BCV Sept Report 2026

BCV September Report 2026

With a touch of spring in the air, the curtains have now closed on another hugely busy and successful Victorian auction period.

The live auctions held in recent months have provided enthusiasts with plenty of opportunities to strengthen their breeding teams for the season ahead, whether by introducing new bloodlines or adding birds with particular features, qualities or varieties they are looking to enhance within their aviaries.

A special thank you and well done to the clubs that continue to make the effort to organise and conduct physical, face-to-face auctions. These events remain an important part of our annual budgerigar calendar. They give back enormously to the hobby while providing an opportunity for fanciers to catch up, share their knowledge and enjoy the social interaction and camaraderie that are such an important part of our community.

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Society hosted its Annual Auction on Sunday 16 August at the Werribee Masonic Hall, followed by the United Budgerigar Society’s Annual Auction on Saturday 22 August at Plenty Hall.

With just under 400 birds offered across the two events, buyers had further opportunities to introduce quality new additions to their breeding teams. Both auctions were well supported by those attending in person, while interstate fanciers were also able to participate through telephone bidding.

With the weather slowly warming, many of our members will now be well into their breeding seasons, with their sights firmly set on producing hopefuls for the upcoming BCV UBC State Championship / “Harold Heath” Unbroken Cap Shield Competition.

We wish all our members every success for the season ahead. May your breeding pairs produce plenty of healthy, quality youngsters and perhaps a few future champions along the way!

H5N1 – Staying Vigilant

The rapidly changing situation surrounding the recent detection and spread of H5N1 avian influenza makes it difficult to predict exactly what lies ahead for our close-knit Victorian budgerigar community.

H5N1 was detected in Victoria in late July, following detections in several other Australian states. Victorian authorities have activated the State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan and continue to monitor the situation.

At present, the situation for our hobby remains manageable, but continued vigilance is essential. We encourage all members to stay informed through the relevant government and industry authorities and, most importantly, to maintain sound biosecurity practices. Good hygiene, appropriate quarantine procedures for new birds and minimising opportunities for contact with wild birds are all important measures in protecting our aviaries.

For the time being, it remains largely business as usual for the events remaining on our 2026 calendar, and we remain hopeful that they can proceed as planned. Should circumstances change, members will, of course, be kept fully informed.

Looking Ahead – What’s Next?

While September is almost completely bereft of official budgerigar events, aside from the occasional club meeting, things will soon kick back into gear with the arrival of the much-anticipated spring showing season.

October brings a full program of club championships, UBC events and the BCV UBC State Championship, with the Victorian show season once again moving into top gear.

Dates and details for these events will be advertised in the October Gazette edition.

In the meantime, enjoy a quieter few weeks and make the most of your time in the bird room with your breeding teams. For those who follow the code, there is also plenty of AFL Finals footy to keep you entertained!

Best of luck to everyone for the breeding season ahead, and we look forward to seeing plenty of quality birds on the show benches when spring arrives.

Mal Randall
BCV President