Welcome to your monthly edition of the ANBC Gazette

Dear Fanciers,

Welcome to the third edition of the ANBC Gazette! October has been a vibrant month for our budgerigar community, with events ranging from local club shows to State UBC Shows all across Australia. We were thrilled to welcome esteemed judges and enthusiastic visitors from overseas, creating a heartwarming atmosphere that highlighted the passion and camaraderie within our hobby. Show benches were brimming with exceptional birds, and we congratulate not only the winners but also the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who made these events possible.

Our hobby continues to grow, but this momentum relies on all of us pushing forward with commitment to consistency and improvement. We’re fortunate to have skilled individuals within our community; let’s support and encourage each other to step up, share knowledge, and keep our community thriving.

ANBC News

We’re excited to announce that Mars Birdcare and the ANBC Executive have signed a three-year sponsorship contract! This achievement reflects the dedicated efforts of the ANBC working group, whose collaboration and persistence have brought this partnership to life. The NQBZ Inc 2025 National Committee in Cairns will be the first to benefit from this generous funding. A special thanks to the ANBC Team for their commitment to securing this support, which marks a promising step toward a bright future for our community.

Funding Details for NQBZ Inc National 2025

The sponsorship from Mars Birdcare allows for the NQBZ 2025 National organising committee in Cairns to receive a combined total of $30,000, inclusive of the ANBC Ring Levy. This allocation received unanimous approval during the ANBC Zone Meeting on October 21, 2024.

A Vision for the Future

The ANBC invites all Zones to consider an important question about our future:
“Does our current structure support our evolving goals, or should we consider adjustments to strengthen our effectiveness? What changes might help us enhance our impact and growth?”

Reflecting on this question can help us shape our Constitution and clarify our Purpose. As you think about our future, consider:

1. Our evolving needs: What support or structure will help us thrive?
2. Our future direction: What path do we envision for the ANBC?
3. Our goals: What do we aim to achieve as a community and organization?

We value your insights and look forward to your ideas as we work together to build a resilient and successful ANBC.

Best wishes,

Neale R Love
ANBC Editor

Dear Budgie Enthusiasts,

Welcome to another information packed edition of your ANBC Gazette. The Budgerigar Council of South Australia is again leading the way in promoting our great hobby. By the time you read this, their popular Budgie Fest will have been run, as will the Richard Miller presentation and the BCSA Tri Club Challenge. I, and I’m sure all Budgie enthusiasts, congratulate the team behind this huge weekend of outstanding events.

There is also a myriad of clubs and state bodies hosting shows, social functions and presentations that all go towards making this a truly wonderful hobby. I therefore ask you to go out and spread the word to the world, about how good keeping Budgies is for our happiness and wellbeing. Remember, the more members we have, the merrier we will all be.

Changing gears, our hard-working team of delegates of the ANBC that represent you, budgie fanciers alike, continue to seek ideas for forming sponsor partnerships in regard to funding and improving both the National Show and keeping the cost to you as low as possible in this climate of rising expenses. So, if you have any ideas on improving the workings of the ANBC, no matter how wacky you may think they are, please let your state delegate know so that idea is passed onto the ANBC for consideration.

Speaking of hard-working, the organising committee of the 2025 National show in Cairns is running raffles of outstanding birds on a regular basis leading up to the event. Please support them by purchasing tickets to help their cause. Details are in this Gazette and on our web-site.

Warm regards,

Russell Ogden

President – ANBC

ANBC Judges Coordinator

What a great year 2024 has been for the fancy across Australia. The ANBC Nationals hosted by the BCT went extremely well and they should be congratulated for putting on such a great event. All involved should be very proud of the product that was delivered for people attending, or those viewing the event online through the live streaming. A special mention to all the Class winners & some first-time winners of a National Class.

I will also be asking all State & Zone Secretaries if they have any Candidates that will be sitting the ANBC Judges Exam at the 2025 ANBC Nationals. We had the ANBC Judges Exam this year and had two successful candidates in Heath Chasemore and Robert Randall.

On a separate note, it is great to have our shows back, seeing birds on the bench, and most importantly, seeing all of you at these shows. We are all looking forward to next year’s show season and seeing the great birds that have been breed this year.

