How to Raise Parrots for Profit
Raising and selling parrots can be fraught with difficulties, and if effective care is not taken, these beautiful birds can easily contract diseases that can quickly spread through an aviary. However, the task of raising and selling parrots can be rewarding, enjoyable and ultimately, profitable. The success of a sales operation will depend on the care a parrot receives while it is being nurtured. A bird that has been looked after meticulously during nurturing, will provide a new owner with years of enjoyment and encourage repeat business through positive recommendations.
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Things You'll Need
- Books and manuals on parrot care
- Aviary
- Consumable aviary items
- Parrot food
- Toys and mirrors
- Incubators
Instructions
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Treat the task of raising a parrot as seriously as you would treat the task of raising a small child. There will be times when a young parrot will make demands on you at the most inopportune time. Accept the responsibility of the task, completely before you begin. Buy as many manuals and books on the subject, so you can establish a sound basic knowledge of raising parrots.
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Start out with just one young parrot, to get a feel for raising them, before moving on to larger numbers. Although the loss of a single parrot can be saddening, it will be much less traumatic for the birds, and yourself, if you do not suffer losses in larger quantities. Although breeding may be an option in the future, it is best to start with a young parrot that can be raised to a fully grown specimen, with a higher market value.
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Build an aviary that gives adequate space for your parrots, while they are being raised. Fill the aviary with sufficient eating and drinking points, that actively encourage birds to work for their food. Keep a careful eye on dietary needs, and be prepared to make changes if droppings are inconsistent or excessively moist. Ensure toys and mirrors are available to provide stimulation, as this will help to keep your parrots happy and social. Maintain a temperature of approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit, at all times, and ensure the aviary is kept clean.
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4
Interact with parrots as they grow, but do not do so excessively. Like people, parrots have individual characteristics and not all of them will respond well to being handled constantly. However, your birds will be more marketable if they learn to be sociable with humans. Handle each at least once a day, and talk to the parrots every time aviary cleaning and feeding takes place. Social interaction with people and other parrots can help to provide a stimulated environment, making your birds friendlier and easier to sell.
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Consider your selling options, carefully. Ensure that your aviary is easily accessible, so potential customers can view them without hindrance. Establish a sales campaign and note how often you will need to run it, based on the time it takes to rear each group of parrots. Advertisements in pet magazines and websites are often fruitful, but remember, advertising costs will have an impact on profits. Avoid mail order sales, because you will have no influence over the way your parrot is treated once the transit process begins.
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Work your way up to owning a large number of birds. Once you know you can raise them safely, consider investing in an incubator, so that you can hatch and raise parrots yourself. This is a huge undertaking, and you will need to invest a lot of time and money into hatching and rearing baby birds, so consider this before any breeding program is established.
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Tips & Warnings
Parrots can lay four to eight eggs after mating, so plan breeding programs carefully, and avoid overpopulating your aviary.
Parrots require constant care and attention. Do not venture into the world of raising birds without accepting the responsibility that goes with it.
References
- Photo Credit African Grey Parrot image by mickkid from Fotolia.com
