Breeding Rare Birds: A Guide to Ethics, Laws, Care & Helping Them Survive
Why Breeding Rare Birds Matters
Raising
rare birds is far more than just a fun hobby. It’s a lot of work that involves
animal care, doing things the right way, science, and ethics. Habitats are
getting smaller, and climate change is a threat, so breeding programs that are
done well can really help protect birds that could disappear and keep their
family lines strong.
How we
breed these birds, why breeding is important, and how to make sure you always do
it legally and ethically is what this guide is all about. If you're new to the
species, love love birds, or are interested in helping to save them, this
article will provide you with a good idea of what's involved.
What’s a Rare Bird, Anyway?
Rare birds are types that usually have:
* Not many of them are left, or their numbers are
dropping.
* They only live in a small area.
* They need specific homes or food.
Some are
nearly vanishing, while others are uncommon as pets but perfectly fine wild.
Such as
certain parrots, finches, pheasants, cranes, and tropical birds.
Remember,
not all rare birds can be bred in captivity legally, and many are protected by
laws worldwide.
Why Breed Rare Birds?
Doing it
ethically can help in a few big ways:
1. Saving
Birds: Breeding programs that are done well help keep the bird numbers up
when they aren't reproducing well on their own.
2. Maintaining the family line: breeding can also prevent the
problems associated with inbreeding.
3. Education and Research: These programs inspire
scientists to research and educate the public about birds at risk.
4. Releasing Birds in the Wild: A few of the birds bred in
captivity are released into secure regions as a component of wildlife programs.
Just so
you know, breeding rare birds just to make money is not a good idea and often
against the law.
The Legal Stuff: What You Need to Know
Before
you breed any rare bird, you HAVE to follow the rules.
Important Rules around the World
* CITES (an agreement about trading endangered
species)
[https://cites.org](https://cites.org/)
* Wildlife protection laws where you live
* Licenses and permits you might need locally
For some birds, you'll need:
* Special permission to breed them
* A place that's registered
* Origin
and health of the bird
If you
don’t play by the rules, the fines can be steep, your birds can be confiscated,
and you can even be prosecuted.
Choosing the Right Bird to Breed
If you’re new to this, I recommend starting with:
* Birds
hatched in captivity rather than caught in the wild
*
Species that are cage-friendly
* Birds that have been bred successfully
before
Avoid
birds that are VERY close to disappearing unless you're working with a real
conservation group.
Setting Up a Good Home for Breeding
Where They Live
To have
success, the bird's home needs:
* Big spaces where they can fly
* Quiet places where they won't get stressed
* Real branches, plants, and places to hide
*
Protection against potentially harmful animals and
Birds
have to feel safe and comfortable to reproduce.
Where They Nest
Different
birds need different things for nesting:
* Boxes, platforms, or logs
* Specific materials to build their nests
* Privacy
Good
nesting sites allow the birds to breed and raise their young. Food:
What to
Feed Them to Prevent Starvation and Keep Them Healthy: What They Need to Stay
Healthy
The
birds doubtless eat have a significant impact on the breeding success and egg
quality, as well as on the fitness and vitality of their young.
What to Feed a Finch: Important Things to Feed Them:
* Pellet
or good seed suitable for the type of bird you have
* Fresh
fruits and vegetables
*
Protein sources (bugs or beans)
*
Calcium and other supplements
They
need clean water, too, all the time.
How to Pair Birds
Allow
them to choose their own mates, as it's best.
Signs They Like Each Other:
* Showing off to each other
*
Grooming each other
*
Nesting
If you
put them together against their will, they get stressed, fight, or don't
breed at all. You have to be patient.
Laying and Warm Keeping of Eggs
Some
birds warm their eggs naturally; others require assistance.
Things to Remember:
*
Maintain a constant temperature and humidity
* Do not
handle the eggs unless necessary
*
Inspect the eggs for fertility
Only
those who know what they are doing should attempt to keep eggs warm
artificially.
The Offspring
Caring for the chicks is one of the most difficult things.
* Watch to make sure the parents are feeding
them
* Keep them warm and clean
* You'll need special training to feed them by hand
* Keep track of how they're growing and their health you don't take care of them properly, many can die.
Vets and Keeping Them Healthy
You need
to work with a bird vet.
Good Things to Do:
* Get regular checkups
* Keep new birds away from the others for a
while
* Prevent worms and diseases
* Treat any sickness right away
Taking
care of them early on helps them breed well for a long time.
When It Comes to Doing Things, Do Them Right
It's
all right to think always, "What is best for the bird?"
Don't:
* Breed them too much
* Let birds that are too closely related breed
* Sell birds illegally
* Give those bad homes or food
Good
breeders help save birds, not exploit them.
How Conservation Groups Help
Many
breeding programs work with:
* Zoos and animal parks.
* Colleges and research places
* Groups that help save animals
Some
groups you can trust are:
*
Birdlife International – https://www.birdlife.org
* World Parrot Trust – https://www.parrots.org
These
organizations monitor breeding to ensure it contributes to the long-term
conservation of the birds.
Things you should NOT do.
Mistakes you should not make.
* Breeding without permission
* Not following the rules
* Not giving them enough space or care
* Breeding just to make money
* I didn't have a vet to help me
Keeping
the birds and the people who raise them from these errors is well worth the
effort.
Is Breeding Rare Birds a Career Choice for You?
Ask yourself:
* “Can I
care for this bird for its entire life?”
* Am I
prepared to handle the paperwork?
* Do I want to contribute to bird conservation and educate others about them?
If you answered yes, then breeding birds ethically can be a wonderful experience and a very satisfying one.
Conclusion: Breeding Rare Birds the Right Way
The breeding of exotic birds is serious business and not for fun. Do the right things, the ethical things, the legal things, the things that can help them, and it really can make a difference in saving them for tomorrow.
Observing wildlife laws, properly caring for the birds, and assisting conservation groups, responsible breeders can ensure that the rare birds continue to survive -- not just in cages, but out in the wild, where they belong.
FAQs:
Q1. Can I breed rare birds legally?
Yes. But
that's if you've got the right permits and you follow the wildlife laws.
Q2. Is it for dummies?
It’s
best to begin with birds that aren’t as fragile and consult an experienced
person.
Q3. Are rare birds good pets?
No, they
are not. They require a lot of attention and large cages.
Q4. How long does it take to breed them?
It
varies: months, years. That depends on the bird.
Q5. Does breeding contribute to the salvation of birds in decline?
Yes, if it’s
part of a genuine conservation scheme.