Patrick Forbes' fascination with animals

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

COBBLA, Manchester:

Patrick Forbes has been fascinated by pets, especially birds, since he was seven years old. That was when he acquired his first bird, which he cared for, and the numbers increased as he grew older. His love for pets continued. At age 48, that has not changed.

The Cobbla, Manchester, resident now operates what could easily be described as a mini zoo, with varieties of birds and other pets, including guinea pigs, rabbits, turtles, and dogs.

"I am hoping to have a mini zoo right here in Cobbla, Manchester," said Forbes.

Forbes, who is also a singer, a farmer, and a market vendor, shared that as a child, he used to frequent forests looking for and birds because he was always fascinated by them. He shared that his father wanted him to be trained in auto mechanics, but that was not to his liking.

"My father sent me to do auto mechanics, but I don't even know the tools all now. Birds and animals are what I love because I am a nature person, and I started from caring for pigeons and fish until I have every little thing now," said Forbes.

Wide variety of pets

Forbes listed some of the birds and other animals he has on his farm: Chinese senseh, Jamaican senseh fowl, Japanese fowl, frill-back pigeons from China, and birds from Argentina, among other varieties. He also has guinea pigs and varieties of rabbits among his livestock.

Forbes noted that persons, along with their children, from various parts of the island visited his property on a regular basis just to look at his pets as well as to make purchases to build their own stocks at home. At times, the children don't want to leave because they are fascinated by what they see.

Forbes made it clear that in order to care properly for his pets, he had to spend at least four hours every day feeding them and ensuring that they were properly cared for. He said he could have his first meal until about 11 a.m., the time at which he was through seeing to their needs.

Although he spends a lot of time with the pets, Forbes revealed that he was not alone in the business. He shared that his wife, his father, his stepdaughter and other family members assisted him with his pets. They, too, make a living from what he owns.

"These things really cost money, but when I sell pets, I am able to purchase their feed and even make money to take care of my family. I am a musician, but my love for these pets comes first. I want to make it big in this first, and then I will pay some attention to my music. I want our people to get rid of the plastic pets and acquire the real things like what I have here at Cobbla, because they will create in you love and passion," said Forbes.

Forbes said he has plans to host a show with all his pets but that he was being hampered by the unavailability of funds. To this end, he is calling on corporate Jamaica to help him to stage his pet show and to keep his variety of pets increasing so that other persons can enjoy having them around as part of nature.

"I am not asking for money. What I would like is for some persons to come on board and sponsor me by giving me some materials, including nails, cement, mesh wire - things that I can use to get a little computerised office constructed - and other things so that I can better establish my mini zoo so that children can come here to learn more about these pets. I also want to get registered with RADA," said the pet keeper.

He is hoping that by 2015, his property will be what he dreams of, which is to have a proper mini zoo. He added that he has plans to add other animals and birds to his livestock. Forbes wants to acquire peacocks, snakes, and even monkeys.

He is inviting the public to visit his property, especially on Saturdays or Sundays, to see exactly what he has, and he stressed that he had no intention of charging a fee for persons to view his pets.

rural@gleanerjm.com

Photos by George Henry