What is an aviculturist?
An aviculturist is someone who breeds and raises birds. Aviculture is the practice of keeping and breeding birds in captivity. Aviculturists care for birds in aviaries or other enclosures, providing them with proper housing, diet, and healthcare. The goal of aviculture is to maintain healthy breeding populations of various bird species. Aviculturists may breed birds for conservation purposes, for the pet trade, or for their own personal enjoyment. Some focus on specific families of birds, like parrots, finches, or doves, while others have more diverse collections. Successful aviculturists have extensive knowledge about the species in their care regarding behavior, reproduction, diseases and nutrition. They must be able to maintain detailed records and have aviculture skills like wing trimming, handfeeding chicks, and assisting with eggs hatching. Overall, an aviculturist is someone passionate about bird husbandry and welfare.
Why become an aviculturist?
There are many great reasons to become an aviculturist:
– You love birds! Aviculturists get the chance to work hands-on with amazing birds every day. It’s a career for true bird lovers.
– Conservation. Many avian species are threatened in the wild. Responsible aviculture helps preserve endangered species and maintain genetic diversity through managed breeding programs.
– Scientific opportunity. Breeding birds in captivity allows researchers to study avian behavior, physiology, genetics and more up close. Aviculturists contribute to advancing scientific knowledge about birds.
– Preservation of rare breeds. Aviculture keeps rare domesticated bird breeds from becoming extinct. Breeders maintain genetic lines of heritage poultry, pigeons, and waterfowl.
– Companionship and joy. There’s something profoundly rewarding about raising birds successfully from hatching to adulthood. Sharing your avian expertise provides pet owners with companion birds.
– Career potential. Aviculture skills are in demand at zoos, nature centers, breeders, sanctuaries and pet shops. Or you can even operate your own aviary business.
– Creative outlet. Caring for birds allows you to express your creativity. You design aviaries, enrich their environment, and find novel solutions for their needs.
So in summary, becoming an aviculturist lets you turn your passion for birds into a fulfilling lifestyle or career helping preserve both wild and domestic species. If you’re curious, dedicated and love birds, aviculture could be right for you!
What are the requirements to become an aviculturist?
To become a successful aviculturist, the main requirements are:
Knowledge
You need extensive knowledge about general bird biology and behavior, the specific needs of species in your care, genetics, reproduction, incubation techniques, chick rearing methods, proper housing and nutrition. This knowledge comes from hands-on experience, connecting with mentors, reading books by avian experts, taking ornithology courses, and attending avicultural conferences. Being a lifelong learner is crucial – there’s always more to discover about properly caring for birds.
Hands-on skills
Expert aviculturists need the following practical skills:
– Constructing and maintaining aviaries and other bird housing
– Preparing specialized diets for each species
– Setting up nestboxes, providing materials for nestbuilding
– Monitoring birds for signs of illness and providing medical care
– Trimming wings/nails
– Training birds through positive reinforcement
– Safely capturing, handling and restraining birds
– Record keeping and data tracking
– Incubating eggs and hatching chicks
– Hand-feeding infant birds
– Managing breeding to maintain genetic diversity
These skills are developed through extensive hands-on practice under the guidance of a seasoned aviculturist. Patience and care for the birds is mandatory.
Facilities and equipment
Proper facilities and equipment are vital, including:
– Aviaries, flight cages, brooders and nurseries designed specifically for each species
– Nestboxes, perches, toys and other housing furnishings
– Incubators and hatchers for egg incubation and hatching
– Brooder heaters for newly hatched chicks
– Handfeeding formula and supplies
– Health monitoring tools like scales and microscopes
– Record keeping system and studbook
– Permitting and licenses (depending on location and species kept)
Many aviculturists start on a small scale at home with just a few aviaries and gradually expand their operation. Zoos, breeders and sanctuaries have much more extensive facilities.
Time and dedication
Birds require daily care and close observation. Breeding birds and raising chicks is a time-intensive process requiring extensive commitment. Aviculturists also spend plenty of time researching, networking, record keeping, maintaining facilities, and acquiring new skills. For commercial aviculture businesses, significant time must be devoted to marketing and administration too. It certainly helps to be organized and diligent. But for avid bird lovers, the workload is extremely rewarding.
Networking
Getting involved in avian organizations, clubs, online forums and conferences allows you to keep improving your knowledge, facilities and breeding practices. Connecting with other aviculturists provides mentorship opportunities, access to productive breeding stock and support for your conservation initiatives. Over time, you establish relationships and a reputation in the aviculture community.
What are the steps to start an aviculture career?
If you want to get into aviculture, here are some key steps to kickstart your new career:
Volunteer at a zoo, aviary, or breeder
Volunteering is the best way to gain hands-on experience under the wing of expert aviculturists. You’ll learn proper bird handling, aviary maintenance, incubation techniques and more. Make connections that can help you further your aviculture ambitions.
Complete an avian internship or apprenticeship
Intensive training programs allow you to fully immerse yourself in the field. Work alongside aviculturists on all aspects of bird propagation at a zoo, university or private facility. Internships and apprenticeships provide startup training and opportunities to get hired.
Earn a degree in ornithology or biology
A bachelor’s degree in ornithology, zoology or biology establishes formal credentials and avian care knowledge. Coursework covers topics like avian anatomy, behavior, captive breeding, genetics, and conservation. Hands-on lab work is also key.
Start your own backyard aviary
Gaining firsthand experience is the best education. Start small by constructing a starter aviary at home and acquiring a pair of starter birds, like finches or parrolets. Learn to care for them properly through daily hands-on interaction.
Join avicultural associations
Join bird and aviculture clubs, online forums, Facebook groups, listservs, etc. This connects you with a network of experts and fellow aviculturists who can advise and mentor you. It also keeps you on top of the latest aviculture advances.
Complete an avian vet assistant course
Learning skills like giving medications, collecting samples, and assisting with exams will enable you to properly monitor bird health. Work under an avian vet to handle real cases.
Volunteer at a bird rescue or sanctuary
Caring for rescued birds provides invaluable experience. You’ll work directly with avian species requiring specialized rehabilitation and gain medical skills. Make valuable connections for acquiring future breeding stock.
Attend bird shows, conventions and conferences
These regular gatherings allow you to network with aviculturists, learn the latest techniques, find breeding stock and locate mentors. Conferences like the American Federation of Aviculture Annual Convention are invaluable for launching an aviculture career.
Find a job at a zoo, aviary, or breeder
Once you’ve built up substantial knowledge and experience, look for entry-level jobs as an aviary attendant, bird specialist, or keeper. This hands-on work experience will let you advance in your aviculture career.
Obtain permits and licenses
To professionally breed birds, you’ll need permits, licenses, and inspection from organizations like the USDA, CITES, state wildlife agencies, etc. Proper permitting is mandatory for legally propagating exotic bird species.
Conclusion
Becoming an aviculturist requires extensive knowledge, hands-on skills, proper facilities, networking, and passion for bird conservation. While it takes significant time and dedication, raising birds successfully from egg to adulthood is incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps to launch your aviculture career: volunteer or intern at an established aviary, complete an ornithology degree, start your own small aviary, join avian organizations, take vet assistant courses, work/volunteer at rescues, attend bird conferences, get jobs in the field, and obtain all necessary permits and licenses. With determination and persistence, you’ll be pursuing your dream career as a professional aviculturist in no time!