My Journey With The
Gloster Canary
by Victor Scerri !
Whether on a
documentary, in a natural resource, or in a bird room, birds always gave me a
particular sensation. With the gloster canaries it was love at first sight.
Back in 2008 I started the journey alongside the glosters with 4 pairs. At this
time my mind-set was, it’s just a hobby! With no previous experience, the first
breeding was not so encouraging with only 5 chicks bred. I had no idea about trimming
of vents and anti-mite treatment. Though, these chicks meant the world to me.
The following year, 2009, the stock increased to a total of 10 pairs out of
which I bred 36 young ones. The enthusiasm was on a high note and so I chose to
put my birds on the show bench. During my first showing, organised by the Maltese
Gloster Breeders Society my birds won 4 places. Year after year the breeding
pairs gradually increased. Results on the show bench were satisfying and encouraging.
This included promising placings such as Best Novice yellow, with a consort
hen.
This was the
time where I asked myself where I really wanted to go. After some research and
advice, I decided to contact Mr. Ian Wright this was in 2012. We discussed my
birds and explored the possibility of introducing his birds’ bloodline within
my stud. Over a 3 years plan I introduced 7 pairs from Ian Wright. Both Ian and
his father Rob were always a genuine helping hand and continuously followed the
improvement of my stud. Both Ian and his father Rob visited my bird room.
Seeing the gloster
from another perspective, I planned to improve the conditions of my bird room.
In 2013 I moved the birds to a new room which can hold up to 50 pairs. The new
room consists of 52 breeding cages, out of which 12 can be used as flights, LED
tubes and a light dimmer, 2 inline extractors of 5inch and 3ft window which I
leave open all year round. The second step was to introduce the second
bloodline. Again, after some research and advice I contacted Mr. Rene Alsemma.
Knowing what additions I needed for my stud, I introduced two pairs of gloster pairs
from Rene Alsemma.
The glosters
which I introduced from abroad brought heavy criticism from local breeders. At
times I seriously considered quitting the hobby as it was crystal clear that
the hobby became a business opportunity for some breeders. Nonetheless, I continuously
saw progress amongst my birds which was also accompanied with great results on
the show bench. My birds were regular winners, with several bests and back to
back winning the Malta Glosters Breeders Society Challenge Cup Annual in 2016
and 2017.
2017 was the
year where I started the journey amongst the Champions Section. Competition was
harder and expectations were higher. It was about time to know where the
quality and standard of my glosters really stood. Good pairing, successful
breeding season and lot of patience during the moulting season were the
components of a successful first time showing amongst the Champion Section. Winning
9 classes, Best Cinammon and Best Gloster in Show were the first results in the
National All Gloster Show. This was unexpected and amazing!
As always,
hard work pays off. A few months ago I received a message from Mr. Edward
Loughran who offered me the possibility to judge at the Humberside Gloster Show.
Judging is never easy and so was my decision. Following support and
encouragement by local fanciers and Mr. Dave Rands and Trevor Gottard, I
decided to take the challenge. After all there’s always a first time!
