The Parrot Breeder's Answer Book

by Soucek, Gayle

• ISBN13: 9780764116957
• ISBN10: 0764116959
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Barrons Educational Series Inc

Summary

This unusual book is a detailed guide for the parrot owner who wants to breedhe birds but has no prior experience. The author, an experienced breeder andxpert on parrots, covers all of the basics in layman's terminology, andoints out both the rewards and pitfalls connected with parrot breeding.opics covered include who should - and who should not - breed parrots,btaining breeding stock, providing housing and supplies for a parrot flock,aintaining flock health, avian reproduction, incubation, rearing chicks,orking with an avian veterinarian, and selling chicks. The author concludesith a helpful list of additional information sources for parrot breeders.

Table of Contents

Preface	vi
Why Breed Parrots? (The Good News)	1	(10)
Where Did All the Parrots Go?	1	(1)
The Role of Aviculture	2	(1)
Defining Your Goals	3	(1)
Breeding: A Hobby or a Profession?	4	(1)
Breeding for Conservation	4	(2)
Breeding for the Pet Trade	6	(5)
Why You Should Not Breed Parrots (The Bad News)	11	(7)
Do It for Love, Not Money	11	(2)
The Noise, the Mess, the Bills... Oh My!	13	(1)
Spousal Support (or Lack Thereof...)	14	(1)
You Will Never Leave Home Again	14	(1)
Why Parrots Are Different	15	(2)
Are You a Bird Person?	17	(1)
Obtaining Breeding Stock: Reading the Singles Columns	18	(9)
Finding the Right Birds	18	(1)
Where to Buy	19	(1)
Deciphering the Jargon	20	(5)
Breeding Loans	25	(2)
Housing: Building a Better Birdhouse	27	(17)
The Great Outdoors	27	(1)
Beyond Closed Doors	28	(1)
Cage Sizing	28	(1)
Cage Types and Materials	29	(7)
Outfitting the Cage	36	(6)
Environmental Considerations	42	(1)
The Right Light	42	(2)
Basic Breeding Supplies (Batterise Not Included)	44	(11)
Incubators	44	(2)
Brooders	46	(2)
Hospital Cages	48	(1)
Weaning Cages	49	(1)
Gram Scales	50	(1)
Candling Lights	50	(1)
Feeding Implements and Disinfectants	51	(1)
Observation Systems	51	(1)
Emergency and First-Aid Supplies	52	(2)
Reference Materials	54	(1)
Adult Nutrition: The Foundation of Fertility	55	(11)
The Essential Elements	55	(4)
Putting It All Together	59	(6)
Food Storage and Safety	65	(1)
Flock Health: When You Become the HMO	66	(18)
Choosing an Avian Veterinarian	66	(2)
Quarantine	68	(1)
New Bird Exams	69	(10)
Emergency and First-Aid Treatment	79	(4)
Other Diseases	83	(1)
Avian Reproduction (The Birds, Not the Bees)	84	(8)
The Female Reproductive System	84	(1)
Egg Production	85	(2)
The Male Reproductive System	87	(1)
Doing the Deed	88	(2)
Is It Really Love?	90	(2)
Incubation: Count Your Chicks Before They Hatch	92	(15)
Nest Box Maintenance	92	(1)
Inspections	93	(1)
Candling Eggs	94	(2)
Parental Incubation	96	(1)
Artificial Incubation	96	(11)
Neonatal Emergencies: Murphy's Law in Action	107	(6)
Lack of Feeding Response	107	(1)
Slow Crop	108	(1)
Crop Burn	109	(1)
Dehydration	109	(1)
Aspiration	110	(1)
Infection and Disease	110	(1)
Leg Deformities	110	(2)
Beak Deformities	112	(1)
Constricted Toe Syndrome	112	(1)
Rearing Chicks: The Happy Ending	113	(19)
The Nursery	113	(4)
Temperature and Humidity	117	(1)
Feeding the Chicks	118	(6)
Removing Chicks from the Nest	124	(1)
Marking Chicks	124	(2)
Weaning and Socializing Chicks	126	(1)
Proper Socialization	127	(5)
Selling Your Babies: The Long Good-bye	132	(8)
Prospective Markets	132	(4)
Pricing and Advertising	136	(1)
Health Warranties	136	(1)
Health Records and Vaccinations	137	(1)
Selling Unweaned Chicks	137	(3)
Resource Guide	140	(4)
Index	144