Breeding and selling tropical birds

Question
Hello. I am a  educator in a high school. One of my students is interested in doing a report on possible careers in breeding tropical birds.  She needs to know things like : possible jobs, pay, expertise and training required etc. Any help that you could giv eus would be much appreciated. thank you so very much.
Sincerely
Marcia  

Answer
Hi Marcia,

Generally, bird breeders don't make enough money to presue this as a career. It is generally a side hobby. And the breeders I know who do breed birds for a living general cut major corners, unfortunately, which affects the health and the quality of life for the birds in their care. Many breeders will not provide proper vet care, clean appropriate caging, an enriching environment including toys, or a proper diet (which should include fresh fruits and veggies daily... which is expensive).

If your student is interested in working with birds for a living, she might want to consider working with a zoo, pet store or rehabilitation facility that has paid, full time employement opprotunities. Pay is generally low, but since I don't work with birds for a living I don't know all the details. I would recommend your student contact some places like the San Deigo Zoo or parrot behavioralists to find out about possible career opprotunities with birds. Also check out universities like UC Davis and their Avian science program.

Here are some websites/articles about bird care, breeding and more that will hopefully help your student:

http://www.ornithology.com/careers.html

http://www.humanesocietyu.org/about_hsu/

http://www.freeparrots.net/article.php?story=20040121063548584

www.parrotchronicles.com

www.mickaboo.com

www.wingedwisdom.com

www.forthebirdsDVM.com

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww60e.htm (Introduction)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww61e.htm (Incubation)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww61e.htm (Handfeeding babies)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww63e.htm (Handfeeding babies- part two)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww63e.htm (brooders and brooding babies)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww65e.htm (Fledging chicks)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww66e.htm (Socializing the babies)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww67e.htm (Weaning)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww68e.htm (Recording Keeping)

http://www.wingedwisdom.com/ww69e.htm (Selling the babies)


I hope this helps.

-Maggie