Raising birds is quite a diverse hobby, from raising roosters for eggs to raising cockatoos for company. Depending on your interest, you can decide to build an aviary or just have a cage in your living room. Of course, as important as your interests are the needs of your bird, you should select a species that is well suited to your lifestyle.
Bird farming is sometimes referred to as “poultry farming”, a term defined by prominent poultry farmer Dr. Jean Delacour as “the worldwide hobby of keeping and raising numerous species of wild birds in captivity to maintain their numerical status in the wild with a view to to prevent their extinction by supplying birds raised in aviary. ” You will notice that it refers to wild bird species, and it is generally accepted that poultry farming is limited to the care and rearing of birds that are not fully domesticated, while those that care for and raise domesticated bird species are “fond of birds.” .
Most people who are into this hobby will buy from a local breeder or pet store, however more advanced hobbyists may decide to import a rarer species from abroad. If you take this route, you must ensure that you comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
There are several different groups of birds you can choose from, each with its own characteristics and care requirements. Then, within each group, you will need to carefully select a species that suits your needs. For example, if you want a talking parrot, not just any parrot will do, as some species are quite silent. Some groups of birds with species that make good pets:
- Buderigars
- Canary Islands
- Cockatoos
- Cockatoos
- Finches
- Parrots
- Parakeets
- Softbills
There are a number of criteria to consider when selecting your bird, for example:
- Some pets will not do well in a cage and require an aviary.
- If you choose an aviary bird, keep in mind that it will not become as close-knit a companion as a bird you keep indoors.
- If you are looking for a talking bird, be sure to select a species with great imitation skills, such as the African gray parrot.
- Birds vary widely in terms of expenses, so consider your budget.
- Parrots and other birds can live to be 80 years old, so you should make plans for your pet to survive you, or select one with a lifespan that suits your lifestyle.
There are many other considerations and a lot to learn about poultry farming, but I hope this article got you started.