How to find home for excess birds??

[Ryno2323]

I'm purchasing a small avairy that will be set up by a professional. He's recommending 7 birds including breeding pairs. If, at some point, I'm overpopulated with birds, what are my options for finding new homes for the extras? I haven't seen any information about this, but it certainly could become an issue.

[Sally]

One of the most difficult aspects of breeding is finding homes for the babies (depending on the species, of course). That is something that should be considered before breeding. Some professional companies that supply aviaries will purchase/take the babies. That was the procedure with an aviary at a nearby hospital, so they never had to worry about overpopulation. A lot will depend on where you are located, so if you put your general location in your profile, that will help. Also, if you are working with the more common species like Zebras and Societies, they can be difficult to rehome, simply because they are so readily available. What species are you planning to get? I'm also curious when you say 7 birds for the aviary. Why the odd number?

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. We'd also love to see photos when you get your aviary set up. BTW, what size will it be?

[paul-inAZ]

First, what are you breeding?
Then, where are you located?
These make a big difference in ease of selling birds.

I frequently use Craigslist. Free, local ads.
Another place for ads is Ebay classifieds. Not the Ebay auction site but the classifieds are a place for free ads tailored to your location.
Or try independent -non chain- pet shops.

[Ryno2323]

backed

One of the most difficult aspects of breeding is finding homes for the babies (depending on the species, of course). That is something that should be considered before breeding. Some professional companies that supply aviaries will purchase/take the babies. That was the procedure with an aviary at a nearby hospital, so they never had to worry about overpopulation. A lot will depend on where you are located, so if you put your general location in your profile, that will help. Also, if you are working with the more common species like Zebras and Societies, they can be difficult to rehome, simply because they are so readily available. What species are you planning to get? I'm also curious when you say 7 birds for the aviary. Why the odd number?

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at http://www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. We'd also love to see photos when you get your aviary set up. BTW, what size will it be?

Tentitevly planning 2 canarys, 2 lady Gouldian, & 3 societies. I too was wondering about the odd number , he just said its gives your a greater chance of having at least one male & female. I'm kind of leaving things up to the avairy service. I wanted some birds with some color, that's where the Gouldians came in. They do have a service company also that will visit your site every 3 months if I chose that route. They would remove the excess birds, but I just wondered what other options I might have. Less concerned about selling excess birds vs. just finding good homes for them in a very rural area. The avairy is 34" deep, 48" wide X 6' tall

[lovezebs]

Ryno2323

Hi.

As was already mentioned above, a lot depends on location and species of finches.

I would strongly recommend not breeding, until you know that you will have homes for your babies, or a place to sell them. Pet Shops, placing ads, Bird shows/sales, etc.

If this is not an option, than I would recommend keeping an all male aviary just for your personal enjoyment. One does not have to breed birds, to enjoy them, and breeding without planning ahead, is irresponsible, and can become an overwhelming situation very quickly.

[erine]

I agree with lovezebs. Your most reliable option is to have an all male aviary. Babies are fun, so I chose to have one clutch of zebras and am keeping all of them. I've since pitched all nests and tossed all eggs. The stress of over crowding is hard on birds and owner alike and is to be avoided unless you have reliable options for rehoming.