Breeding Your Pet Bird: Myths, Facts and FAQ Answered

Do you really want to breed birds?

Ask your self why?

Some common myths and facts about breeding birds:

It's Profitable: MYTH

FACT

A good proven pair of birds is expensive! Even a proven pair may or may not produce fertile eggs that hatch into healthy babies. Let's use cockatiels for an example. A good proven pair will vary in price depending on location from $100.00 to $300.00 on average. That is just for the birds. Now you need a cage ($ 60.00 - $300.00 depending on what you choose), Perches (price varies but good ones aren't cheap), Toys for TWO Birds (from $3.00-$20.00 each and you will need at least 8 not to mention the toys the new babies will require), a nest box ($11.49 at pet co), nesting material (needs to be changed often and the cost adds up quick), calcium supplements such as extra cuttlebone or oyster shell (cuttlebone $6.00 a lb. Oyster shell $3.25 for 10 lbs. Fed daily adds up quick!), a good quality food mix (at least $2.00 a pound), fresh fruits and veggies as well as cooked foods For Two birds instead of one ( not only expensive but time consuming to prepare) A brooder ($165.00 on ebay) a candler (at least $15.00) Hand feeding syringes ( not cheap either) hand feeding formula ($49.99 for a 20 lb pail) thermometer for formula (price varies) Etc, Etc. By now you are already at at least $600.00 if you are going to breed one pair of tiels. If your pair successfully hatches 2 clutches a year of 4 eggs each, AND you manage to sell the babies, you might make around $480.00. You are already at least $100.00 in the hole! And that is assuming that you are successful!

Breeding birds is a 24/7 job. If you are very good at it and have many pairs of birds you might make enough money to supplement your income. Your average Hourly wage will work out to be less than minimum wage. More times than not, after expenses, vet care, etc. you will end up at very best breaking even.

It's easy to do! The birds do all the work! MYTH

Fact