Regards
James Bader
ANBC Judges Co-Ordinator

Colours & Standards

All would be aware that the Official Standard document is loaded on the ANBC web site. On many occasions, the C & S Delegates are asked questions on why somethings appear incorrect in the document. The main reason for this is the document that is being referred to is not the current version. I would urge all to use only the document appearing on the ANBC web site as a reference point.

After an extended period of negotiations, the ANBC has now accepted all varieties listed in the current Standard. An exhibition class has been established to include the varieties of Darkwings, Saddlebacks and the combination that results in the variety called Rainbows. There will be a lead in time for this ANBC Class over several years, so state and zones have sufficient time to source the varieties for their inclusion as a possible ongoing class. I would urge those against this action to remember one of the key objects of the ANBC being to promote varieties. As time progresses, one variety may appear to overtake the others, and the objective then will be to separate that variety to become a self-sufficient class at our premier event. Surprisingly amendments have already been proposed by states and zones for correction of the written word which does indicate the wording is being scrutinised now even though it has sat within the Standard for many years in its current form. The ongoing action now lies with you, the exhibitors.

Pictorial Update to the Standard
Delays in this action have been ongoing due to severe illnesses within the selected group to address this task. The Co-Ordinator has saved hundreds of photographs over recent years to have material for review and while many have outstanding features, none present the complete view that Australia would see as desirous to complement our document and give a complete visual representation of the perfect outline and makeup of the Budgerigar.

The other major issue is that changes being presented in the actual bird over recent years. The current version of the pictorial dates from 2003 and all would be aware of how the bird has changed in that time – not just from the introduction of the UK imports but also the judicious breeding of birds in Australia. Length of feather on the current “Exhibition Budgerigar” far exceeds the boundaries displayed in that 2003 pictorial.

A major issue now lies with the positioning of spots within the mask – an unlikely possibility with increased feather length. While C & S apologises for any delay here, this may now turn out to be a godsend given actions and forced directives being imposed by conservationists, and in turn Government regulators, likely to be applied in some countries. While this may seem a world away, actions will soon be imposed here in Australia. The current activities overseas will need to be absorbed and analysed before we move forward in this area. There is no point in invoking change to simply find that further changes would be required.

Peter Glassenbury
Colour and Standards Co-Ordinator.

10th WBO World Championship Show

Text thanks to Stephen Mow, photos courtesy of Richard Miller

The WBO Experience began Friday afternoon with the WBO Annual Meeting. With only 1/3 of the member countries present I could only wonder how good a meeting using technology would be with all countries participating.  Every delegate gave a summary of the hobby in their country with most experiencing the same issues. Reduced memberships, increased interest in wild (coloured) budgies and anti activists applying pressure on bird keepers. I gave a broad outline of Australia progression regarding the embracing of technology but no-one seemed impressed. Their issue not ours.

The new Pictorial was passed unanimously by everyone present and immediately the meeting was asked about possible changes in the near future. These changes are in response to the activists claims that modern exhibition budgerigar cannot fly/see or naturally reproduce. Certainly issues the whole hobby will have to deal with. One country had their show closed down on the second day because of the claims by activists of cruelty keeping birds in a small confined space (show cages).

All countries agreed that there is almost no progression from the breeding and showing of Coloured Budgerigars to Exhibition Budgerigars.

Saturday was the first day of the WBO Show where closed judging occurred. There were over 800 budgerigars in total with almost an even 50/50 split exhibition/coloured budgerigars. The exhibition judges did a walk around to try and make sure we were all on the same page. Our directive was to make sure obvious long tails were disqualified. It didn’t take long before your eye adjusted to the characteristics of the long tail. I personally disqualified 6 or 7 obvious long tails (tails hitting floor of cage) but many were allowed thru because they met the standard. Many of the top birds were longtails but perfectly proportioned for the WBO Show.

At least 50% of the exhibition birds would surpass the majority of birds in this country.  It’s as though they are a completely new sub species compared to what we have.

Like all shows there are many variations of body, shape, length, condition but not flecking. This may contribute to the lack of spot size.

As the WBO Show was run in connection with the Austrian National Show we rejudged each section again with only Austrian birds eligible for Austrian awards.

