Sabi Naré: The man who talks with the birds

Did a bird ever say "Hello" to you ? Probably, Yes. But no doubt, you didn't notice it. Chez Ousmane Sabi Naré in Ladjifarani district in Parakou, birds greet every visitor. In his absence, we went to his compound where he breeds dozens of birds. On arrival, he asked us if his proteges greeted us. Of course we were surprised. But with each of his gestures of salvation, the birds responded with nods, from top to bottom. We noticed that they made the same gesture as if to welcome each newcomer.

Sabi Naré is a bird catcher. His job is to domesticate birds. More than a job, it's a passion for this man, the fifties, who roams the bush all the time to find the rare pearls with which he weaves, later, a real friendship. Beyond everything, he likes to be rocked by the very particular song of the species he loves, among others the turtledove and the canary, a species of passerine belonging to the Fringillidae family. The bird catcher has agreed to tell us a little more about his passion. Read instead!!!

Where does this passion come from? ?

Born from a breeder father, it must be said that this passion is hereditary but greater than that of my father.

What are the categories of birds that you keep ?

Canaries, turtledoves, parrots, the small canaries,…

Which species impressed you the most? ?

Three species marked me more, namely the canary, the turtledove and the pigeon because they are with me all the time and I can't get out without one of them. But it must be said that the population, seeing me in the company of these birds, think i have nothing to do.

What achievement have you made thanks to this profession ?

Thanks to this profession, I can support my family and my own needs.

Are you the only person doing this job in the city of Parakou ?

We are in the number of 35 birders in the city of Parakou. And we have formed a group of bird seekers where we meet every Sunday for a bird call competition..

Have you introduced anyone else to this profession ?

I introduced a friend who is also proud of this job. And I think of initiating my children when they are grown up since there are behaviors to adopt in front of his birds.

What are these behaviors ?                              

There are many more things to avoid, such as not letting their food run out or their water to dry up. Sometimes you have to be around them to amuse them so that they get used to getting used to you. If we introduce the children early, they are no longer going to study because it is a passion and not a profession.

What do their birds eat ?

They feed on millet and sorghum

How much do these birds cost ?

The price varies from 3000f (petit cool) at 30,000f (turtledove) a bird without its cage. But a turtledove with its cage costs 40,000f.

In case of illness, get a veterinarian ?

Yes, I use a veterinarian who prescribes products that I inject into their drinking water. There are also traditional treatments based on the leaves of Gymnanthemum amygdalina (vernonia) or Ocimum basilicum (basil) that you have to grind in their drinking water or simply add fine sand to their meal.

What are the difficulties you encounter in this area ?               

I have more problems with parrots because when you see their holes, you tend to confuse them with that of snakes., what is dangerous. In addition during their training, they tend to believe that they want them badly, hence their aggressive character.

Interview by : Alassane IMOROU SANDA, Oubédatou ALASSANE and Josita Amirath YACOUBOU