The Birdkeeping Bug

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.

- Dave Brown

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?