back 2 breeding but will be new to h/r

[Abby]

Just wanted advice from people in advance. I spent probably 10 years+ breeding but gave it up 15 years ago for various reasons. I'm gradually getting my birds together again to start what I love all over. I'm comfortable with the breeding aspect but haven't handraised before. I have done handfeedings with a couple of rescues but I understand it is different. So here's where I'm at so far...
I have species specific books plus "incubation and handrasing" from Australian Bird keeper
I have a breeder whom I'm good friends with who has been both incubating and h/r for 20 years, he's been allowing me to do crop feeds when I'm there at the right time
I'm part of a bird club
I plan to get my commercial brooder in July
In the mean time will be putting together a homemade one suitable for slightly older chicks under guidance of others who have made them.
Still need to get H/r feeding equipment ?suggestions? would prefer not to crop feed but understand that it is an important skill to have for emergencies hence learning how to.
First birds will be the cockatiels, followed hopefully by the GCCs, fischer lovies and possibly rainbow lorikeets this year. Although I have budgie pairs and a turk pair I'll let the parents raise them unless there are drastic problems. My quakes that I'm picking up in the next 2 months will be late 2008.
Any other ideas or advice? Also please remember I'm in Australia.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I know Joel can help you out there as far as the type of equipment to use..availability is something you may need to work around. At least you are trying to get everything you should need to have ahead of time rather than waiting until an emergency pops up.

As you are in Australia, you seem to already have a great mentor in place..any chance of you working with him for a year or so and then branching out on your own? I'm not sure of the dynamics there, so don't know if it's possible, but as you are already getting some important teachings from him, it might work to both your favors..

Just be a GOOD breeder, that's all any bird lover can ask. I think most will tell you it's no way to get rich!

[Tiki]

Mary, it sounds like you have done lots of research and know what you are doing. I'm glad you got an experienced breeder to show you crop feeding. Our own Joel taught me, this is a very important skill for everyone to learn, not just breeders. You may need to medicate a bird someday.

One request..................can you PLEASE breed Caiques and sell them at a reasonable price...............especially to me!

[Abby]

I think it would be silly of me to believe that this was going to be a source of income. I'd be thrilled if I can cover what my birds cost me (food wise) and be able to have enough extra money to buy birds to add to my collection without dipping into the household finances. I view it as a hopefully financially self sufficient hobby. I don't feel you can be a "good" breeder without being passionate about what you're doing either.
The breeder I've been hanging out with seems to believe that I'm at a level of knowledge to be able to start comfortably, but he's also open to questions and gving advice. Thanks Lissa for what you've said. Now where is Joel, could do with some input from him here too.
I'd love to breed caiques but that would be way down the track. If I can I'll do my best for you knowing where they are going.

[Joel]

Mary....... Here is some info. for now, will get back later with more.

Do purchase "Handfeeding & Nursery Management". I feel it is a MUST HAVE for handfeeders/breeders and even for anyone keeping birds. I would also purchase "Avian Medicine: Principles and Application" - hardcover edition if ya can afford it.

Try www.avianpublications.com or maybe elsewhere like www.amazon.com or E-Bay may be a place to find that.

Crop feeding experience is a must IMO (as much as possible), learn to evacuate a crop also. Purchase a full set or even two of crop needles (gavage instruments), keep basic meds on hand (Nystatin, Baytril (enrofloxacin), Diflucan (fluconazole), LRS Solution (electroyte solution), insulin syringes (needles), learn how to hydrate using Sub-Q injections, learn to medicate by injecting proper meds into chest muscle etc., read, read, read all ya can find on the subject.......... Be willing to get up all hours to handfeed/crop-feed, even from day #1. Learn to assist hatch (get babies out of egg safely when necessary)..... Good luck.

[Abby]

Thanks Joel. That's what I was after from you. I have the ABK ("Australian Bird Keeper") books on Incubation & Handraising Parrots and Guide to Basic Health & Disease in Birds, but I'll get hold of those other 2 books as well. Meds may be a problem. Need to double check Australian laws on that one.
Will start getting bits together.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I'm gonna ask, becuase I truly don't know...



Do meds like that have a shelf life? I am just wondering if it's something you can actively 'stock', or if it's something you need to be able to access thru a vet should you need it in a hurry. Are they expensive meds to keep on hand 'just in case', or an inexpensive insurance policy?

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam

Do meds like that have a shelf life? ?

yes, just like human ones do.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

Originally Posted by Tiki

Mary, it sounds like you have done lots of research and know what you are doing. I'm glad you got an experienced breeder to show you crop feeding. Our own Joel taught me, this is a very important skill for everyone to learn, not just breeders. You may need to medicate a bird someday.

One request..................can you PLEASE breed Caiques and sell them at a reasonable price...............especially to me!

Or, just breed one for Tara..or maybe two!

[Abby]

I think I'll get my 'tiels sorted first, then GCCs, lovies and quakes before I even look at how much a pair of caiques are going to cost here. Probably looking at um...10years before I take them into consideration. Sorry Tara. Anyway, got my eye on some zons for down the track. Another pricey one in Oz.