Beginner Breeder Advice

[NaniOokami]

It's been something I've wanted to do for a while, and still will most likely not happen until I'm in a larger place to stay, but I want to begin on a good foot.

Where do you start, when you think about breeding birds? Especially for someone who has not previously bred before. I've picked up a book on it, I've been reading, and it's got some great info, but the book still leaves some questions unanswered.

Do you 'start small' with a hardier species so you don't have as hard of a time, or do you immediately delve into the types of birds you want to be raising? I have handfeeding experience to songbirds, but not parrots.

I'm curious - I'd love to know where to begin, some kind of starting point for me to work with. I understand that it's expensive, and will most likely cost more than it would yield for a while, but it's just one of those things I've always wanted to do.

Experiences from the breeders here? :)

[huntress]

I dont like to say start with less expensive birds because they are still little lives and homes must be found for all of them but I would say to start with something prolific that may breed with only one pair. Some birds wont breed well unless you have more than one pair like budgies and parrotlets. Lovebirds are like rabbits and are fairly easy and easy to place. Cockateils are usually fairley easy but first and formost I would suggest finding someone near - a breeder of sorts who will let you shadow a bit and learn. I had my friend and it was sure nice to have someone to call when a problem came up.
Oh gosh, there is allot to learn. You also have to decide if breeding is really in your heart. Really take time to study the rescues and this may also help you decide what this world does not need any more of right now. You also should learn about which species begins breeding at what age - like you dont want someone to talk you into investing in a pair of African grey babies to pair up and end up waiting 5 - 8 years for your first babies whereas in the wild little budgies are programmed to start breeding at 6 MONTHS OLD! So there is that stuff to learn about too. Stay here and ask allot of questions too :)