Thinking About Raising Birds?

BEFORE YOU START:

We highly recommend that you check all local zoning laws, subdivision rules, federal, state, and county regulations before beginning your endeavor. This will prevent you from investing time and money into your birds only to have everything come to a screeching halt.

There are special permits that US Fish and Wildlife, and possibly your own state's fish and game department, require for the holding and breeding of certain species of birds. The USF&W requires a Captive Breeding Permit for particular species of endangered birds. Also, they have a Waterfowl Sale and Disposal permit that is required for most species of waterfowl. Without these permits you could have your birds confiscated and/or destroyed.

WHEN PURCHASING YOUR BIRDS:

You should always consider the gene pool of your breeders. It is best not to purchase a pair from only one seller. If at all possible you should purchase the female from one seller and the male from someone else. This will hopefully give you an unrelated pair. Another possibility, since most sellers want to sell a pair, is to buy a pair from one, a pair from another, and then split them to make two unrelated pairs.

We often hear from our members about a great deal gone bad. If the price offered for some birds sound almost too good to be true, BE CAREFUL! Many of us have purchased birds for a fantastic price only to find that there is something wrong, the birds are note a pure species, they have a genetic flaw, they are nonproductive, etc. Always buy your birds from a reputable seller, preferably someone you know or someone your friends have had successful business dealings with.

Back   01.20.2006.