I was able to judge the WBO Winning Bird, a Light Green Cock, and the Best Opp Sex in Show, a Dominant Pied Sky Blue Hen, which both happened to be owned by Daniel Lutolf. There were many amazing birds, but the two winning exhibits were presented perfectly and stood out with wonderful feather direction and outline.

I also got to judge the pairs and teams (4 of any sex) – a new experience for me.

A couple of observations:

1. Most longtails have a wide wedge shape tail and are hinged.
2. When asking coloured breeders about transition to exhibition budgerigars all stated that the cost and difficulty in breeding discouraged them.

It was certainly a great experience, one I will always treasure, and I would like to thank the ANBC for their support including the monogrammed shirts and vest that were admired by others for the professionalism.

Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Breeding Birds: A Veterinary Perspective

By Dr Hamish Baron
BVSc (Hons), MVS (Avian Medicine),  PhD, FANZCVS (Avian Medicine and Surgery)

Methods of Vitamin D3 Delivery

1. Natural Sunlight: The most effective and natural way for birds to obtain Vitamin D3 is through exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun facilitate the synthesis of Vitamin D3 in the skin. Birds that can bask in natural sunlight not only absorb Vitamin D3 efficiently but also benefit from the warmth and other components of natural light that support their overall well-being. If your birds are exposed to natural sunlight, it is unlikely you will ever need to supplement vitamin D3, they are extremely efficient at synthesising D3 in their skin.
2. UVB Globes: In situations where natural sunlight is unavailable—such as indoor aviaries—UVB bulbs can serve as a substitute. There are different types of UVB bulbs available:
   • 10% UVB Globes: Commonly designed for reptiles, these bulbs emit a higher concentration of UVB rays. While effective at stimulating Vitamin D3 production, they can lead to overexposure in birds if not carefully managed. Overexposure can result in all the same issues as excessive exposure to UV in humans (skin cancers, damaged to eyes and in extreme cases, blistering).
   • 2.5% UVB Globes (Arcadia’s Bird Globes): Specifically designed for avian use, these globes provide a lower UVB output, making them safer for birds while still supporting Vitamin D3 synthesis. They are generally recommended for longer exposure times to prevent any potential harm associated with higher UVB levels.
3. Water-Soluble Powder: For additional supplementation, water-soluble powders containing Vitamin D3 and calcium can be administered. This method allows for precise dosing and can be especially beneficial during breeding seasons when the demand for calcium increases. However, careful monitoring is required to avoid excessive supplementation. The old adage that “if a little bit is good, a lot must be better” is definitely not true in the case of vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation – so please follow the instructions on the label!!

Risks of Over-Supplementation
While Vitamin D3 is essential for avian health, over-supplementation can lead to severe health issues. Potential complications include:

• Renal Tubular Calcification: High calcium levels can lead to calcification in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and death. We see this as a common cause of death in birds (especially young chicks) that are over-supplemented by bird fanciers, or as a result of errors in formulated food mixes.
• Medullary Hyperostosis: A condition where there is excessive bone formation in the medullary cavity, resulting in discomfort and mobility issues.
• Anorexia: Birds may lose their appetite due to discomfort or health complications associated with high calcium levels.
• Reduced Eggshell Quality and Production: High Vitamin D3 can paradoxically result in poorer egg production, affecting the quality and strength of eggshells.
• Muscular Atrophy and Emaciation: In severe cases, over-supplementation can result in muscle wasting and significant weight loss, severely impacting a bird’s overall health and vitality.

Conclusion
Vitamin D3 is a cornerstone vitamin and is essential for success breeding birds, particularly for calcium metabolism and reproductive health. There is no doubt that natural sunlight remains the best source, UVB globes and water-soluble powders can serve as effective alternatives if sunlight is unavailable. However, it is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of over-supplementation, which can and do lead to serious health complications. Careful selection of UVB lighting, especially in indoor aviaries, is essential to ensure the well-being of breeding birds. When selecting the UVB lights, consideration should be given to the % of UVB that the light produces, the spectrum of UV, the distance the lights will be from the birds and the effective UVB levels at the perch height (this can be measured using a UVB metre). All of these things will help to set you and your birds up for success. Regular veterinary consultations and monitoring of the diet in conjunction with your avian veterinarian can help maintain optimal Vitamin D3 levels, supporting both the health of the birds and the success of breeding efforts.

