Owned and operated by Steve Duncan, Avian Resources is a closed facility that currently maintains well over 50 species of birds in the breeding program. Production focuses primarily on hand-raised parrots, however, other varieties of birds such as finches, softbills, and doves are also raised. Avian Resources' goals are to provide quality birds, friendly and knowledgeable help for new bird owners as well as experienced aviculturists, and to inspire compassion for birds, both captive and wild.
Backgound
Steve attended California State Polytechnic University at Pomona where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. As part of his degree, He completed an internship at the
International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Steve developed a passion for nature photography as well during his college years.Steve is a life-long bird watcher who began raising pigeons at age 11 and now has over 35 years of experience with many different species of birds in captivity. Steve worked in the retail pet industry for 12 years while building his bird collection. Avian Resources was established in 1988 as a commercial bird farm producing birds for sale to retail pet stores across the United States.
Steve is the President of the Avicultural Society of America (ASA). Founded in 1927, ASA is the original and oldest national avicultural organization in America devoted to promoting aviculture and educating the public on the proper care of birds in captivity. He is a regular writer for the Avicultural Bulletin, published by ASA. He has been very active on legislative issues on behalf of the avicultural community, providing testimony to local, state, and federal government agencies.
Steve enjoys sharing his knowledge and love for birds. He has found creative ways to incorporate his passion for science and for birds into his careers and pastimes. He is a guest-lecturer at Mount San Antonio College on the topic of Aviculture. He speaks at various local and national bird club events on avicultural and legislative topics. He also speaks at schools on the topics of aviculture, conservation, and the value of science degrees in career planning.
Breeding Facility and Management
In any bird breeding facility where different types of birds are kept, there is a need to segregate the varieties according to their individual needs. This helps in managing the collection, and it helps to provide the best conditions for the birds themselves. At our breeding facility, there are separate areas for each of the following groups - conures, macaws/amazons, cockatoos, and African parrots. Breeding pairs of parrots are housed 1 pair per enclosure. Individual, freestanding aviaries are used for the non-parrot members of the collection such as pigeons & doves, softbills, and ground birds. Many of these types of birds are kept in mixed colonies. Avian Resources is located in southern California so our birds enjoy the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and rain year-round. The following information primarily concerns the parrot aspect of the facility since that is the main focus of our bird farm.
← Conure breeding area. The cages are arranged for easy maintenance and minimal disturbance of the breeding birds. Pellets are placed in the hoppers. Fresh foods, such as sprouts, fruits, vegetables and seed, are provided in paper trays on a daily basis. Once the birds are done eating their fresh foods, they have a nice paper toy to chew and play with. Waste falls through the wire cage bottom to the cement floor below for easy clean-up. Clean water is provided on demand with special drinking valves and plumbing to each cage.
Macaw breeding area→
Set up similar to the Conure area, but with much larger enclosures for the birds.
← A happy pair of Blue-fronted Amazons guarding their nest.
Most
of our breeders are born right here. We select the best individuals based upon
health, color, and temperament to hold back for future breeding stock. It takes
several years for most parrots to become sexually mature. During this time, they
are typically housed in communal aviaries where their social skills can develop.
Halfmoon, Black-capped and Yellow-sided Green-cheek Conures→
← A group of young Poicephalus Parrots (Meyer's and Senegal Parrots)
Diet and Feeding
Providing an excellent diet is essential to maintaining healthy breeders and producing healthy chicks. The birds are provided fresh food every day, 365 days a year, rain or shine, in sickness and health. There are several parts to the diet we feed to our parrots. A custom-made, low-fat, high quality, non-colored, breeder pellet is provided at all times. In addition to the pellets, the birds receive a custom blend of sprouts (consisting of 15% sunflower mixed with a variety of peas, beans and grains), fresh fruits, nuts and, vegetables along with a measured amount of dry seed.
Nursery
Our new, state-of-the-art nursery is nearing completion. This fully self-contained 1800 square foot building has all the amenities for the proper care of the babies produced at Avian Resources. For detailed information on our nursery and nursery management, please read the article, Nursery Management for Commercial Breeders.