The Importance of Parrot Breeders

Parrot breeders, which are also called aviculturists, are usually people that start their business for the love of birds. Indeed, raising tropical birds in captivity takes patience, time and love.

The pet industry is sometimes characterized as a sort of mill, breeding animals in poor conditions. However, good parrot breeders' facilities will be clean, humane, and well-managed. Furthermore, many aviculturists evaluate their customers' attitude and reasons for getting a parrot, and they will actually will not sell to people that do not seem committed to keeping a bird.

Surrogate Parents

Proper parrot breeders will know what problems might occur and how to handle them. First, the aviculturist should have a relationship with one or two aviary vets in the area in case of sickness.

Sometimes, for various reasons, parrots abandon or attack their eggs, so a chick actually has a better chance at life at a breeder's where a foster parrot family is available. Many birds will accept offspring that are not biologically theirs, even of other species. A breeder should also have an incubator in case no foster parent is ready. Often these incubated chicks grow up to be perfectly healthy adults, but even the most seasoned breeders sometimes face a strange bird like this.

Taking Proper Care of the Babies

Parrot breeders must also be ready to hand-feed and coddle chicks abandoned by their parents. This means a special diet administered several times daily with an eyedropper.

Parrot breeders must start personally handling and playing with baby birds when they are very young. Parrots are fairly intelligent animals and can be very sociable if they are introduced to humans from birth. However, there is a balance. Removing, or even touching, some chicks when they are too undeveloped can actually kill them.

Finding Space for Them to Live

Breeding parrots even for a small commercial operation takes a lot of space. The biggest parrots can have a wingspan of about two feet. Double that for the two breeding parents. Then, when the babies are born, they will spend some time together in the nest, but eventually they must move to separate cages to get accustomed to humans. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to have plenty of space among families to reduce the chances of disease spreading.

Many aviculturists also choose to join a professional organization, such as the Society of Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors. A professional affiliation is usually a sign of an ethical breeder.