Mick & Debbie Gearing (WA)

Mick Gearing was brought up with birds in Merredin, a small wheatbelt town in Western Australia, a couple of hundred kilometers from Perth. His brother introduced him to budgies when he was around 4 or 5 years old. They started with pet shop budgies, releasing them each day when they had young, and the birds would return through a funnel trap.

An opportunity arose to purchase a complete show stud from a man in Perth, which Mick’s father, Cec Gearing, acquired. This transition from pet shop budgerigars to show birds fascinated the entire family, and Mick has had birds from the age of 4, making it a passion that has lasted 56 years. Currently, he manages around 60 breeding cabinets, with his breeding season typically running from late March to November to avoid the heat. Recently, he has been experimenting with breeding from December to July, utilizing an air-conditioned breeding room, aiming to present more mature birds at nationals.

Mick has recently joined the rares club in Perth, as they are struggling to attract birds and members. As an advocate for keeping all three budgie clubs active in Western Australia, he is a member of each. He appreciates that the club is closer to Geraldton, reducing his round-trip show days to eight hours. Mick keeps most varieties, with a special fondness for opalines and cinnamons. His proudest moment in the hobby was winning his second Logie for a dominant pied, with Peter Thurn messaging him to say, “Champion bird in a champion class.” Mick hopes to visit Daniel Lutolf’s aviary one day, admiring his longstanding success in the hobby.

Mick’s stud is mainly based on birds from Mark Chidel and Gary Gazzard, bringing in outcrosses from top breeders every few years. He deeply respects many in the hobby for their dedication and the consistent quality of birds they produce, particularly Troy Holmes, for his commitment to the hobby’s success, and Henry George, whose record of winning seven or eight nationals in a single year is a feat Mick finds remarkable. Among his birds, his best would be a grey cinnamon that twice won the state show and placed third at nationals, with its bloodline producing two national winners and numerous second and third places.

Budgies are Mick’s main hobby, leaving little time for much else, though he has recently taken up some woodwork. Over the years, he has built several bird rooms, making his latest aviaries longer to keep the birds fitter, and equipped with mist sprays, air conditioning, a sink, and a toilet—a far cry from his first bird room, a humble 6×4 garden shed. Mick believes in minimal medication, letting the birds develop natural immunity and only using medications like S76, Fungilin, and Doxycycline if absolutely necessary, with Quick Gel for support when traveling or feeding young.

Mick advises new breeders to focus on birds from a couple of quality breeders rather than purchasing from everyone, then later bring in new bloodlines once their own line is established. A highly competitive person, Mick doesn’t mind losing; it motivates him to strive for improvement, as he believes, “At the end of the day, winners are grinners.”

History of Some of the Oldest Clubs

Some of the other items of note during this decade included accepting female members into the Club in August 1952, a tram strike resulting in many members missing the monthly meeting in August 1953, in 1952 cigarettes were the raffle prizes of choice, and an official motion was moved and seconded in February 1955 to have tea and biscuits at the conclusion of each meeting as a light supper.

As with any new Society or Club, the formative years also include a great deal of administrative and logistical challenges.  The average monthly meeting attendances grew from 15 in 1951 to 73 in 1956 to 140 in late 1958.  This necessitated the use of 4 different meeting venues with the Society moving to the Poultry Association Hall in Adelaide in 1954, a hall that was to remain our home until the 1980’s.  Budgies were certainly the flavour during this decade as membership increased dramatically (42 new members in one month – July 1957) and the Annual Show just kept attracting more and more entries.  From 328 entries in 1953 when the Society was only 5 years old to 1207 entries in 1958, the hall used for shows had to be changed at least every two years as the entries kept outgrowing the existing show hall.  The BSSA has held an Annual Show every year since formation in 1948, and during the 1950’s, the show was a two-day event where entries were received on the Friday night, judging during Saturday and pack up Sunday afternoon.  It was also very common for the Society to be invited to put on a display at School and Church fetes such was the popularity of the budgie during the 50’s.

