Considering breeding

[becca623]

I've toyed with the idea of breeding some type of parrot. I'd like to breed ekkies someday since I'm so in love with them. That would be years from now. Anyway, I've considered the possibility of getting a pair of linnies in the next couple of years. The other species I've thought about is crimson bellied conures. It would need to be a small relatively quiet species. I would only want one pair. Anyone have an opinion on either species as to breeding them? I do know and have considered most of the possible problems that can arise from breeding. I'm sure there would be issues that would come up as time went on but I would use every resource possible to find a solution. It would not be something I would enter into lightly. I don't want to breed something that there is an abundance of people breeding nor do I want to breed birds that I will have a difficult time finding good homes for. Some species are so widely bred that nearly everyone has them or breeders cannot find good homes for them (like parrotlets, gcc, or suns). It would be a hobby situation. Please no lectures on the subject of breeding being wrong!

[xafsmom]

Linnies always are popular and the lesser known pyrrhuras are good. Pick a species you love. My daughter picked crimson bellieds and believe me, you won't have issues selling the offspring from them.

GCC's are great as well - as long as they're a top-end mutation. As for Suns... I've never once had a problem selling mine, but I work with pied, tangerines and pure red cumulative genes.

As for people telling you not to breed? That's against the policy of this forum. This is our one safe area. If someone dogs you on this particular forum catagory then they're breaking the rules of the board itself.

[Greycloud]

In my 15 yrs of breeding I found that I had greater success with at least 2 prs of breeders. So that they can hear each other but not see eachother. It helped jump start the hormones. I had over 30 pr at one time and I was a very busy handfeeder.
I was just saying to my husband not 5 minutes ago that GCC are extremely popular on this board. So maybe a normal or mutation pr and then some crimson bellies. You are not talking about alot of need space with these species. They do need a quiet area though away from daily household living. Good luck!

[Jan]

What about Pionus Parrots? Not super plentiful like some other parrot species and yet are becoming popular among many out there.

Someone has to keep breeding going and for every oldtimer getting out of breeding new ones should come in!! I agree fully that some parrots are a bit too plentiful.

As long as you can learn the ropes and with all the things that are needed to breed, care for and handfeeding you can do it if your mind and heart is there. Commitment is a key factor and it really does change your life.

[becca623]

I've considered pionus too. It does worry me that many of the great breeders are talking about having to retire at some point. It seems like the ones who got in it for the love of birds aren't getting any younger but then none of us are, lol. There doesn't seem to be too many younger breeders out there who are in it for the love of birds not the money. I know there are some but seem few and far between. It may be a few years before I can even get a pair. Hubby is in college and the economy is in the toilet. I hope to get something within the next year or two but it may be longer. In the mean time, I'm trying to learn as much as I can from people with experience and good hearts. Thank you all for replying. I was worried I would get a lot of bashing. I see that often when people mention an interest in breeding so I've been hesitant to mention my interest.

[xafsmom]

Yep, and that's why several of us breeders rallied and stomped for this forum to be placed here for us. We kept getting attacked ruthlessly and anyone who asked a question - even for knowledge sake - was getting attacked.

This is our safe oasis!

[Monica]

I'm one of those anti-breeders, but at the same time, if you are willing to do the research, you have the money, the setup, the time, and you can get whatever experience you need, then go for it! As it stands, I feel as if we need *LESS* breeders, not more.... but on the other hand, we need more *GOOD* breeders and less *BAD* ones. I'd rather have a good breeder start up than a bad one.


If you are serious about this adventure, then best of luck! Couldn't tell you what species to go for, but I'd recommend some of the more uncommon species that may be more sought after (would do you no good to get a lovely pair of birds that no one wants the offspring of as pets - unless you are looking to specifically increase that species within captivity?).

[debbielabella]

I'm having the same dilemma. Been fighting the urge to breed a few birds, just small as a hobby, since I bred my canaries. Handfeeding is very addicting. The only thing that stops me is what if I can't find good homes? Isn't it better to leave it to people who already have the reputations and can get the best homes? I'm not criticizing you my any means, just been trying to talk myself out of it for so long.

[Greycloud]

"If you build it they will come" MOvie-Field of Dreams! People like babies, even though rescues need birds to be adopted due to overcrowding.

[xafsmom]

For a hobby breeder, I would seriously consider a species that is less common. Get one pair and you won't have problems selling the babies. Linnies are VERY uncommon on the west coast (dunno about east). You rarely see them here. Also, some of the lesser known Conures like the fiery-shouldered, crimson or maroon bellieds or finschs. Or, difficult to obtain mutations, ie: red cumulative pures and pied Suns.

Find something uncommon and you'll do great and you don't need to be 'big', and you'll be guilt free because you're advancing bloodlines that are being dangerously close to disappearing in captivity. And, if they're lost in captivity, we may well lose them in the wild.