I know you do and everyone here appreciates your comments. Many of the websites that were once up and thriving can no longer be found. I dont know if the interest in raising birds is just not there any more or those that still do have no interest in online. I know this site had issues years ago as well. It was starting when Shawn had it but it spiraled after I obtained it hoping to save it. There is so much valuable information on this forum and site I cant take it down. I dont do much on Facebook either but its what millions of people are turning to. I just made a small group page with the intent of pointing to here. Im not even raising the birds I once had. I went from 30,000 plus a year down to just breeder stock. My wife and I both work other jobs and my kids are nearly all grown. My passion is still here because I just cleared the land for 18 flight pens and built a 42' building. Do you have any input to share Steve on the trend of things? Feel free to do it here or private. This site used to have dozens of people online at once and always something new to talk about. Surely all the questions havent been asked. Im guilty as well for not coming in here for a month at a time.
Hi ya Larry,
It is definitely the economy. I am down to only my breeders and about 100 extra cocks. I have about 250 birds total. Shells are high in price for the bird hunter and small game hunter as well. Lots of penny pinching going around. The cost of feeding my birds has tripled. The cost of raising chicks has tripled as well. This type of business is no longer profitable unless you own a shooting and big game hunting preserve with paying members and with outside reservations/clientele
Most of the Mom and Pop Shooting preserves I serviced around here have closed the doors. The hunting guide services that rented other peoples lands for bird release either as a shoot to retrieve or dog trials are out of business as well.
Eggs and chicks were a big sell back some years back. Now, the pheasant eggs are sold as specialty eggs along with the chicken eggs for consumables. It takes two (2) pheasant eggs to equal one (1) large chicken egg. The people around here like the pheasant eggs for the younger kids.
I did two (2) hatches for a customer in Ohio totaling over 600 birds; I didn’t hatch anything for myself.
I do still have some of my die hard customer that will call for birds during the holiday season. Some for releasing on there property to hunt and those that just want table fair.
I still release around here and on my property. I don’t advertise that I release either. I still have GSP (4) that love to hunt and a yellow lab. I also have an Australian cattle dog that love to chase squirrels.
I don’t think I will ever stop raising birds, but as far as a part time business, no. This is more of a hobby. I have over 5 acres that I have strategically place around the farm. I grow Milo, Millet and Sorghum. None of these grain crops are harvested. The released birds have food and so does the rest of the wildlife that are on the property.
I guess we will have to wait until this White House administration changes hands before things get any better. I think it is going to be a ruff two (2) years for the Republicans and a president that states: I will do it myself with executive orders
I Have a Pen and a Phone. I am not getting any younger…
Have a nice day Larry!
Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm
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