Breeding Parrots

I love parrots and I want to start breeding them as a hobby. I have been researching and reading a lot. The only problem is I don't know what species to breed. I was thinking cockatiels or macaws. I already have a large outdoor aviary (I live in Arizona) its 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet tall. I realize I would have to make another, bigger aviary if I decided on macaws. I also plan on taking my breeders to an avian vet to make sure they are healthy before going through with the breeding.

Also, if I wanted to sell the babies, how would I go about doing that? Do they need bands? I have read a LOT on hand feeding and have practiced hand feeding baby pigeons (my uncle raises and races pigeons), so that's not a problem.

Is there another, different species that is better for a first time breeder? I love cockatiels and macaws, but I haven't really thought about any other species.

Any other suggestions or advice? I don't plan on becoming a full scaled breeder, I just want to do this as a hobby.

Welcome to the forum. I have to ask if you have any experience owning a parrot 1st and foremost? Cockatiels and macaws are at the extreme end of the spectrum of each other. Having been a breeder for over 15 yrs I can assure you you will not make money, have any free time and work your butt off. There are so many birds in rescues right now, I don't think it is feasible to add to the population just to appease a hobby. JMPO.

In my opinion the world does not need any more hobby breeders of birds. You could use your avairy to house some of the many many homless birds.
http://thetrueparrot.homestead.com/unwanted.html

Spiritbird said:

In my opinion the world does not need any more hobby breeders of birds. You could use your avairy to house of the many many homless birds.
Why People Give up Parrots; The Unwanted Bird

Click to expand...

But I think they want to make money Spirit. I agree, there are way more breeders out there than there needs to be and not nearly enough responsible pet owners.

I used to breed Cockatiels. Just understand that it is almost like a full time job! You don't just handfeed, you must train them as well!!! Think twice before getting into it. Im fixing to raise baby tiels again because mine started laying. They did NOT like boys before until I moved them into my aviary. Im being forced to sell my fish tanks so I have all the time in the world for the babies. I did not plan this as the tiels were kept together prior even with the previous owner they did not do this until in the aviary. I have witnessed them mating for sure so now I can only wait to see if eggs are fertile. We're kinda excited to see the babies. Its been 10 years since I handfed last. Still remember it like it was yesterday.. breeding macaws is nothing like raising tiels. Much longer handfeeding time so fourth so on. You must consider much more then just a hobby breeder! Its almost like someone put you in a breeding program just for fun!

Miizki, try to find out what bird may be in demand in your area. There's no point in breeding a bird that is plentiful. I've been giving some thought to breeding Linnies, as there are no breeders here....and Levi would love a girlfriend...BUT I have to be sure I have the time, and that there is a demand. I do think that you should probably start with something a little easier than Macaws. If you enjoy the experience you could always move on to Macaws later...

Actually I just love hand feeding. I know I wont make any money, but maybe the money that I make from the babies will help support my hobby. And yes, I have owned many types of parrots, but Macaws and cockatiels are my favorite. I think I will try breeding black masked lovebirds. I've looked and I can't seem to find any breeders of blackmasked lovebirds in my area. Thanks for the replies.