Rowe Brothers

My name is Greg Rowe. I am part of the Rowe Brothers Budgerigar Stud. Together with my brothers, John and David Rowe, I breed budgerigars in Gippsland, Victoria.

What sparked your interest in the budgerigar hobby?

My father, Brian, was a founding member of the West Gippsland Budgerigar Club. As a young boy, my brothers and I were introduced to the hobby, and it has been part of my life ever since. Growing up, we also kept a range of other parrots in our home aviaries.

 

How long have you been in the hobby?

I attended my first budgerigar show with my father when I was 10 years old, so I have now been involved in the hobby for more than 50 years.

 

Describe your set-up and how many breeding cages do you have and use during the breeding season?

I built a dedicated budgerigar shed when I moved back to Bairnsdale 26 years ago. Over that time, I have installed two flights and approximately 40 breeding cages. These are used during the breeding season, along with several holding cages to wean young birds from their parents.

 

What is your current exhibiting status and which club do you represent?

My brothers and I are currently Champion breeders, and we represent the Baw Baw Budgerigar Club in Victoria.

 

What do you like about your club?

Our club has supportive, like-minded members who are committed to improving both the budgerigar hobby and the quality of their birds. We actively encourage and guide new members so they can continue and progress within the hobby.

 

What varieties do you keep, and what is your favourites?

We keep all major varieties and specialise in Dark-eyed Clears. We are continually improving our Recessive pied line to produce quality Dark Eyed Clears.

My favourite variety is the Normal Light Green. When you see one of outstanding quality, they are hard to beat. I also like Lacewings as a variety as well.

What is your favourite time or moment in the hobby?

There are many. First being able to enjoy this hobby with my 2 brothers for practically our whole lives has been amazing. Our first State Variety award was very special as a lot of hard work goes into breeding good budgerigars. Joining the Victorian State Carers team has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in the hobby. I have met many wonderful people, which will be friends for life.

 

What are your recommendations wanting to progress in the hobby?

Get to as many Aviaries and shows as you can, see who is consistently placing at the top end, study the birds and try find similar qualities in the birds you want to purchase. Don’t be shy asking for help, most breeders are more than happy to assist.

 

Which bird room would you most like to visit, either in Australia or overseas?

I would like to visit Paul Stannard’s bird room in Hereford, UK. He has outstanding show birds of exceptional quality.

 

What bird do you think was the best bird you have breed and why?

I consider the best bird we have bred to be an Albino cock that won at National level. He was of exceptional quality at the time.

 

How have you developed your bloodlines?

Over the years, we have sourced birds for outcrossing from Charlie Mifsud. In the 1990s, he had exceptional birds that won many major awards and was very helpful in improving the quality of our stud. We also introduced Kelwyn Kakoschke bloodlines in the early 2000s. More recently, when seeking an outcross, we have incorporated Holmes Family and Ian Hunter bloodlines.

 

What is your aviary set-up, and how has it evolved over the years?

As you enter our bird room, the breeding cages are positioned on both sides in an L-shaped layout. The aviaries are located along the back wall and are divided into two sections, each measuring 2 m x 1.3 m x 3 m (height). We also have cupboards for storage against the aviaries, along with holding cages for young birds. An extraction fan has been installed at one end, with windows on either side to support air circulation. In time, I would like to upgrade to a more modern bird room, which I look forward to undertaking during retirement. While the bird room is not elaborate, it has served its purpose well for many years.

 

What is your feeding regime?

We use Green Valley Budgerigar Gold Mix. Greens are offered occasionally. During the breeding season, we provide Hygaine Studtorque in small containers (in both the breeding cages and aviaries), along with fresh vegetables such as carrots, corn, and sweet potato.

 

Do you feed soft foods?

No, we do not feed soft foods.

 

How do you treat sick birds?

We isolate any sick birds immediately, assess them individually, and keep them warm. Where appropriate, Sulphur AVS is administered.

 

Do you have a medication regime?

We administer doxycycline once a year, prior to breeding.

 

How do you maintain fertility and good health in your aviaries?

We achieve good fertility by ensuring our birds are in excellent physical condition prior to pairing.

 

What issues in the hobby concern you, and why?

The prices achieved at auctions are a concern, as bird prices have risen dramatically. I am also concerned about the ageing demographic within the hobby and the shortage of younger members to carry it forward.

 

Who do you respect in the hobby, and why?

Alan Rowe, for his honesty and willingness to help. He is approachable and generous with his time and advice.

 

What other hobbies do you have?

Outside of budgerigars, I enjoy football and cricket. In addition to my main role in the building industry, my wife Belinda and I run a small beef farm, managing more than 30 cows and calves on our property, which keeps us very busy.

 

What is your favourite food?

Eye fillet with a reef and beef sauce, cooked medium rare. I also enjoy seafood.

 

What is your favourite movie?

Dumb and Dumber.

 

Which sporting team do you support?

Richmond (AFL).

 

What are three things you would love to do in life?

• Retire soon.
• Spend more time with my family.
• See more of Australia and reconnect with the many friends I have made through the hobby.