BreederInformation

Avian Health

BEFORE SETTING BIRDS UP FOR BREEDING

THE FOCUS IS ON BREEDING AND ITS CHALLENGES

INCUBATING EGGS / CARING FOR CHICKS

THE COMPLEXITIES OF GENETICS

INFO ON SPECIFIC PARROT SPECIES and ASSOCIATIONS / SOCIETIES

FREE WEBSITE ADVERTISING SOURCES

ON-LINE BIRD MAGAZINES / ARTICLES

BEFORE SETTING BIRDS UP FOR BREEDING

What Kind of Bird is Right For Me? (Please click on the underlined headings below to learn more about the bird you are considering adding to your breeding program.)

The Petbird Page - Info on Different Species, Pictures, Pet Qualities, Housing and General Care

Parrot Pictures, Descriptions and Care Requirements

The Lexicon of Parrots (Pictures, Description, Care)

AVIARIES:
Aviary Photo Aviary Building Tips Custom Long Flight / Aviary Tips Small Aviary for your Deck Sheltered Aviary Creating and Enjoying an Indoor Aviary

It all begins with a TRUE pair of HEALTHY birds - Testing is a Necessary Aspect of Responsible Breeding:

New Bird Testing

There is no doubt that every newly purchased bird should be tested and quarantined before introducing it into an established flock. There are different ways of testing new birds, both of which are discussed below.

Common sense (based on some idea on how easily transferable -- airborne -- some pathogens are) indicate that taking breeding pairs to the vet every year for a "well-bird testing" can be hazardous to your flock's health. Like a breeder friend of mine pointed out: "What better way of picking up a disease?" I am not saying that you shouldn't do it, however, I would urge you to discuss with your vet an arrangement for him to come to your place rather than you going to the vet offices where the likelihood of airborne (or otherwise) diseases by other patients may endanger your bird's -- and indeed your flock's -- health. If a vet visit is indeed necessary, do point out to your vet your concern about direct/indirect contact with sick birds/disease pathogens, and discuss with him when it would be safe for you to visit (maybe first time in the morning, before other patients come in). Be it as it may, I would consider ANY bird that was at a vet's office a risk to your flock and would recommend quarantaining it from your flock.

There are vets that specialize in "Avian Flock Management" -- part of which is providing discount pricing to breeders and on-site vet visits. This would be the route to go for well-bird check-up.

DNA Sexing/Disease Testing Cal. Avian Lab (Lab. Reference Ranges, Disease Testing)

DNA vs. Surgical Sexing Sexing Cockatiels Visually Sexing Cockatoos

An Introduction to MAP (Model Aviculture Program)

Here is a list of RECOMMENDED BREEDERS. If you would like to recommend a breeder, please contact me. Also, MAP-certified breeders, please e-mail me so that I can include you under "Recommended Breeders." Thank you.

CARING FOR YOUR FLOCK

Dietary Requirements of Commonly Kept Psittacines & Converting Seed Junkies (VETARC) - Disease Prevention in Commercial Aviaries A Practical Guide To Disinfectants
The African Grey Health Care Kit Bird Care Guidelines Food & Nutrition
Avian Nutrition Average Bird Weights Food We Shouldn't Feed Birds
Do-It-Yourself Seed Cleaner Water Bottles

Doing Your Own Bacterial Cultures / Microbiology for the Aviculturist

VETARC HOME PAGE
(Excellent Products & Services) For specific, excellent info provided by the Vet Arc website, please visit the following:
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS / CONVERTING TO PELLETS, DISINFECTING IN THE NURSERY

Food as Natural Medicines Let Food Be Your Medicine

Some individuals thrive in creating a wonderful green aviary for their birds. My brother-in-law is one of them. His aviaries are enhanced by water fountains, huge decorative rocks and plants. He received the 'most attractive aviary set-up' award ... Anyway, if you also enjoy decorating your birds' environment with greenery take into account that some plants are indeed toxic to your birds:

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Toxic Plants Safe Plants Toxic Plants & Foods
Non-Toxic Branches & Plants Teflon Poisoning

Put-It-Together-Yourself First Aid Kits Ordering First Aid Kits

Do-It-Yourself Bacterial Testing - Microbiology for the Aviculturist

The Importance of a Necropsy

THE FOCUS IS ON BREEDING AND ITS CHALLENGES

One thing is sure - our birds don't always cooperate as we would like them to. I have heard the theory that if you find eight or more eggs in a nest you have two females. Now, at this moment I have one pair of lovebirds with TEN eggs in their nesting box, and they are DEFINITELY a compatible pair. In fact, the first baby hatched just yesterday. This situation definitely leaves me with a problem - to stop them from 'overdoing it' in the future in order to ensure their continued good health ... Recommended measures: removing nesting box and nest-making material, moving them to different locations (new cage, new room or aviary) or separating the pairs. I personally don't like the last measure of separating bonded pairs for sentimental reasons: I hate the idea of splitting up bonded pairs. But many excellent breeders practice and swear by this method.

Please note that my particular experience of a true pair laying 10 eggs is the exception to the rule ... in many cases, the "eight eggs or more" rule applies as indication that two females are 'trying to raise a family' ... Having birds sexed before setting them up for breeding will eliminate this possibility ...

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUCCESSFUL BREEDING EFFORTS
(Click on each for indepth information):
Infertility Reproductive Disorders Preventative Program for a Healthier Stud
A Caution Against Inbreeding Keeping Breeding Records