In the vast landscape of pet and livestock breeding, there exists a trove of knowledge and experience among breeders that often goes unheard. 

Welcome to “The Breeder’s Voice” series, a platform dedicated to amplifying the insights and experiences of breeders who are the backbone of the animal breeding industry. 

From avian enthusiasts to exotic animal connoisseurs, this series delves into the world of breeders, shining a spotlight on their expertise and passion.

In this instalment, we focus on Tim from Feather’s n Things, an esteemed Australia-based breeder specialising in exotic birds, particularly Macaws, and a diverse array of other captivating animals.

Let’s explore a Macaw Breeder in Australia!

YouChoose is a platform dedicated to giving breeders a voice and a place to share their expertise and showcase and sell their animals. Through YouChoose, Tim envisions a future where breeders and enthusiasts alike can connect, learn, and celebrate nature’s creations.

Tim’s journey into breeding and his insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and care that goes into producing quality animals.

Join us as we dive into the heart of animal breeding, where each story is as unique as the Macaws themselves.

Tim’s journey into breeding animals began during his childhood in regional Victoria, Australia. As a young boy, he spent much of his time outdoors, surrounded by the diverse Australian wildlife. 

There, he developed an appreciation for parrots and cockatoos, drawn to their unique behaviours and innate intelligence.

Tim’s interest in large macaws began earlier on and was sparked by a magazine article, that planted the seed to learn more and eventually specialise in breeding them.

From his upbringing surrounded by nature to his ongoing efforts in avian breeding, Tim’s journey has been marked by a sincere passion for the natural world and its creatures. 

The first animals Tim ever bred were some of the first Red Rump parrot mutations that were imported into Australia in the 1990s. As well as some of the early Princess parrot mutations. What he initially thought would be a straightforward process of putting two adult birds together to produce young was not at all true. 

Getting birds to successfully lay fertile eggs, incubate those eggs and rear young to fledging soon becomes a significant learning curve. 

Tim highlights the stark disparity between theoretical knowledge and the practical realities of breeding. Hands-on experience and continuous learning are crucial when it comes to the care of animals.

Not to depreciate the importance of doing your homework BEFORE you take on any animal especially exotic bird breeds such as Blue and Gold Macaws.

Despite encountering obstacles along the way, Tim’s determination paved the path to many successful breeding endeavours across many avian breeds including, 

Through this experience, Tim has accumulated a wealth of invaluable knowledge on breeding these majestic animals. 

He is eager to share this knowledge with anyone who’d like to know more—particularly those who’d like to own and experience the richness these birds can bring to your life. 

Among the multitude of animals Tim has bred, one particular species stands out – the blue mutation of the black-headed caique. 

Visit Tim’s YouChoose Profile

Among the multitude of animals Tim has bred, one particular species stands out – the blue mutation of the black-headed caique. 

These birds, rare in the country, posed both challenges and rewards for Tim. Given their rarity and specific genetic traits, breeding these unique birds is an extremely precise process. The delicate nature of the blue mutation required careful attention to breeding techniques and meticulous care during the rearing stages. 

Tim concentrates on outcrossing the genetics from the blue mutation birds with stronger genes from normal birds. He helps with incubation and ‘assist hatches’ for a majority of the eggs.

Neonate Caiques have very fast metabolisms. They initially require feeding every 1 -2 hrs for the first week and then regular formula feeds for at least 3 months before they wean. Neonate Caiques can also aspirate very easily therefore Tim tube feeds and handles the babies to a minimum when very young.

Tim’s adeptness at successfully raising and rearing them demonstrates his expertise and commitment as a breeder.

Through YouChoose, Tim shares his experiences with these standout animals, offering valuable insights to fellow breeders and enthusiasts.

Traditional advertising channels for animal sales are dwindling, platforms like YouChoose provide breeders with a vital means of connecting with enthusiasts and buyers.

Breeders are faced with increasing limitations on traditional marketing channels. Tim, like many others, recognises the diminishing opportunities for advertising, especially with recent restrictions on platforms like Facebook. 

Government regulations and pressure from advocacy groups further compound these challenges. This makes it increasingly difficult for breeders to connect with potential buyers.

Tim recognises the importance of ethical breeding practices and the necessity for trustworthy platforms to showcase them. 

With the emergence of YouChoose, breeders now have a vital avenue for reaching out to their audience. Tim sees the potential in YouChoose and it being an essential tool for breeders to navigate the shifting landscape of animal sales and promotion.

Tim believes in the power of education and hopes to inspire future generations of breeders to uphold ethical standards and prioritise animal welfare.

Tim’s ambition extends beyond his current focus on some of the more common types of Macaws currently available in Australia. He aims to delve into breeding rarer species like Hyacinth macaws, Buffon Macaws and mutation Blue and Gold Macaws. Also expanding the diversity of his breeding endeavours and contributing to the preservation of endangered avian species. 

Grampians Feathers n Things have also recently added Valais Blacknose Sheep. Otherwise known as the ‘Cutest Sheep in the World’ to the farm. These sheep are native to the Valais region of Switzerland and are still extremely rare in Australia with the first lambs expected to be born around Anzac Day. 

Tim is also committed to staying current on new technologies and advancements in breeding practices. By embracing innovation, he seeks to enhance the efficiency, health, and well-being of the animals under his care, ensuring that he maintains the highest standards of breeding excellence.

Tim recognises the importance of trust and reliability in the breeding industry.

He wants to use YouChoose to connect and build a network of breeders like himself who are easily accessible and trusted by potential buyers. This includes a commitment to accountability and ensuring that all of his customers receive animals of the highest quality and health standards.

Tim sees a future where he can actively engage with the community and educate others about responsible pet ownership and conservation efforts. 

He plans to take some of his animals, including ostriches, emus, wallabies and wombats to schools and public displays reflecting his commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife among future generations. 

Through platforms like YouChoose, he sees an opportunity to not only realise his aspirations but also contribute to the broader advancement and sustainability of the breeding industry.

As we continue to uncover the voices of breeders like Tim, we gain valuable insights that enrich the breeding network and pave the way for a more informed and ethical industry.

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