BRANDON - The 240 exotic birds flanking the lanai outside Linda and Alan Loehr's place represent what they hope is the beginning of a thriving business.
Since receiving a zebra finch as a gift more than two years ago, the Loehrs have developed a passion for the tiny birds, built up a breeding stock and hope to start selling birds to other enthusiasts.
They raise colorful Lady Gouldian finches, society finches and parrotlets, tiny parrots about the size of parakeets.
Since their first pair bred and the female laid eggs in their feeding tray, the Loehrs have been hooked.
"It's so exciting to see the eggs hatch and watch them feed the babies," Linda Loehr said. "They're so tiny. You can pick them up with a teaspoon."
Male Gouldians sport rich, brilliant feathers in red, purple, blue, yellow and green. The females' colors are more muted.
Now that they've established a base population, the couple hope to market finches through their business, Fly Babies. To learn more, call (813) 681-9611.
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