Heath Chasemore Fancier In Focus

Fancier in Focus – Heath Chasemore (Geelong Budgerigar Club)

For Heath Chasemore, the journey into budgerigars began not in a grand stud or at a major show, but as a 14-year-old boy in a small country town in northern Victoria. Like many lifelong fanciers, it started with a simple moment of fascination. Walking into a local pet shop, Heath was captivated by the beautiful colours of the budgies on display. That spark quickly turned into action.

What began as a small aviary soon expanded into two. With scrap timber and plenty of encouragement, Heath’s father built breeding cages. This laid the foundations for what would become a decades-long involvement in the hobby. Those early pet shop birds carried club rings from a local breeder, Ian Furness, who was also Heath’s schoolteacher. That coincidence proved pivotal.

Heath would ride his bike to Ian’s home on Saturday afternoons, learning firsthand how to care for and manage budgerigars. The mentorship extended beyond routine husbandry. Birds were shared, shows were travelled to together, and in time, Heath and Ian even sat the judging examination side by side. When Ian retired from budgerigars in 2013, Heath was fortunate to purchase his mentor’s stud. This was a fitting continuation of a partnership that had shaped his approach to the hobby.

A Lifetime in Budgerigars

Heath obtained his first set of rings in 1988. Apart from a five-year break during his late teens and early twenties, he has been continuously involved in breeding ever since. Now an Open breeder and proud member of the Geelong Budgerigar Club, Heath balances full-time work with a thoughtfully designed and highly functional aviary setup. In 2024, he added another significant milestone by passing the National Judges Test.

His current bird room measures approximately 4m x 3m, with flights positioned off to the side. Living on a residential block, size and placement are critical considerations. Having moved house a couple of times over the years, Heath has used each opportunity to refine his design.

The present layout features 20 melamine breeding cabinets along one wall, complemented by additional cages and practical storage solutions. Nest boxes are hung from the front of each breeding cage. LED strip lighting, controlled by timer, provides several hours of illumination morning and evening, ensuring consistency during the breeding season.

Like most breeders, Heath admits he occasionally thinks he needs more cages or more space. However, working full-time, he recognises that the current setup is manageable and sustainable – a key ingredient in long-term success.

Varieties and Achievements

Heath breeds a range of varieties including Normals, Opalines, Spangles, Black Eyed Self and Dilutes, though Cinnamonwings hold a special place in his heart. The elegance and subtlety of the Cinnamonwing variety appeal to his eye, and it is clear they remain a personal favourite.

When asked about his favourite moments in the hobby, two stand out — winning the Opaline AOSV class in Adelaide when it was still an exhibition class and passing the National Judges Test in 2024. Both achievements represent important milestones in Heath’s journey.

Whilst Heath loves the challenge of breeding and continually striving to improve and develop his birds, he equally enjoys judging. He values the opportunity to view quality birds and communicate clearly what he sees as a judge. Judging has provided opportunities to travel across Victoria and interstate. Most recently he officiated at the 90th show for the Northern Tasmania Budgerigar Club. Looking ahead, Heath hopes to one day judge at the ANBC Nationals and says it would be a dream to judge overseas.

Among his best birds, Heath nominates a Spangle Cinnamonwing Sky Blue hen that achieved Grand Champion honours and also won the Spangle AOSV class at the Adult Bird Shield. It stands as a benchmark in his breeding journey. This is the kind of bird that validates years of careful pairing and steady improvement.

Feeding, Health and Consistency

Heath’s feeding regime reflects a strong belief in prevention, consistency and nutritional diversity. His base seed mix includes Budgie Gold, plain canary and a small D-cup of tonic seed. He also prepares a specialised oat and sunflower mix in a 5:1 ratio (oats to grey striped sunflower). This mix is enriched with oil, molasses, hemp oil and additional supplements.

Cuttlefish is available at all times. Each breeding cage contains three finger drawers incorporating F-Vite, Murphy Mineral and BVM powder. Water is supplemented during the week with Soluvite Breeder, B12 and a few drops of iodine. Additionally, KD powder is added on weekends.

Soft food is a significant component of the program. Heath prepares a mixture including sprouted wheat, grated carrot, chopped silverbeet, beetroot, fennel, corn and herbs sourced from his vegetable garden. Turbo Booster and E powder are also included.

Fresh gum leaves and bark are offered weekly in both flights and breeding cages, providing environmental enrichment as well as nutritional benefits.

Heath’s philosophy centres on prevention rather than cure. By maintaining a broad and consistent feeding program throughout the year for both breeding and non-breeding birds, he aims to minimise health issues and maintain fertility. Diversity in diet, stable routines and attentiveness to condition are cornerstones of his management approach.

Advice to Progress in the Hobby

For newcomers wanting to progress, Heath’s advice is clear: find a mentor. Learning the fundamentals of bird care and developing an eye for modern style and type are essential first steps. He encourages breeders to focus on establishing a strong line of Normals before adding additional varieties.

Improvement, he believes, comes gradually by identifying and sourcing the missing pieces of the puzzle. Stewarding at shows, assisting whenever possible, and visiting as many bird rooms as you can are invaluable learning opportunities.

Exposure to different setups, bloodlines and breeding philosophies broadens perspective and refines judgement.

Looking Beyond Our Shores

While Heath greatly values the many excellent breeders within Australia, he would relish the opportunity to visit leading international studs. Among those at the top of his list are Ali Bouresi, Daniel Lutolf and Richard Miller. These are breeders whose birds and programs have influenced the fancy worldwide.

Each visit to a bird room, whether local or overseas, provides fresh ideas and new ways to refine one’s own stud. Heath approaches the hobby with an open mind, always seeking incremental gains.

A Measured and Sustainable Approach

Heath Chasemore’s journey illustrates the enduring power of mentorship, steady improvement and balance. From riding his bike to help a local schoolteacher with budgies, to standing as an Open breeder and National judge, his path reflects dedication without excess.

Outside the bird room, Heath is a devoted family man. With six children leading busy working lives, sharing a meal together is often the only time everyone comes together. He says he doesn’t have a specific favourite food. However, anything home grown, cooked with love and shared with family and friends is hard to beat.

He is also a lifelong Geelong AFL supporter. Living in Geelong, he enjoys heading to the footy with his kids. Moreover, he is hopeful the Cats can go one better than last year.

Looking ahead, Heath has a few personal ambitions still on the list: walking to Mount Everest Base Camp, visiting Machu Picchu in Peru, and driving the Nullabor.

His setup is not the largest. His philosophy is not extreme. Instead, it is measured, thoughtful and sustainable, qualities that underpin longevity in the hobby.

Above all, Heath values the people. The friendships forged in bird rooms, on show benches and through shared learning remain the true reward. And in that respect, his story mirrors the very best of what the Australian budgerigar fancy represents.