BISHA: Thursday is a special day for children and young people in Bisha because it is a chance for them to practice their favorite hobby of trading in pet birds, rabbits, pigeons, chickens and ducks at a market in the middle of the city. Children flock in groups to the market from all the corners of the governorate early in the morning carrying cages with the birds and animals they want to sell. They are now hoping the municipality can build a special market for them, especially with protection from the scorching sun. Saud Naser Al-Sharaniq, a 10-year-old boy, said he was born with a passion for birds and animals, especially rabbits. His favorite hobby is breeding pet birds and animals at his father's farm. He visits the market regularly to buy rare birds and to sell some of his own animals. He said the market attracts many people, especially children. He wants the municipality to build a market because there is no protection from the sun, water and public toilets. This results in people staying at the market for only one to two hours. Abdul Rahman Buyazed, who is 15 years old, said: “Pet birds are our natural wealth which we should take care of. I believe that it is a high time for the Ministry of Agriculture to help the breeders by building a market for them and launch enlightenment campaigns to educate them about proper breeding methods and protection from diseases.” He said there are different kinds of hens at the market, including from Pakistan, Turkey and America. Fahd and Abdullah, two brothers who brought pet birds to sell, also complained about the hot weather and said there was a need to have a proper market in the area.
