Yichang native builds side business breeding parrots
2025-02-26 20:02:18
By Ma Yuhan, Wan Chunfeng also contributed to this article.
At a parrot breeding farm in Dianziya Village, colorful parrots were practicing their speaking skills with the help of a radio. After their “language training,” the birds will be sold to new owners across the country.
Zheng Haoxing, a native of Xingshan County born in the 1980s, founded this parrot farm after returning to his hometown. He had studied in South Korea and worked at a travel agency in Qingdao after graduating in 2017. In 2021, however, Zheng found a new work in Yichang so he can move back home to be with his parents.
His journey into parrot breeding started by chance. After rescuing an injured parrot, he developed an interest in the field. He purchased breeding equipment online and bought over 10 birds to start his business.
However, Zheng's success didn’t come without challenges. One challenge came early on when he had bought an emerald cockatiel chick worth 1,700 yuan (US$234). Unfortunately, the bird caught a cold and without the necessary knowledge, Zheng was unable to save it.
Despite this setback, Zheng persisted. He turned to online resources and books to learn about parrot breeding. “Baby birds need to be fed every four hours, and the room temperature must always be kept at 20°C,” he said. Now, he can treat some basic parrot illnesses on his own.
Currently, the number of parrots he breeds has increased from just over 10 to more than 80, and the variety has expanded from two to eight. Through online sales, his birds are now sent to cities like Dalian, Guangzhou and those in Hainan. His income has exceeded 10,000 yuan a year from this business. In the future, Zheng plans to expand the farm and open a bed and breakfast to attract visitors.
At a parrot breeding farm in Dianziya Village, colorful parrots were practicing their speaking skills with the help of a radio. After their “language training,” the birds will be sold to new owners across the country.
Zheng Haoxing, a native of Xingshan County born in the 1980s, founded this parrot farm after returning to his hometown. He had studied in South Korea and worked at a travel agency in Qingdao after graduating in 2017. In 2021, however, Zheng found a new work in Yichang so he can move back home to be with his parents.
His journey into parrot breeding started by chance. After rescuing an injured parrot, he developed an interest in the field. He purchased breeding equipment online and bought over 10 birds to start his business.
However, Zheng's success didn’t come without challenges. One challenge came early on when he had bought an emerald cockatiel chick worth 1,700 yuan (US$234). Unfortunately, the bird caught a cold and without the necessary knowledge, Zheng was unable to save it.
Despite this setback, Zheng persisted. He turned to online resources and books to learn about parrot breeding. “Baby birds need to be fed every four hours, and the room temperature must always be kept at 20°C,” he said. Now, he can treat some basic parrot illnesses on his own.
Currently, the number of parrots he breeds has increased from just over 10 to more than 80, and the variety has expanded from two to eight. Through online sales, his birds are now sent to cities like Dalian, Guangzhou and those in Hainan. His income has exceeded 10,000 yuan a year from this business. In the future, Zheng plans to expand the farm and open a bed and breakfast to attract visitors.
