Our first FinchMe Featured Breeder hails from somewhere near Monumento, a popular landmark in Manila, Philippines.  We worked for the same company last year, and he’s one of my friends there.  One trivia I can share to you about him: this guy can talk basketball—the NBA, PBA, and even the amateur and college leagues—nonstop as long as you are willing to listen to him.  Funny thing, I discovered his love of pets only May of this year.  He’s actually the one who got me into finch breeding and so I believe this article is a way of repaying him.  Thanks Kurt!

Full Name:  Kurt Byron Ang
Address:  EDSA, Caloocan, Philippines
Contact No.:  +639064450558
Breeder Since:  June 2006
Breeds:  Zebra Finch, Gouldian Finch, Shaftail Finch, Java Finch, Diamond Doves, African Lovebirds, Parakeets

Interview:

FinchMe(FM). When and how did you start breeding finch?
Kurt(K). I started June 2006.  Somebody (my tutee) gave me a pair of zebra finch, and everything just rolled from then on.  

FM. What was the main reason behind it?
K. I’m a pet lover ever since I can remember.  I have been raising chickens, doves, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits since I was a kid of 8.  Then in 1996, I started breeding fish.  I did that for almost 10 years, until 2006. Then last year I discovered these cute little birds from a friend. Well, the main reason I started breeding finches is because it eases the stress that I feel from my day job.  The finches have now become a reason for me to wake up early in the morning and something to look forward to after coming from work.

FM. Can you tell us your usual day schedule with your finches, from morning until after you come home from work?
K. In the morning, I prepare their egg food—mainly consisting of fresh eggs, bird seeds, and even sometimes oats.  I usually mix in vitamins and supplements with the food. Most of the time I usually put Vitamin C in their water as well(For would-be breeders, make sure that you change the water every day!).  This everyday routine takes at least 1 hour.  Then I’m off to work. At night, our household helper puts in a new mix of food, sometimes with vegetables(cabbages) and usually I just inspect the birds and their cages. I would check for newly-laid eggs, chicks, and I usually keep a record of the pairs and their young.

FM.  What difficulties and setbacks have you encountered from breeding finches?
K.  The initial difficulties I have encountered are irresponsible finch parents throwing their eggs out of the nest basket. I’ve also had some pairs which do not tend to their young.  In these cases I just transfer the eggs or the chicks to another pair which will take care of them.

FM. Where do you usually get your birds?
K.  Most of my finches now come from breeders as well.  During my first few months, I used to shop at Cartimar near the LRT-Buendia train station. Then, I met some breeders and went to their place to get some new breeds.  Some of them were introduced by friends and other breeders, and I hope that through this website I will be able to meet more breeders for gene source, and even customers as well.  I’m planning to sell some of my birds already.

FM. How many finches do you now have?
K.  Right now? Finches? I think over a hundred. Monthly I get around 10 babies minimum from my breeders.

FM. Lastly, what advise can you give to other finch breeders?
K. Be patient with your birds, take good care of them, and just enjoy seeing nature at work! Hehehe..:)