This is a new initiative to secure self-sustaining gene pools of pekin robins in Canada and elsewhere.
Reasons for a breeding consortium
Until 1997 efforts to breed were less critical, since Pekin Robins could be obtained with relative ease through the pet trade and lost birds could be replaced within a short time of searching for them. Now that the species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (C.I.T.E.S.), wild caught Pekin Robins can no longer be imported for the commercial pet trade. Special permits are required by the authorities for the exporting and importing country. Such birds must be captive bred and have closed, coded leg bands and proof of origin. The pre-act population of imported Pekin Robins is disappearing from the aviaries of bird fanciers as the end of their average longevity is reached. Unless national, coordinated breeding programs are established to have a self-sustaining captive population, access to this species will be very difficult by private individuals.
Pekin Robins have been bred in ex situ , although not in great enough numbers to contribute measurably to the pet market. The low purchase price of imports made the captive breeding for commercial reasons unattractive. The time commitment and costs to provide consistent and suitable live insect food for the rearing of the young could not be compensated by the going market price of wild caught Pekin Robins in the past. This relationship has changed with the scarcity of birds on the market. Prices of US $1000 for a breeding pair have been seen in 2007. One should not venture into Pekin Robin breeding by expecting big profits since the species has special care requirements beyond what is needed for easier bred finches and hookbills.
The author's first Pekin Robin chicks bred in 1999
I am maintaining a studbook to prevent inbreeding and to achieve optimal genetic diversity. The register tracks 21 founders which contributed to my 142 offspring, as of September 2010. The total number of specimens recorded embraces 80 founders and 158 birds bred in Canada. The data is made available to participants in the breeding consortium and conservation organizations on request.
I have bred my flock to the 5th generation and all offspring of 2010 are to some extend related , hence the need to acquire new founders.
The consortium concept
A breeding consortium can be established between zoological gardens and private breeders.
The private breeders would propagate relevant species of birds on his/her premises to provide specialized breeding environments, alleviate high production cost and focus on the specific technique of breeding to obtain high and consistent reproductive success. Genetically over-represented stock and non-breeding specimens could be transferred to public zoological gardens for education and public display in attractive community exhibits etc., to free up breeding spaces. The zoo would serve as gene bank in case specimens must be re-entered into the active breeding population. The zoo, as a not-for-profit public education/research facility can import species covered by C.T.E.S. to inject new founders into the gene pool, while private individual can only do this with restrictions and difficulty. The imported specimens would be loaned to the breeder under contract and remain to be the property of the zoo. This would not exclude zoos from breeding the species in their facilities.
Benefits between the collaborators include:
- Optimal breeding success of an expanded, genetically managed populations over the long term.
- High rewards to the breeder and institution through conservation achievements.
- Assured long term availability of relevant species for public education, study and recreation.
- Ability by the zoo to relocate a private inventory of birds in case the breeder can no longer operate the program.
- Collaborative research/study opportunity in an “off-exhibit” environment.
- Sharing of experience and knowledge.
Constraints and deterrents:
- Policies by Zoos and Zoo Associations confine disposition and acquisition between accredited organizations and those maintaining institutional membership in an association.
- Private breeders may feel a loss of independence in working under new directions.
- Zoo staff may feel disadvantaged by “farming out “ the highly rewarding breeding work .
- No guarantees that private breeders will or can participate over the long term.
- Private sector operating standards are wide ranging and not peer reviewed (accredited)
- Establishment of trust relationships take time.
Steps to overcome constraints:
- All animal movements between parties must be documented, i. e. signed agreements (breeding loan, exhibit loan etc.).
- All specimens are permanently marked and listed in a studbook or similar register.
- The breeder’s facility undergoes a form of accreditation.
- Provision of mutual site visit privileges and exchange status of reports.
Common Breeding Loan Arrangements
Breeding loans are usually set up to pair up single specimens or to introduce new bloodlines. I other cases, birds may be loaned out to give the recipient an opportunity to gain experience or to provide safe off-site storage. Breeding loan agreements are often made for multiple years.
Resulting offspring are normally shared by giving the aviary owner/operator, who is keeping and breeding the birds, half of the successfully raised, weaned offspring. The other half is divided between the owner of the male and female. If the pair has different owners, they each receive one quarter. If the breeder owns one bird he/she gains ¾ of the offspring. The number offspring is not always divisible by four, in which case the distribution lines up as follows: first the breeder, then the owner of the hen, followed by the owner of the male. The formula is carried over to the following years to even out the distribution. If the pair is breeding successfully in one season it will likely breed again in the next. It is in the best interest of all parties to keep a pair intact for as long as it is productive and there is a need for the genetic combination of the progeny.
It is understood that the breeder is making his/her best effort to maintain and breed the birds and possible losses are accepted as part of the course. Shipping costs are generally born by the recipient of the birds. The breeder identifies the offspring with closed leg bands and keeps accurate records of breeding success and bloodlines. The birds are registered in a studbook or in-house register.
