperatures can cause the crop to not digest
properly. Unfeathered babies cannot regulate their body temperatures
and don't have the reserves to heat cool or cold formula up to digestion
temperature. When this happens the crop doesn't empty. Formula that sits
in the warm environment of the crop can sour.
Bacterial, fungal and yeast infections can also cause a crop to stop
emptying. Everything that touches or is in contact with a baby must be
clean. Babies pick up gram positive bacteria from the environment - the
handfeeder's responsibility is to make sure they don't pick up gram
negative bacteria, yeast or fungal spores. Babies don't have the reserves,
or a fully competent immune system to be able to ward off these
contaminants.
Aspiration - This occurs when large or small amounts of formula enter the
baby's lungs. When the babies aren't given time to swallow or the mouth is
flooded, aspiration can occur. Care must be taken with formula/water
mixtures required by neonates. If a small amount of formula is aspirated,
the body may be able to encapsulate it and wall it off from the rest of the
body. If the amount of formula aspirated is large, the baby will die
immediately - there is no treatment.
Beak Deformities - It is possible to cause a deviation unless careful
attention is paid to avoid pressure of the feeding implement against the
chick's beak. By far, the more usual cause of lateral deviation or
compression deformities occurs from faulty technique.
Too much pressure in wiping the beak can cause it to deviate. Often one
can see the indentations or compression deformities when a thumb and
forefinger are used to clean the bottom beak.
Poor socialization - The experienced handfeeder knows how important
very early socialization is and will take care that the babies are kept warm,
safe, secure. A person might think that because the babies are very young
or blind they aren't aware of the handling they receive. But they are and at
a younger age than one would ever think. Blind babies especially need a
reassuring touch. They frighten easily. A gentle touch is required for all
babies, but the very young are quite responsive to a soft voice and a
loving hand.
When and How to Wean - The experienced handfeeder watches very
carefully for the first sign that the baby will respond to the weaning foods
and is ready to begin the long process of weaning. Weaning is a process,
not an event. There is a window of opportunity and age, around 6 weeks
for the larger birds, when the baby will explore dishes of brightly colored
and textured foods. If the baby is accustomed to seeing food from a very
early age, he will be drawn to the weaning foods naturally, without stress
or fear.
Early unforced weaning is the proper way to wean a bird. It relies on the
natural instincts of the bird, promotes trust and security and prevents food
related behavioral problems such as chronic begging, picky eating,
whining, restlessness and insecurity. A properly weaned bird is healthy
physically and emotionally.
The beginning of the weaning period varies widely among species. As a
general rule, the smaller the species, the sooner they wean. All babies are
individuals and wean slightly differently from each other, even from their
clutch mates. If these differences aren't accommodated, the chick's
behavior and demeanor can be adversely affected. His suitability as a
companion bird can be impaired by forcing him to wean before he is
emotionally ready.
THINKING OF BECOMING A PARROT BREEDER?
Breeding Parrots:
Is your passion for parrots so genuine you are considering breeding these amazing creatures? Being a breeder is more than just a hobby and should not be taken lightly. Responsible breeders care and love each bird they help bring into this world.
As you know, there are many different types of parrots to choose from. Some choices may be better than others and there are considerations to be made before you begin this amazing experience. No matter what type of bird you ultimately choose to breed be sure to weigh out all the important factors listed below.
First, research supply and demand. It is always wise to make sure there is a demand for the type of bird you are interesting in breeding. Take the time to investigate the surrounding markets to see what is being offered. Also, it is recommended to take pre-orders for your babies, this will help you have good homes lined up when they are ready to be given up for adoption. Let’s face it, although you have strong adoration for birds, you do not want to be in a position where you are accountable for more than you can handle at one time.
Next, remember you will be sharing your home with these birds and their babies for many years to come; so take a look at the proximity of your neighbors and the noise your birds will create. Yes, it is important to take others into consideration before deciding on this life changing event.
You will also want to consider the amount of space you have available to house cages and aviaries. Ample amounts of room are needed for these. Be sure you provide your birds with the proper sized cages. Cages and aviaries should not be over crowded. Determining the room you have on hand for cages will help you select the kind of bird to breed.
Another obvious aspect to take into consideration is the price. Breeding birds can become quite expensive. Before jumping into becoming a breeder be aware of this.
Ask yourself the following:
If you do decide to take on this responsibility, you will also need to do some record keeping. Keeping track of these records are vital to your success as a breeder and required of you.
