BCT Report May 2026

From Hospital Beds to Bird Cages
How Budgerigars Helped One Tasmanian Rebuild His Life

For Shaun Buckingham, of Northern Tasmania and a member of the Northern Tasmanian Budgerigar Club, budgerigars are more than just birds — they are lifelines. After facing a series of medical challenges, including open-heart surgery in 2023 and an upcoming kidney transplant, Shaun has turned to budgies to help manage the emotional toll of chronic illness.

Having kept budgies since childhood, Shaun returned to the hobby after being forced to rehome his support dog. The birds quickly became more than pets — they became his therapy.

“They help take my mind off the medical issues I deal with daily,” Shaun says. “They give me a reason to get up in the morning.”

For over 23 years, Shaun has been breeding and showing budgerigars, with a set-up that includes 20 breeding cabinets and 24 of the 30 recognised varieties. Despite being on a disability pension, he has embraced the challenge of breeding quality birds with modern features.

“It’s a real passion,” he explains. “You never stop learning.”

His journey has not been without heartbreak. While recovering in hospital from heart surgery, Shaun lost 85 birds — a devastating setback. But through perseverance and community support, he is slowly rebuilding.

Today, his partner and father are both involved in the hobby, with their favourite varieties being Greywings, Clearwings and Spangles. Together, they have formed Buckingham Family Budgies and share their journey through their growing Facebook community.

Shaun’s story is a powerful reminder of how animals, especially budgerigars, can play a vital role in mental health and recovery, offering companionship, purpose and a sense of control during life’s most uncertain times.