Book Review: Gerald Binks' "The Challenge"
One of the more rewarding aspects of the hobby, is
that time when beginners assume, optimistically, that you know all about keeping
budgerigars, and seek your guidance. Some queries are remarkably simple, while
others are problems even knowledgeable champions grapple with. Included in my
response to such approaches is the recommendation that the beginner should try
to get a hold of Best in Show by Gerald Binks. It has remained
my main source of reference throughout my progress through the various sections.
It was, therefore, with great interest that I opened the author's latest book entitled The Challenge: Breeding Championship Budgerigars. I frankly expected this new book to be an updating of Best in Show, and was pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong. Gerald Binks has started afresh, and produced what best deserves to be described, as an encyclopaedic work. The Challenge is totally comprehensive and moves smoothly and logically through the basic aspects of the hobby, with sections on aviary and nest box design to-day-to-day management. Several chapters provide beginners with succinct advice.
The author displays the ability to take a broad view, intermingling his own experience with that of other experienced breeders. What moves the book up a gear, is its willingness to include, and its treatment of, subjects such as faults, pairing to win, a visit to the Mannes stud, and judging classes, with the reader invited to participate. The section on faults is superbly illustrated by the use of plasticine models. These were my favourites but other readers may choose the extensive colour identification guides or the sections on breeding problems, and how to solve them, or diseases.
Measuring 12" 8" the The Challenge includes 150 colour photographs, and a further 44 in black and white. My abiding memory is the author's obvious delight in exploring ideas and imparting knowledge. This will surely be the definitive reference work on all aspects of the keeping, breeding and showing of Budgerigars for many years to come.
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Editor's note: The book written by Gerald Binks can now be obtained from the address given below
Osprey International
Tel: +44 1344 843250 Further arrangements have now been made for those in the USA wishing to purchase this book. For those wishing to buy 'The Challenge' in US currency, please contact Ermofern Collins Tel: (303) 699 7462 |
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Original text: Copyright 1997, Royston Simpson
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