Richard Risebrow
One would assume there are three categories of people who keep budgerigars, those who keep a "Joey" indoora, other who have an aviary purely for colour and interest, and then we have the fancier who is breeding for exhibition on the show bench. It is then, to the latter group to which these notes are directed for advice and guidance.
The end result in the success of benching a winning bird really starts at the very beginning when pairing up, as many of the qualities are in-bred. Let us therefore, assume that at nestfeather stage you have possibly bred a "winner".
The first stage should be to handle the chicks as frequently as possible and to introduce them to a show cage for periods of 10-15 minutes. The time period can be extended as the bird becomes steady. Also, the use of a judging stick and the movement of bird and cage creates a show environment. This training should, if possible, be continued through to the first show.
At approoximtely six weeks before the show, birds in the flight should be placed in stock cges to help them settle. Any which appear to be "flighty" should be placed in a show cage and s[rayed with tepid water to such an extent that there is an inch of water in the bottom of the cage when finished. It does have a tremendous effect.
Birds in the stock cage ought to be lightly sprayed daily with tepid water to which Plumespray can be added. This helps to achieve a nice sheen to the feathers. At this stage care should be taken to note any broken or dropped flight or tails feathers, and such birds ought to be returned to the flight for consideration at a future show.
During this period, you will by now have decided the show at which you are to exhibit, carefully noting the last date for entries. When completing the entry form, take special care that you have entered the correct class number and also recorded your nominations, that is, listing the clubs of which you are a member. Enclose an SAE and post in good time to meet the deadline.
It is recommended that you stop spraying at three days before the show, which allows the feathers to take on a natural look. Some mayhave a dirty head which can be washed with warm water to which a drop of baby shampoo can be added. Others may be displaying pin feathers. These are in the form of spikes at the front of the head and are best removed when the feathers are dry, using a dry toothbrush to stroke away the unwanted sheaths, etc. Sometimes they will bleed, and washing will help, but mostly it's a lost cause.
In other varieties the neck spots would need to the "thinned" to leave six evenly spaced, but thankfully, this is not necessary with Clearwings as they do not have spots.
By now you should be ready to cage up. Make absolutely certain you put the correct bird in the correct cage. It is so easy to put a hen in a cock class, or vice versa, or an adult in young bird class, if you fail to follow the schedule. Not everyone can afford new show cases, but there is no excuse for not presenting the bird in a clean cage, and a little paint and elbow grease works wonders. After all, you wouldn't put an expensive Rembrandt in a scruffy old frame - so treat the bird the same. It pays to cover the cages when the birds are in transit as they take a dislike to sunshine or car lights. All your weeks of preparation can be ruined if a bird becomes frightened en route to the show.
Depending on the show, some birds can be in cages from 1-3 days, and though they have plenty of seed in the bottom of the cage, it is also wise to offer a few tit-bits at the show, after judging of course, in the form of soaked groats in finger drawers, soaked or dry millet s[rays, not forgetting of course, a drinker to fix on the cage.
On arrival home, the birds should be placed in a stock cage for a few days and then prepared all over again.
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.
Budgerigars Galore Homepage | Contents Index | Beginners | Breeding | Breeding Charts | Diseases | General Interest | Genetics | Links | Management and Nutrition | New Zealand News | Noonan Aviary | Popular Varieties | Rare Varieties | Show Preparation | Specialist Varieties | Tips
Web page copyright © 1999, Dolores Noonan. All rights reserved.
Designed and created by Arcadia WebSite Design.