After initially housing birds in her conservatory, KATARINA JECHOVA ELLIS soon became hooked on the hobby and enlisted the help of a friend to enhance, not only her set-up, but the variety of breeds and number of individual birds as well.
CANARIES
KATARINA Jechova Ellis is not only an enthusiastic canary breeder but is now an exhibitor, having recently ventured towards the show bench. During a recent visit, she shared her birdkeeping experiences and described her first show.
Dave Brown: What breeds do you keep?
Katarina Jechova Ellis: At the moment I have a few different breeds of canaries, which I keep in partnership with my friend, Paul Hague. These are Fifes, harlequins, Scots fancies, Staffords, north Dutch frills, Glosters, mosaics and satinettes; also three pairs of siskins.
My friend and I accommodate more breeds between us because it’s our first year of keeping birds together. I also have a new larger aviary. We chose a few different varieties to make the most of colours, appearance and song.
Initially, I think most fanciers try to keep a few breeds because it can be quite tough to decide with so many varieties being available. Perhaps, sticking with one or two breeds would be ideal, especially when showing them. We plan to downsize after next year to a maximum of three or four breeds to concentrate more on perfection and showing.
DB: Does your hobby involve the whole family?
Denne historien er fra January 31, 2018-utgaven av Cage & Aviary Birds.
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Denne historien er fra January 31, 2018-utgaven av Cage & Aviary Birds.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?
Intensively studied, the gem-like Anna’s hummingbird is a welcome visitor to the gardens of America’s most populous state: California. Bill Naylor investigates its life history
The charm of the English Cinnamon
Despite its long and complicated history, the true Cinnamon canary is still with us – in the hands of a tiny group of breeders. DONALD SKINNER-REID reckons it deserves wider appreciation
Spangles: a personal overview
FRED WRIGHT relates a budgie story of over-exploitation, consequent problems and abundant potential for the future
New converts to old breeds
Old and rare canaries have a reputation for adding fresh interest and challenge to the hobby. PETE HOOK and NICK JOY agree, and explain the birds’ charm to Dave Brown
Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show
DECORATIVE AVIARY DISPLAYS from a CBS and an online bird keeping advice group were voted in the top three by visitors for the inaugural Stafford Aviary Competition.
Pieds with potential
More than just a lesser variety, the dominant pied will introduce challenge and change into most studs, reckons CLIVE WAKEMAN. Here he discusses pairings to try and others to avoid
Club News
Welcome to the club and show pages – the bit that’s all about you Results: convention, specialist & rare and Breeder of the Year
Canaries Month by Month:
With Christmas around the corner, BRIAN KEENAN is well into his winter programme, and reckons he might deserve a nice outcross
Smart Choice, Docile Nature
Dave Brown welcomes the masked grassfinch to his birdroom and shares advice on this lovely Australian species
The truth about the ‘flying toad'
Odd local names and weird superstitions can’t hide the beauty and elegance of the nightjar, a species that has made a fascinating subject in a few zoo collections, reveals BILL NAYLOR