During this decade there was no National Body or any controlling administrative body throughout Australia so every state was “on its own”.  In April 1954 the BSSA affiliated with the Budgerigar Society of England, which provided a standard of perfection for members to aim towards.  In 1955 the BSSA released its own Standard of Perfection, which was closely modelled on the English standard and continued a close affiliation with the BSE until the Australian National Standard was adopted in the 1980’s.  In May 1954, the Society adopted a Show Cage blueprint, which allowed all exhibits to be displayed in a standard cage, and the colours of a white interior, and black exterior were adopted in October 1955. In August 1957 discussion took place to commence the first judges’ class run by the Society.  Previously judges were accredited by the Cage Bird or Aviculture Societies and this was a major step for the hobby to have its own dedicated and trained judges.  In September 1957 the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society was discussed at a BSSA meeting and in January 1958 the President of Port Pirie Mr. Threadgold publicly thanked the BSSA for help in forming their Society.

Meetings were held monthly and the entertainment centred on educating the membership on the breeding, exhibition standards, and differentiating the varieties of the budgerigars.  Speakers were mainly drawn from the foundation members of the club and the audience of mainly colony breeders must have been in awe at their knowledge and the possibilities of the “little” budgerigar.  Most meetings included a raffle of a pair of birds or similar from the speakers to enable the varieties to be spread among the club members.  Minutes of the November 1956 meeting note that “Mr. Hancock and Mr. Kin… solved the French moult problem for us and their talk was entertaining and educational:” If only they recorded what was actually said.

Many members who joined prior to 1960 remained in the hobby for many years to come and helped establish the BSSA as a successful and progressive Society.  These included Bob Hancock, Lal Logan, Stan Watson, Geoff Smith, Graham Hogg, Doug Barlow and Mrs. Ethel Dobie.

A strong turnout of exhibitors and birds compared to the last two years with 786 birds and 91 exhibitors from 13 clubs in attendance. This was 181 exhibits more than last year. The BCV changed the date from early September to late October, so this was a good result.

Plenty of attention was also given to our visiting international judge, Richard Miller. There were plenty of people eagerly listening to Richard’s presentation, which was well received and included many learnings for those in attendance.

Attached are 4 pics – Best in Show, Reserve in Show, Best Beginner in Show and Best Intermediate in Show.

Well done to Canberra Budgerigar Club for hosting their Annual Show last Sunday. By all accounts it was a great success, show-casing the best exhibition-type birds, pet birds, heritage-type birds, and all things budgie in-between. Congratulations to James Matthews on taking out Grand Champion budgerigar!

Full results below:

The 2024 Mid State Annual Budgerigar Show will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Orange Showground, Leeds Parade in the main pavilion. The show is open to exhibitors of all ages and experience levels, showcasing a range of budgerigar categories, including young, novice, juvenile, and intermediate birds, as well as pairs, teams, and collections.

Entries are to be submitted via phone or email by October 31, with no late entries accepted.

November 2024
Sat 2 November
Midstate
Orange Showground, Australia

Sun 10 November
Judges – Training & Panel Meeting
Beverly Park School, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia

Show day at IBS for the Julie Trebbin Tribute Show saw staging erected for 354 birds from 29 exhibitors. There was $2,600 in prize money awarded for general exhibitors, along with additional Derby bird prize money for Ipswich Derby rung birds. Unique trophies were presented to champions, and the Julie Trebbin Perpetual Trophy was awarded for Best Fallow.

Full results are below:

The Carnival Show Budgie weekend was a tremendous success! It started off with The Australian Budgerigar Society hosting its Inaugural Presentation evening on Saturday October 12 with over 51 members, friends and supporters attending Club Beenleigh to pay thoughtful attention to Dr. Rob Marshall and Mr. Troy Holmes. This will now be a yearly event leading to the Carnival Show.

On Sunday October 13, the club hosted their Annual Major Event, the ABS Carnival Show. Hosted at the new spacious, natural light show venue at the Beenleigh Show Grounds, there were a huge number of displays from community groups, bird clubs, the Logan City Lions, the Red Factor and Coloured Canary Club, Beenleigh Plant Club, arts and crafts, woodwork and the Heritage Budgerigars and a host of other displays from community groups.

