Is breeding a good way to earn?

[parrotman]

Hi everybody, I just wanted to ask if breeding is a good way to earn money or if it is not as simple as i think that it is.

 

[alshgs]

I’m not familiar with breeding but from what I’ve learned on this site, it really depends on how devoted you are, the species, whether or not you’re willing to hand feed, the amount of people that would want a baby, etc.

I’ll tag someone to help.

@BrianB

 

[Karearea]

No, breeding is not a good way to earn money. Getting the equipment (incubators, cages/aviaries, nest boxes), managing the birds (fresh food in their diet, vet visits, disease testing, sex testing, shipping), and actually raising the young (formula feeding, weaning, fledging, training) will cost an absolute ton of time, energy, and money. Most breeders don't see positive returns for at least a few years. It's such a poorly-earning market that a huge amount of bird breeders and businesses stop after less than 5-7 years - I made a huge list of bird breeders in 2020/2021 and by now around half of them are out of business. Would not recommend breeding solely for money.

 

[Jan]

For sure it's not quick money. A lot of know how and set up on every aspect of breeding birds. Time involved is tremendous. All depends on how many pairs you have too, the more birds the more of all involved. I bred birds from 1987 to 2009.

 

[Emma&pico]

I think you have to do it for love of birds not for profit with the time energy money that goes into it
my breeder friends say money they earn on babies goes straight back into birds for first few years

 

[BrianB]

It's difficult to say, and numerous factors are involved. It depends on the species you breed, the demand for them, the part of the world you are in, the local economy, and the demographic you are targeting. Not all of that is within your control. I know of breeders who made a lot of money breeding softbills. They had rare species that brought in the high dollars, and common species that paid for the supplies. It was their life, not just a hobby on the side. They didn't just buy some birds and start making money. It began small and gradually expanded over the years.

If you're talking about parrots, then you must consider the initial investment, the time you're willing to devote to it, and the ongoing expenses. There may be local or national laws that restrict the species you have access to. Most breeders will tell you that they either lose money, barely break even, or make a minimal profit. There were years when we made good money, and there were very bad years that hurt our savings. Financially, over the years, I would say we broke even.

Are you going to get rich from it? No, not unless you find a rare species that's in high demand and you have the financial means to get started. It can be both rewarding and heartbreaking. If you're willing to put the work in, the love you get in return is worth it. Love will fill your heart and soul, but unfortunately, it won't pay the mortgage.

 

[Rebel]

A few years back i thought id try to make some extra money by selling some babies. I ended up getting attached to them and kept them. Ill never try that again.

 

[Finchbreed]

As someone who has bred - and sold excess - birds for over 35yrs - no it is not a good way to earn money. In good years you will make a profit. But good years happen about once every 10yrs. My birds are finches, quail, canaries and doves.
My mother has been breeding - and selling excess - birds for over 55yrs - she says the same thing. Mothers birds are Budgies, and have been, cockatiels, finches and canaries.
Breeding birds is something you do for the love of it, and to better understand genetics. It takes a LOT of your time and - if you do it right - a lot of initial cost.