In recent editorials I have made reference to other livestock hobbies that include exhibiting at the highest level; namely cats and dogs. While I can understand that this may be of little interest to the avid budgerigar fancier, it may be useful to draw parallels between us so that we can benefit in our hobby. On this basis I make no apology for once again considering what other do, which can be of advantage to our pastime.

From time to time Gwyn Evans, in his column has spoken about the untapped possibility for a pet class at Open Shows in which anyone can show their family pet. What immediately springs to mind are those tiny, beaky pet quality budgies seen for sale in many pet shops - how on earth is a judge supposed to place a class of these other than on condition alone - note, vocabulary skills purposely ignored. However, lets ignore this and draw our parallel. For both cats and dogs, it is accepted practice that the exhibiting owner is not necessarily the breeder. In these instances, details of both ‘owned by’ and ‘bred by’ are given and both take the credit for the win.

As far as I know, with the exception of the UK and shows run under Budgerigar Society rules, only owner bred budgerigars may be exhibited. Over the years there have been a number of attempts to change this BS ruling but all have failed - perhaps now is the time to turn it to our advantage. Imagine the potential if we could stimulate the general public to own a budgerigar, firstly for exhibition purposes and secondly as a pet. So long as they used acceptable show cages, they could enter their birds in the Open Any Age Classes, compete for prizes and prize money and be members of the various clubs and societies. They would do all the usual show training and preparation but not breed. As non-breeders the only things these people would not be able to do is to win Young Bird awards and become qualified judges.

Here are some of the advantages as I see them:

• New blood in the hobby that could become breeders as the interest grows.
• New outlets for good surplus stock, safeguarded by the breeder’s name being associated with the exhibiting owner.
• New members for the Budgerigar Society paying the going rate – however, not purchasing rings.
• New members for local clubs, societies and area societies.
• New market area for show cage manufacturers.
• Increased entries at Open Shows.
• Something that virtually anyone can partake in without the need for an aviary and birdroom and the necessary space required to have it.
• An opportunity to re-invent our dwindling hobby and give it the same level of credibility as other livestock hobbies.

The list of advantages could easily continue but for the life of me, I am unable to come up with any disadvantages. Perhaps you think otherwise and I would be grateful if you would write or e-mail me to let me know. Additionally, if you are a General Council Member perhaps you would consider putting this forward as an agenda item for a future meeting.

Cysts

A letter from James Smith in Australia referred to Gwyn Evans column about cysts. He tells me that in Australia, older breeders recommend giving whole beetroot to their birds. The birds get very red in the mask etc. but apparently the beetroot has an effect on the cysts. Evidently, many fanciers swear by this and feed them on a regular basis. From what Gwyn Evans writes, the fancier in question would be willing to try anything.

On a similar vein, can fanciers offer any other tried and tested unusual remedies for some of the problems, which face us in the hobby?

©Terry A Tuxford 2000