George and Keith Jones
As a newcomer to the hobby of budgerigars who, seemingly, is thinking of breeding the wonderful variety Clearwings, you should first and foremost, try to visit as many Clearwing breeders as possible, to not only gain valuable knowledge, but also to pick up many ideas for the design of your birdroom.
Having visited a few breeders, it is now time to think about your birdroom design. The construction of your first birdroom is very important and you will have to consider several aspects; size, position, cost, and possible expansion at a later date if you enjoy your new hobby. The aviary design will differ with every fancier that you meet, so if you include your own ideas and also, any tips that you pick up from others, it should become a sound base for you to think about the purchase of your stock.
The purchase of suitable stock is important. To get off on the right footing, visit a few shows and read as much of the fancy press as possible, so as to see who has the type of Clearwing that appeals to you. Also, consider who is winning the major Clearwing specials with owner-bred and young birds. Anyone can win with bought birds, so take note of the youngsters.
Your first purchases don't have to be expensive ones, you can learn a lot from cheaper birds at this stage, if you buy them from the successful fancier. Although the birds will be of poorer visual quality, they will be from their best birds and could possibly, if paired correctly, breed better than the parents. Try to learn as much as possible about your stock for the first breeding season; after that you can go about inproving the finer points of the birds, aiming to improve the whole group and form your own stud with the features that not only appeal to you as the breeder, but also the judges. This way it will be you that will go on to win the major Clearwing specials.
Remember, success doesn't come overnight, but with the corect guidance and determination, it will come in time. Never be nervous of asking questions, however daft or simple they may seem to you, if it saves you time and effort, it will be worth asking.
Editor's Note: This article is part of a booklet Welcome to Caring For and Breeding Clearwing Budgerigars used as a welcome to new members of the CBBA and is reprinted by kind permission of that Association.
Copyright © 1997, The Clearwing Budgerigar Breeders Association.
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