"Happy New Millennium", well that’s a wish that will never be a repeat in our lifetime. The strange thing is that when I was a youngster in the sixties I can clearly remember thinking that the new century would be in my lifetime and boy, how ancient I’d be. Doesn’t seem so old now though, in fact I’m in my forties and in my prime – well that’s my opinion!
These New Years celebrations were also different for Yvonne and I because this was the first time for many years that we spent it at home. It had been a Christmas gift to ourselves to take off for up to three weeks to Florida and see the New Year in at Lehigh Acres near Fort Myers. Now you might ask, "How did you manage that when you always pair up your birds at the end of November each year?" The answer in fact is easy – my partner and friend Brian Poole. While we are enjoying the sunshine he is busy running two studs of birds. However, not this year and so I got to ring the early chicks myself.
I wonder is partnerships could be the way forward for the hobby in the future as a means of sharing expenses and thus reducing the overall costs of taking part. Brian and I have been in partnership for many years and we run two separate studs of birds in two birdrooms but it has not always been like that. For a few years the studs were combined into a single establishment at Brian’s home. I missed out on very little – except perhaps some of the less desirable jobs. We shared pair selection, show preparation, purchasing outcrosses and all other expenses. Of course, the fact that we 5 minutes from each other helps considerably.
Thoroughly Recommended
We had a great time and we still do, despite having changed the ground rules since then as I keep far more budgerigars than Brian by choice and so cover my own expenses. The good thing is that we can share the setbacks, discuss any problems we may have and send birds from one stud to another as we see best. If one aviary is not producing well, then inevitably the other one is. Partnerships – I would thoroughly recommend them.
I was reading a magazine recently and they were quoting the top five favourite pet gifts from the London store Harrods. Budgerigars stood at number five with dogs, cats, rabbits and even goldfish ahead of them. They reckon that 1.1 million households have a budgie in a cage and the running costs over a 10-year period amounts to £1,100. This is still a very large market that currently seems to be serviced by cheap imports. I know that the American Budgerigar Society attempted to set up a supply network some years ago that apparently failed but because the UK is that much smaller I am wondering if there is an opportunity for the BS here. The starting point would have to be someone like Pet City and convincing them that their demand could be met internally. An interesting project for someone perhaps.
Shipping Service
Depressed sales have been further exacerbated by Amtrak Express Parcels, the transport company, who are no longer offering a bird carrying service. They stopped this section of the business at the beginning of last month, despite having no competition. However, their pigeon service "Homing Express" will continue to operate. In response to this three companies have got underway offering a carrying service to fanciers. The first is Pet Express (01224-783333), who cover England, Scotland and Wales and JDM (01572-767390) who appears to be covering the area South of the M4. Finally we have Practical Services Southern (01322-861024) who appear to be seeking commercial shipping opportunities.
In this edition of Budgerigar World is an interview with World Champion, Frank Silva. I visited Frank a few days after the Club Show with the intent of seeing how the stud had improved in the 12 month period since I had last visited - and indeed it has. If you would like to ask Frank a question why not do it via Budgerigar World and see the answer published. Please send your questions to, "Ask Frank" at the editorial office.
Please note my new email address terry@budgerigarworld.com