Getting Started
Important points to consider before taking up the hobby of cage & avairy bird breeding and or exhibition. The list gives a number of points to ponder before you get going, not in any particular order, but all are of equal importance.
One of your first considerations must be, have I got the time required to look after the birds correctly? Dependant on what variety of birds you are thinking of, often determines how much actual time will be required.
Before starting to build your new aviary consider what species you would like to keep, and get a much information about these as possible. It may be a good idea at this point to contact either a local enthusiast, or your local cage bird society, where you will be able to meet and discuss your thoughts with experienced members who will be only too pleased to offer advice.
Get confirmation from your local authority about any requirements or conditions they may have with respect to Keeping birds and errecting of sheds and aviaries. Many authorities have local bylaws which must be complied with, with respect to position, location and sizes of sheds and aviaries. To errect something which does not fit the bill, will cost you a great deal of hardship and money if they have to be relocated. Your local cage bird society should also be able to give some advice on this as well.
Costs to setup even a small garden aviary can run into several hundreds of pounds, and if you intend to setup a stud of exhibition birds then this cost can run into many hundreds of pounds.
To be cost effective, can you convert existing outbuildings or maybe a shed that you already own, check your local papers for bargin sheds in the for sale adverts sections. Maybe the columns of Cage & Aviary magazine may have adverts for fanciers selling up equipment and stock. Before any building make sure your plans are what you actually require, and if it is possible make provision for furture expansion and alterations. No doubt you will find once you have your first chicks on the perches, you will wish IF ONLY!!!!!
One thing to note at this point is the provision of an electricity supply. During the summer months this may not be required at all dependant on what birds you are keeping. However during the winter months will be essential to provide light so you can feed them when you return from work at the end of the day. It maybe that heat will also be required in the bird room during winter, so it is best to note these on your plans before any building work begins.
Remember you dont have to go it alone, maybe a partnership with a relative or friend, this could help reduce the initial expenditure.
Don't forget to consider others, how will affect your neighbours? (some birds can be very noisy). What about your partner and children if you have a family, or your parents if you live at home. Other interests you may have how will it impact on them?
Once you have come to the decision that you wish to proceed be determined, don't give up if things go wrong in the initial stages but seek further help and advice.
Buy your stock from reputable people, no doubt the local cage bird society and members will be able to offer a great deal of advice on this subject, and maybe able to offer you some stock to start you on your way. Don't fall into the trap of spending all your budget on a few expensive birds to start with, gain some experience with some slightly less expensive birds. As your confidence grows and grow it will, sell on your unwanted surpluss birds and gradually improve and introduce the more expensive ones as you gain experience.
Always buy the best and cleanest seeds you can afford for your birds. Your birds will need a variety of seeds and other foods. You will learn that their feeding habits will change over the course of the year, and it will be up to you to provide the correct diet for them as they require.