From My First African Grey to a Lifetime of Handrearing
Written by Yolandi van den Berg
Blissful Wings Breeding Facility
Some journeys begin with a carefully planned path. Others begin with a little baby bird, a bowl of formula, and a kitchen covered in food. Mine began with an African Grey.
Being given the opportunity to write about two subjects so close to my heart, incubation and handrearing is a true honour. When Geraldene from PASA invited me to write for the Avizandum website and social media platforms, I didn’t hesitate. Public speaking may be far outside my comfort zone, but writing…writing fits me like a glove.
Over the coming articles, I will take you behind the scenes of incubation and handrearing, sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years. From understanding the egg and setting the incubator, to hatching, feeding, weighing, hygiene, growth, development and eventually weaning
The Person Behind the Babies
But before we get into the technical side, I thought I would share a little about the person behind the babies.
I was blessed to grow up with wonderful parents who taught me the values of hard work, responsibility, compassion and perseverance. Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape the way I care for my birds today.
My first Experience
My first baby was an African Grey I received from my parents. I still remember that first handrearing experience and the formula that somehow ended up everywhere! Looking back, it makes me smile when I think about how passionate I have become about keeping my babies clean and giving them the best possible start.
Over the years, my love for birds has grown into a lifelong passion. I can spend hours watching them, researching them and learning from them. And if you ask me which species has my heart, there is only one answer: The Green-winged Macaw.
I have also been incredibly fortunate to learn from and be inspired by people within the bird industry. Tony Silva is someone I have always looked up to for his knowledge and passion for birds, while Uncle Dennis and Auntie Rina have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey when I first started.
Guided by Faith
Yet when people ask me where I received my training, my answer is simple, the Lord.
There have been many moments when I stood in front of an egg or a baby without knowing what to do. Somehow, I was always given the wisdom to take the next step. The Lord deserves the glory.
My husband and my two sons are my pillars. They understand the long hours, early mornings and chaos that comes with breeding season, and their support means more to me than words can say.
This year, my eldest son, Steven, joined me in the work, and watching him develop his own love for aviculture has brought me so much joy. Knowing that this passion I have carried for so many years may continue into another generation is incredibly special to me.
So, as we begin this journey together, I hope these articles will not only share information, but also encourage, teach and perhaps inspire you in your own journey with baby birds.
There is always more to learn, and after all these years, I am still learning.
It is a privilege to work with God’s creation…