Records would include:
Finally, ask yourself how much free time do I have in my life. Being a breeder requires a lot of time. Parrots require a lot of nurturing, love and attention. It is basically like have a human child. You are responsible for the well-being of these animals, not only the babies but the mature parrots as well. You will need to feed, house, provide medical support as well as love and care for all your birds. This may become very time consuming and expensive but the rewards will pay off if you have a true desire to breed the bird of your choice.
Is your passion for parrots so genuine you are considering breeding these amazing creatures? Being a breeder is more than just a hobby and should not be taken lightly. Responsible breeders care and love each bird they help bring into this world.
As you know, there are many different types of parrots to choose from. Some choices may be better than others and there are considerations to be made before you begin this amazing experience. No matter what type of bird you ultimately choose to breed be sure to weigh out all the important factors listed below.
First, research supply and demand. It is always wise to make sure there is a demand for the type of bird you are interesting in breeding. Take the time to investigate the surrounding markets to see what is being offered. Also, it is recommended to take pre-orders for your babies, this will help you have good homes lined up when they are ready to be given up for adoption. Let’s face it, although you have strong adoration for birds, you do not want to be in a position where you are accountable for more than you can handle at one time.
Next, remember you will be sharing your home with these birds and their babies for many years to come; so take a look at the proximity of your neighbors and the noise your birds will create. Yes, it is important to take others into consideration before deciding on this life changing event.
You will also want to consider the amount of space you have available to house cages and aviaries. Ample amounts of room are needed for these. Be sure you provide your birds with the proper sized cages. Cages and aviaries should not be over crowded. Determining the room you have on hand for cages will help you select the kind of bird to breed.
Another obvious aspect to take into consideration is the price. Breeding birds can become quite expensive. Before jumping into becoming a breeder be aware of this.
Ask yourself the following:
- What is the initial start up cost?
- What are the daily dietary requirements and cost?
- Will I be able to provide the necessary medical cost for my hens and chicks?
- Am I able to support the ongoing cost until I find a home for my birds?
- Can I afford housing for the pair of birds I will breed?
If you do decide to take on this responsibility, you will also need to do some record keeping. Keeping track of these records are vital to your success as a breeder and required of you.
Records would include:
- Records of Breeding
- Clutches
- Incubation periods and hatching
- Pairing data – this would include identification of mates.
- Rearing data and weights.
- Banding identification.
- Sales information.
Finally, ask yourself how much free time do I have in my life. Being a breeder requires a lot of time. Parrots require a lot of nurturing, love and attention. It is basically like have a human child. You are responsible for the well-being of these animals, not only the babies but the mature parrots as well. You will need to feed, house, provide medical support as well as love and care for all your birds. This may become very time consuming and expensive but the rewards will pay off if you have a true desire to breed the bird of your choice.
TIPS FOR BUYING AN AFRICAN GREY PARROT
Buying a bird is always a somewhat risky matter because there are so many unscrupulous individuals around in the bird trade as it makes big money. The best thing you can do is find a reputable breeder or pet dealer. Never be tempted to but a bird from a market stall or online where you have no fall back if things go wrong.
If you are buying a bird from a private source you should also be very cautious unless you know the bird and its owner well. Ask in detail why the owner is selling the bird. In many cases the owner wants to get rid or the bird because it has developed into a screamer or feather plucker or is hopelessly timid as a result of improper treatment.
Many birds on market stalls have been illegally taken from the wild. These birds have not been through any quarantine checks and could be sick and some bird diseases can be passed on to humans.
If you are buying a bird from a private source you should also be very cautious unless you know the bird and its owner well. Ask in detail why the owner is selling the bird. In many cases the owner wants to get rid or the bird because it has developed into a screamer or feather plucker or is hopelessly timid as a result of improper treatment.
Many birds on market stalls have been illegally taken from the wild. These birds have not been through any quarantine checks and could be sick and some bird diseases can be passed on to humans.
TIPS FOR BUYING A BIRD FROM A BREEDER
When choosing to buy a bird from a breeder there are a few things you can do to ensure that you are buying a good hand reared bird. Firstly a good breeder will let you visit them at the facility or house where the birds are being hand reared. Usually when you make contact with the breeder they will offer you a time to come and visit and see the bird. This is sometimes while the bird is still being hand reared.
During you visit, a good breeder will allow you see the parent birds and the area where the young are being kept and fed. Look for healthy looking parent birds and a clean well kept enviroment where the young are being kept. This is so important as it is very easy for young birds to pick up bacterial and yeast infections from dirty surroundings. Never be tempted to buy from a breeder that refuses to allow you to see the conditions in which the parent birds and babies are are being kept in, and never be tempted to buy a bird from a breeder which refuses to allow you to visit their breeding facilities! If they say they will bring the bird to you or send it to you do not buy! This is not normal procedure and these people are often crooks which are hiding something! When you visit it is a good idea to ask the breeder if you can handle the bird to be sure that it is not afraid of human contact.