Below are some note form details of the event:

• The ABS Inc. Carnival Show 2024 was FREE entry to all attendees and Free for Exhibitors.
• All Junior and Novice Exhibits can be reclassified at entry.
• Mr. Troy Holmes along with 3 National judges Mr. Henry George, Mrs. Lynne Miller and Mr. Wayne Robinson judged the show.
• Our trophy List included a Full list of awards for Juniors just the same as Open, Intermediate and Novice Exhibitors.
• Sale birds were welcomed.
• There was plenty of parking at our Show Hall.
• A great Free family day out for everyone to have some Budgie and Bird fun.
• Café ABS provided a tremendous FREE, yum yum sit down morning tea and a scrumptious lunch for everyone.
• There were 4 major Raffles on the day of 40kg and 30kg of Golden Cob Seed a Patton’s Big Gun Meat Voucher, and a Special Relaxing Massage Voucher worth $150.00.
• There was plenty of seating for everyone, but you probably will be up walking around to see all the displays and stalls.
• Switch to 101-FM to hear our promotional advertising for the event broadcasting now and look for our signs promoting the event.

The budgie show was over 25% up on last year so we are heading in the right direction, it was great to see so many people attend and stroll through the displays, this year we believe again we had over 600 through the hall. What started out on the property of our late Life Member Mr. Jim Parrish under gazebos is moving forward at a fast rate. We look forward to 2025 and beyond, we hope you can make it too.

The club meeting was held at Les and Pauline Walmsley home at Kairi.  We had a very productive meeting of some 2.5 hours with AGM and General Meeting.

Club Program for the 2025

• 2nd March.  General Meeting with club members to bring three normals for Table Show and general discussion.
• 4th May.  Derby and Oaks for Young Birds with 2024 rings and Club Selection Show for Zone Show which is 1 week before Nationals in Cairns. Show will be at Allan Buffa residence.
• 22nd June.  Any Age Show which will be held at Allan Buffa residence.
• July/ August.  Agricultural Shows where Club members are involved in stewarding, promotion of club and showing. Towns with Ag. Show in the area are: Ingham, Tully, Innisfail, Cairns, and Mossman.
• 7th September.  General Meeting with club members to bring three Inōs for the Table show and general discussion.
• 2nd November.  General Meeting with club members to bring three Opalines for Table Show and general discussion.

New members Les Milton and Craig Wilson were welcomed and given Breeding Expectations – Simplified which showed the grouping of Recessive Varieties, Sex Linked Varieties, Dominant Varieties and Dominant Colours being Green. Expectation of various mating’s were helpful in understanding breeding of the variety.

For further information on club kindly contact: Les Walmsley 0448276160 or Bruce Schuster 0426731339.

TRILL™ Expert 49th Annual ANBC National Titles

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone extends a warm invitation to all budgerigar enthusiasts, their families, and friends to join us in Cairns, North Queensland, for the 2025 Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show.

This exciting event takes place at the Brothers Leagues Club, a premier venue perfect for our championship. For your convenience, accommodation is available at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, just 600 meters from the venue, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all attendees.

Join us for the 2025 ANBC Nationals in Cairns for a spectacular showcase of the finest budgerigars, engaging activities, and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the beautiful setting of Cairns. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable event!

Program of Events – TRILL™ Expert 49th Annual ANBC National Titles

The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. is thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for all bird enthusiasts!  On offer are a pair of quality budgerigars from Craig Barnett’s Avairy.

Grey Green Cinnamon Cock, 23-BAR-099
Good top end, spot and cap release only 11 months old, one of 12 siblings.

Grey Green Cinnamon Hen, 22-BAR-073
Very nice top end, proven producer.  Father was 6th placed Green class at 2022 National.

Tickets $20.00 each
Expected close off date 15th January, 2025.

For ticket purchases or more information, please contact:
Bruce Schuster: 0426 731 339
Michelle Vidler: 0457 088 108

Help support the Nationals 2025 and grab your chance to win this amazing pair! Good luck!

Mark your calendars for some exciting upcoming budgerigar events in Western Australia!

