Jim Judy Fletcher 2025

What sparked your interest in budgerigars and the hobby?
Both Jim and Judy had budgies as youngsters. Judy joined the Tasmanian Budgerigar Society early on and won a champion Novice bird in show for 1962, though her interest later shifted to other pursuits. Jim, as a child, collected cuttlefish and traded them for birds with a prominent breeder in Scottsdale, Tasmania. A memorable experience involved producing five yellow youngsters with red eyes, sparking a lifelong fascination with budgerigars and genetics.

In 1968, after marrying and settling into our first home, Jim discovered budgies for sale and brought them home. This marked the beginning of our shared journey in the hobby. Judy’s past experience and our involvement with the Tasmanian Budgerigar Society led to the establishment of the renowned “J&J Fletcher” team.

How long have you been in the bird-keeping hobby?
For Jim and Judy, the world of Budgerigars is not just a passion—it’s a lifelong commitment. With 55 years of experience breeding and showcasing these captivating birds, their dedication to the hobby is evident in everything they do.

How many breeding cages do you have, and how long is your breeding season?
We currently manage 32 breeding cages. We find that pairing up at the start of spring provides the best breeding results.

What club do you represent, and what do you enjoy most about it?
We represent the Tasmanian Budgerigar Society, based in Hobart. We value the camaraderie among like-minded enthusiasts and are proud to have contributed significantly to the growth and strength of the Society, which was founded in 1933.

In 1990, Jim achieved a significant milestone by passing the inaugural ANBC judging examination. His expertise led him to serve as the Judges Committee Coordinator for several years, showcasing not only his passion for breeding but also his commitment to maintaining high standards within the community. With National judging appointments in 1992, 1996, 2004, 2011, 2017, and 2024, his role as a judge has been pivotal in shaping the standards of excellence in the Budgerigar world. His judging prowess, coupled with a dedication to the Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC), has left an indelible mark on the community. Judy, meanwhile, has played a key role in the hobby by establishing a yearly Show Schedule Booklet for 21 years and has served as the Ring Registrar for T.B.S. for the past 15 years.

What varieties do you keep, and which is your favourite?
We breed a wide range of varieties, including Normals (all colours), Lutino, Lacewing, Cinnamonwing, Opaline, Spangle, Yellow Face, Australian White Cap, and Clearwings. Our favourite – a quality budgie is our ideal.

What is your favourite moment in the hobby, and why?
Our most memorable moment occurred at the 2010 National Show in Rockhampton. Our Normal Light Green Cock won the Normal Green class and became the foundation bird for our current bloodline. This achievement earned widespread accolades and remains a highlight of our journey.

If you could visit any bird room in the world, where would it be and why?
We would love to visit Daniel Lutoff’s aviary, which showcases the type of bird we strive to breed.

What bloodlines have influenced your stud?
Our primary bloodline originated from Gary Gazzard, with limited outcrosses from Alan Rowe and Steven Mow.

Who do you respect most in the hobby?
We hold respect for all breeders of budgerigars and have formed lasting friendships with breeders worldwide through our travels and experiences.

What was your best bird, and why?
Our standout bird was a Light Green Cock from Rockhampton, noted for its magnificent feather quality. This bird became a cornerstone of our breeding line.

What other hobbies or interests do you have?
Judy has developed exceptional skills in photographing budgerigars and editing images to perfection. She is also a skilled seamstress and actively contributes to the community as the Ring Registrar for Tasmania. Jim enjoys gardening and grows an abundance of fruits and vegetables to support both our family and our birds.

What does your aviary setup involve, and how has it evolved?
Our aviary features a large 9m x 6m breeding room with a spacious outdoor flight where all the birds can fly together. We also maintain a dedicated computer room for tracking bird records and pedigrees using a custom bird program developed by our son Luke. This system is essential for managing pairings and maintaining strong bloodlines.

What staple medications or preventative measures do you use?
We emphasise minimal medication use, treating for canker twice a year, worming annually, and using Ivermectin or similar treatments as required. We regularly use citric acid, Avian Insect Liquidator for quarantine and show preparation, and maintain a diet rich in fresh produce, including apples, oranges, carrots, silver beet, chickweed, wild seeding grasses and amaranth (see image below).

What issue in the hobby do you think can be improved, and how?
We believe the hobby could benefit from better education and support for beginners to ensure strong foundational practices and greater accessibility.

What advice do you offer to beginners?
We recommend starting with young birds from local breeders and avoiding costly purchases until gaining experience. Focus on normal varieties and establish a solid breeding line by pairing related birds and keeping detailed records.

What do you want to achieve with your budgerigars?
Our goal is to breed a strong, competitive line of budgerigars capable of excelling at both our state and national shows.