Times Have Changed!

When I first heard the rumour that the Budgerigar Society were considering a new sponsor, I was quite surprised. I must admit that I had never given a thought to that possibility.

Over the years Pedigree Masterfoods (Trill) had been principal sponsors of the hobby in the U.K. They donated prizes (their cut glass awards were prizes eagerly sought after items), donated cash towards area society shows and put on lavish dinners to prizewinners. The support of such a multinational company brought prestige to the fancy.

However times change and I am told the sponsors were not too happy with the present membership trend in the hobby. Being such a big company they apparently prefer being associated with big events and today the budgerigar fancy in the U.K. does not come into that category.

It seems the B.S. were not happy with the sponsorship on offer for year 2000+ and invited offers elsewhere. They have now come to an agreement with another U.K. seed company, the full details of which have not been released.

When Pedigree Masterfoods first started sponsoring the budgerigar fancy in the U.K. they offered Trill in 25kg. bags. These were bagged specially for the U.K. market in Germany and sold to breeders through collecting points nationwide. Now everything is being stopped and those breeders who used Trill 25kg bags must seek their supplies elsewhere.

Quite a number of breeders have phoned me since the rumours started circulating about Trill. They were Trill users and now feel they have been really dumped by the big producer.

Whilst we don’t like chopping and changing the brand of seed we give our birds I don’t think breeders should be unduly worried about the situation. The smaller seed firms are still with us and have reputations which are above reproach. Whilst I feel these smaller firms could never compete with a multinational company on sponsorship they pride themselves on the quality of their products and their personal service.

When I mentioned in this column a short time ago about breeding stock not living long enough to enable one to carry out successful inbreeding programmes like those practised by some breeders years ago one breeder phoned up and asked me had I noticed other peculiarities in stock recently.

He said that he had not experienced any feather problems in his birds in the past, but now he was in the midst of it. He had bought in two years ago a number of outcrosses and they bred well. Until they were a year old he was proud to show them to all and sundry, but once they started their big moult at that age they simply did not re-grow tail feathers. He had no explanation for this because they looked perfectly throughout their first year.

Next, the same breeder said his birds were suffering more from cysts than ever before. This was evident in two year and upwards birds. He had not taken any to the vet. and that was my first suggestion. Maybe I am wrong, but I associate cysts with a lack of something in the bird and I suggested this breeder takes another look at his feeding procedure. I also suggested he looks at his management, especially cleanliness, because cysts could arise from infections.

He mentioned breeding pairs developed cysts. Here removing soiled nest boxes could alter the situation. If a bird hurts itself or has a sore area, then that could quickly become infected in a dirty nest box.

The first shows of the new millennium are now virtually on our doorsteps with halls having being booked and arrangements being prepared.

Apart from sending out schedules to last year exhibitors I hope organising committees will not be offended by another suggestion I make. Why not consider making an effort to get the general public into your Shows? I know I referred to this last year (and maybe the year before) but wherever I go I hardly see members of the public present. We need brand new recruits into our fancy and the obvious place to look at is the general public.

Keen exhibitionists might scoff at my next suggestion but I feel a step in the right direction would be a Pet Bird section! Members of the general public could be invited to bring their pet birds to the show where they could be judged for the most attractive or admirable pet bird! It would at least give people a chance to see what’s on the staging and meet those whose hobby is breeding the birds they are so fond of.

I also wonder if any society, worldwide has ever produced illustrated publicity material for distribution to the general public in an endeavour to attract newcomers into our hobby. If so, could you please send me a copy? What I have particular interest in is a brochure like the ones hotels, restaurants, tourist boards, touring companies, etc. produce in there thousands to attract people. People pick these up everywhere and those who pay for them must be getting results or they wouldn’t bother.