Rare Budgerigar Club of WA Inc
Table Show
Date:     3^rd November [Sunday]
Time:    12.45pm
Venue:  Girrawheen Snr Citizens Hall, Patrick Court, Girrawheen

South West Budgerigar Club (Mandurah) Inc
Broken Caps and Unbroken Caps Championship
DATE:     17^th November [Sunday]
TIME:      11.00am
VENUE:   Coodanup Community Centre, Wanjeep Street, Coodanup [Mandurah]

Metropolitan Budgerigar Club of WA (Inc)
No Show in November

Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to engage with the budgerigar community!

The Port Pirie meeting was a vibrant affair, featuring a young bird show showcasing current year budgies, alongside a stunning display of Unbroken Caps (UBCs). With an impressive turnout of 55 birds, the quality was strong, but Judge Larry Jeffries managed to find two standout champions. Congratulations to Shiralee Reardon, who took home the top honours for Best Nest Feather, and to the Holmes Family for winning Best Young Bird. It was a fantastic event filled with camaraderie and high-quality birds, setting the stage for more exciting events to come!

Join us on Tuesday, November 5th @ 7pm for a virtual tour of the Holmes Family Aviaries. Take a peak behind the scenes of one of South Australia’s best known budgie breeders as Troy Holmes takes us through his daily bird keeping routines, cage and aviary setups and hand feeding regimes. Come along to what promises to be a fantastic night!

Join the North East for a special Come & Try Night featuring a tender sale! Selected North East members will have birds available for purchase, and there will also be birds offered at no cost for new and novice breeders. This exciting evening is a celebration of all things budgies, and everyone is welcome! To reserve a sale table at this FREE event, please contact Ian Wise at 0437 591 843.

Mark your calendars for the BSSA annual Interclub Challenge with the North East Budgerigar Society on Sunday, 10 November 2024! Please note the new venue: Ascot Park Scout Hall, located at 51 Sixth Avenue, Ascot Park. The BSSA’s long-standing rivalry with NEBS dates back to 1978, with the competition being held every year except for two (due to extreme weather and COVID). The scoreboard remains impressively close after 44 events, with NEBS leading at 24 wins to BSSA’s 20.

A good selections of birds from across the varieties ranging from the high-quality to moderate. Unfortunately the weather hasn’t helped with their condition, so there were some rough looking ones through to those that showed that their owners had spent time preparing them. These were rewarded with the major awards. It was a pleasure to judge them and an honour to be asked to judge today.

Peter Kross

The Tasmanian Budgerigar Society held a low key garden show on the 20/10/2024 at Dale & Donnas home. This was a well-supported event with most members in attendance along with their partners. Members all bought along 2 birds each with the only request for the day that these be any combination of the cinnamon or opaline variety.

We had a good range of the combinations of these varieties where we discussed the various features of these and for the newer members where the combinations would fit in the ANBC matrix. Once we had finished discussing the birds, members moved into Dale`s breeding room to look at the pairs and varieties Dale was breeding where some discussions was had around possible outcomes of what varieties of chicks to expect.

We then looked around the garden and the small number of parrot aviaries Dale & Donna have also. While the budgie fanatics were looking at and discussing budgies, the female (better halves) were guided around the garden by Donna and inside where Donna has a large selection (too many) of indoor plants. Stars of the day were Donna’s inside Eclectus parrots, of which she has a male and female. Both have an amazing vocabulary.

Members all gathered together on the back deck where we all had a BBQ lunch and discussed all those things important in the world today. This was a low-key club day with no club politics or agendas to bore the wives just a small group sharing their passion for budgies with the opportunity to discuss at length any topic that was raised.

We’re always aiming to make our vet check articles engaging and relevant, so if there’s a specific topic or question you’d like us to cover, please let us know! Your feedback helps us shape the newsletter to better serve our members’ interests, and we’ll make sure to pass your suggestions on to Dr. Hamish Baron and the team.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for sharing our passion for budgerigars. Together, we can keep these articles valuable and enjoyable for everyone.

P.S. Don’t forget to keep checking the new ANBC website at https://anbc.org.au for updates.

Neale R Love
Editor, ANBC Gazette
[email protected]
Mob 0421471781