Leading Bahraini fancier EBRAHIM YAQOOB YUSUF is loving life at the cutting edge as he works on new colours across multiple species in his luxury set-up. Q&A: DAVE BROWN
ALL over the world, there are thriving bird-breeding scenes. And within those communities there are certain names that stand out as leading lights. That could be through their dedication to the hobby, as reflected in the quality of birds bred, their show results and the support given to show-promoting societies.
Bahrain has an enthusiastic and growing scene fuelled by many young fanciers and Ebrahim Yaqoob Yusuf is one of their top breeders. He founded the Bahrain Zebra Finch Club in 2013 and is now president of the Bahrain Bird Society. He has enjoyed consistent success at shows that have been judged by top UK and European judges.
Can you tell me a bit about your birdkeeping history?
I have been a big fan of fancy pigeons for as long as I can remember. Thanks to my parents, I became interested in birds quite early and got my first birds when I was 10 years old. A little later I was able to convince my parents, with arguments, that I needed to build up my cages with my brothers. So I soon added finches and the first pair of zebra finches came into the house. I now focus on zebra finches, diamond doves and Java sparrows.
I know you best for zebra finches. What is their appeal?
The challenge of breeding good ones. Zebra finches are something people look on as a “normal” finch, but when you go deeper you find they are one of the most difficult to breed to the required standard.
What are your future aims with zebs?
I have a keen interest in the orange and black-faced mutations because of the colour contrast. I’m trying to breed them in combos, but in the UK type – not easy, but I will keep trying. I still breed UK-type birds and I exhibit them in our local shows.
What is your set-up like?
I have 140 breeding cages, four small flights and three big flights.
What diet do you recommend?
I use Deli Nature seeds and eggfood, plus supplements from Quiko.
How about your approach to show preparation?
I take out the birds that I think are good for showing and put them in the flight for two weeks. Then I cage them individually. I remove damaged fathers and check all birds are in top health. I bathe them and provide some biotin in the water.
Diamond dove specialists are rare in the UK. What is their appeal to you?
The colour combinations that we can make and work with.
How do you house yours?
I’m breeding them in individual breeding cages that measure 70cm x 40cm x 40cm.
What is their diet through the year?
Seeds mix containing red millet, yellow millet, white millet and Japanese millet. I do give them eggfoods and supplements to boost their breeding condition.
Any tips for breeding them?
Doves need a stable temperature. Also, you must make sure to watch them daily because sometimes they get aggressive and may even kill each other. They should be mature and in good condition for you to start breeding with them.
Which mutations do you keep?
I breed albino, crested, brilliant, cream brilliant, brilliant pied, cream brilliant pied and silky.
I’ve never seen crested diamonds before. What is their story?
The crested was founded in Bahrain and Iraq and has been developed over the years. I’ve had them for three years and am trying to make them better by selective breeding. And I’m working to create crested in albino, silky, snow , pied white and brilliant.
Do they make good show birds?
Yes. Doves have been shown in plenty of countries around the world for some time and in Bahrain we will open a specialist section at the 2024 shows.
Any other advice?
Always keep trying! When making a new combination of mutations in your birds, always try. ■
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