Just got a text message from Sir Benji today, telling me he now has a Triple Black zebra(BBBFBC). I have yet to see a Triple Black, even in a picture, and I can’t wait to see it from our next FinchMe Featured Breeder, Mr. Benji Sengson of Bulacan.

As with Stan aka Seona, I asked Benji to give some personal info about himself. Here’s what he said.

• I was a member of a punk/hardcore band during the mid 80’s called George Imbecile and the Idiots.
• I am an ABS-CBN employee, a sound engineer, since 1996.
• As a breeder, I am aiming for red and triple b zebras.

Benji sent me tons of pictures of his stock but failed to send me his own picture(Pwede nyo po bang ihabol ito? hehe). I may have to require this for future FinchMe breeders.

So much for the introductions. Here’s the interview proper.

Full Name: Benjamin O. Sengson
Address: Bulacan
Contact No.: 09209072305
Breeder Since: November 2005
Breeds: Finches and Waxbills

Interview:

Why did you breed finches? And is it more of a hobby or a business venture?
With my limited space, no choice but to go for small birds, after acquiring my first zebra “man I was hooked!!!”. They’re adorable, interesting, and very very rewarding(emotionally). I consider it a hobby with a little business on the side.

When did you start breeding? What was your first pair(s)?
T’was a childhood hobby/addiction that i wasn’t able to kick off he he, nagkaroon ako ng keets when I was a kid pero lagi namamatay. Then I shifted to pigeons, then successfully got rid of the habit during college.
Nov 2005, I started w/ a pair of normal grey zebra finch and after 3 months they surprised me with 4 small eggs.

Can you share some of the great experiences you had as a breeder? How about the not-so-great?
I’ll start w/ the funny experience first—it was the first hatched from my first pair, so happy muntik na kong magpabinyag nung napisa he he he. I was telling all my friends (experienced breeders w/ hi mutes) and looking back always brings a smile, wonder what they’re thinking back then he he.

Back to the question, it was when I was able to produce 2 crested male bfbc. After weaning for a week they died.
There’s one time when I bought 2 male cuthroats on a poultry shop in Quezon Ave. After 2 days nakawala! Happened so fast.. and there goes my hard earned buck.
Waaaa!!!

What were the initial difficulties and current difficulties that you experience in breeding finches?
initial difficulties -Endless nights of research and reading to gather more knowledge about finches.
current difficulties- still endless nights of research and reading to gather more knowledge about finches.
Seriously,initial difficulty?siguro yung pahabaan ng pasensya kahihintay magbreed ng alaga ko at yung galit ni misis kasi lagi akong nakatanga dun sa cage ng ibon .

Yung current naman ay yung pag mamaintain kasi medyo madami na sila kaya mahabang oras na ang kailangan para magpakain, painom at paglinis. Laging after lunch na ko nakakapasok sa trabaho.

What’s your most favourite finch and mutation(color, form) from your stock?
Black face black breasted chestnut flanked white male zebra finch.

How many pairs of birds do you currently have(zebras, gouldians, and canaries)? How much do you spend all in all every month to keep them(for electricity bill, food, vitamins, nests and cages, other supplies)?
More or less 80 zebras, 4 canaries, a pair of each (owl, cutthroat, pied yellow star, masked, diamond firetail, strawberry, silver java, and white shaftail),1 goldbreast waxbill.
Hindi ko kino-compute ang expenses eh, basta masaya ako, lam mo na, yung emotional fulfilment oks na ko dun. Sobra-sobra pa nga binibigay nilang kasiyahan sa akin kapag binalanse mo lalabas me utang pa ko sa kanila.

What’s the most expensive bird you have ever bought?
My canaries.

What’s the rarest mutation you currently have?
I think its my yellowbeak zebras.

Update: Triple Black (picture to follow)

Who in your opinion are the best finch breeders of the country?

Naku madami yan! Magtatampo yan pag isa lang ang sinabi ko.
Sa zebra andyan ang mga idol kong sina Zeb ng ppf, Rolly of Novaliches, Sergio at Jonell ng south.
Sa canary sina Rolly, John Albert, at Hansel.
Sa gouldians naman andyan sina Manong Palos ng ppf, R. Amurao, Mr.So, at Art ng Bulacan.

Have you entered your birds in a bird show(and won)?
In my dreams he he… Hindi pa. Di pa show quality ang mga birds ko.

Can you tell us a well-kept secret formula, routine, or food mix that is essential in your success as a breeder?
Successful breeder ba ako? Di naman eh.. Dami nga lagi casualties sa mga hatchlings eh.
Buy the best and the most expensive food mix, vitamins/supplements, and treats that you can afford for your pets. Ikinulong natin sila kaya responsibilidad nating ibigay ang lahat ng nakukuha nila sa labas.

Who are your best friends in the breeding community?
Madami, halos lahat nagiging kaibigan ko. You know what makes the hobby exciting? It’s the friends you gain/meet along the way. Different people w/ different personalities and interesting stories about their experiences in bird keeping.

Wala bang nagagalit sa mga kasambahay nyo or kapitbahay dahil sa mga alaga nyong ibon?
Kasambahay? Si misis lang pag mahal yung binili kong ibon. Kapitbahay din nung una kasi me nagregalo sakin ng 1 pair na African lovebird e masyado daw maingay lalo na sa umaga kaya naipamigay ko rin, tapos bumili na ako ng zebra.

Lastly, what advice can you give to other Filipino finch breeders out there?
“Ang mainip, talo!” Lack of patience ang no.1 reason kaya maraming nag quit sa hobby. Saka yung lack of knowledge. Research, Research, Research, everything’s online and it’s free!!!! Then gather infos and tips from experienced breeders tapos balansehin na lang, minsan may mga breeders na ayaw i-share lahat.

Here’s my most favorite picture out of all the pics Benji sent me.