Most good breeders will ring the birds at a very young age so look for a closed (no split in it) leg ring. If the bird does not have a leg ring, it is my own personal opinion that you should not buy. The reason being is that, you are paying good money for a hand reared bird- far more than you would for a wild caught tame one and if you ever had to sell your bird on you would not be able to sell it for it's full value as the only way to proove a bird has been handled and hand reared from an early age is by the ring on its leg. Good breeders will allow you to put a deposit on the bird you have chosen. Try not to go for the bird which you feel sorry for and may be sitting looking scared and shy in the corner. The best bird will be the one that is most attentive and craves attention.
A good breeder will not sell a bird on until it is fully weaned and eating solid food. You should never take an unweaned bird to finish rearing yourself- a good breeder will not allow this! Ask about diet and other tips like how does the bird like to bathe while you visit your bird. If your bird is to stay with the breeder until it is old enough to leave, your breeder should allow you several visits to see your bird and to see how it is progressing, this also allows you to get to know your bird a little before you take it home.
Most good breeders will supply you with a hatch certificate ( much like a humans birth certificate) a diet sheet advising on what to feed your bird when you get it home and some breeders will also offer package deals on cages, toys and food to buy with your bird or advise you on things like what size cage you require to house your bird. Although some breeders do now choose to have their birds DNA sexed it is not essential, It is up to you if you feel this is essential but this can always be done at a later date.
Never ever buy if:
During you visit, a good breeder will allow you see the parent birds and the area where the young are being kept and fed. Look for healthy looking parent birds and a clean well kept enviroment where the young are being kept. This is so important as it is very easy for young birds to pick up bacterial and yeast infections from dirty surroundings. Never be tempted to buy from a breeder that refuses to allow you to see the conditions in which the parent birds and babies are are being kept in, and never be tempted to buy a bird from a breeder which refuses to allow you to visit their breeding facilities! If they say they will bring the bird to you or send it to you do not buy! This is not normal procedure and these people are often crooks which are hiding something! When you visit it is a good idea to ask the breeder if you can handle the bird to be sure that it is not afraid of human contact.
Most good breeders will ring the birds at a very young age so look for a closed (no split in it) leg ring. If the bird does not have a leg ring, it is my own personal opinion that you should not buy. The reason being is that, you are paying good money for a hand reared bird- far more than you would for a wild caught tame one and if you ever had to sell your bird on you would not be able to sell it for it's full value as the only way to proove a bird has been handled and hand reared from an early age is by the ring on its leg. Good breeders will allow you to put a deposit on the bird you have chosen. Try not to go for the bird which you feel sorry for and may be sitting looking scared and shy in the corner. The best bird will be the one that is most attentive and craves attention.
A good breeder will not sell a bird on until it is fully weaned and eating solid food. You should never take an unweaned bird to finish rearing yourself- a good breeder will not allow this! Ask about diet and other tips like how does the bird like to bathe while you visit your bird. If your bird is to stay with the breeder until it is old enough to leave, your breeder should allow you several visits to see your bird and to see how it is progressing, this also allows you to get to know your bird a little before you take it home.
Most good breeders will supply you with a hatch certificate ( much like a humans birth certificate) a diet sheet advising on what to feed your bird when you get it home and some breeders will also offer package deals on cages, toys and food to buy with your bird or advise you on things like what size cage you require to house your bird. Although some breeders do now choose to have their birds DNA sexed it is not essential, It is up to you if you feel this is essential but this can always be done at a later date.
Never ever buy if:
- *The breeder denies you acsess to the parent bird and the baby birds surroundings.
- *It is an online deal
- *The parent birds or the baby birds are kept in poor dirty conditions
- *Before the bird is weaned
- *If there is no leg ring present (personal choice)
AFRICAN GREY STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
- * FLEDGE - 10/12 WEEKS
- * WEAN - 12/16 WEEKS
- * PUBERTY ONSET - 3/5 YEARS
- * SEXUAL MATURITY - 6 YEARS
- * GERIATRIC - 20-25 YEARS
- * LIFESPAN - 50 YEARS
This is a guide:
- * Average lifespan recorded in captivity is subjective requires several generations of captive-bred individuals of each species to determine.
- *True onset of "geriatric" in psittacines is subjective and requires several generations of captive-bred individuals of each species to determine.