| Joyful Noise Aviary Ownership and showing information |
Whether you want to breed your birds, exhibit them in one of the many shows
nationwide, or just keep them as pets, it's always a good idea to join the bird
association of your choice, such as American Budgerigar Society (ABS) for
budgies or Lineolated Parakeet Society (LPS) for Linnies. There is also the
Society of Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors (SPBE)
By joining your bird's association you will be able to get information in their
publications, online, and have access to a network of other breeder/owners who
may be able to help you and answer questions. You will also be able to order
bands for babies you breed, to keep track of their pedigrees as well as allow you
to show them in the future.
Bird exhibition is generally inexpensive and fun for all ages. By attending a show
in your area, you might be able to determine the right breed or variety of bird for
you and your family before you commit to a purchase.
For more information on preparing your budgie for a show, see this article on
grooming. You should ONLY show fully weaned birds that are in good health
and good physical condition. Never show a bird that has been breeding, moulting
or does not appear to be well (fluffing up, not perching, not active, not preening,
etc).
Start spraying your birds about 1-2 weeks prior to their show with water, then
allow them to dry in a warm place, away from any drafts. If you like, you may
add a small amount of baby shampoo, glycerine, or other grooming liquid like
Dyna Mite, etc. to the water in a spray bottle. Use a light spray and be sure to
remove food from the cage before spraying, or place birds in a special spraying
cage. By spraying the birds or wetting them well daily prior to the show, your
bird will then preen all their feathers, establishing a routine of preening which
will ensure shinier feathers and better condition. A small amount of Wheat Germ
Oil in their food may also help the shine of feathers as well as help hens to pass
eggs well.
For more information on spotting budgies and grooming them for show, here is a
great article and
photos.http://www.sandhillsbudgerigarsociety.com/SBSarticles.html
nationwide, or just keep them as pets, it's always a good idea to join the bird
association of your choice, such as American Budgerigar Society (ABS) for
budgies or Lineolated Parakeet Society (LPS) for Linnies. There is also the
Society of Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors (SPBE)
By joining your bird's association you will be able to get information in their
publications, online, and have access to a network of other breeder/owners who
may be able to help you and answer questions. You will also be able to order
bands for babies you breed, to keep track of their pedigrees as well as allow you
to show them in the future.
Bird exhibition is generally inexpensive and fun for all ages. By attending a show
in your area, you might be able to determine the right breed or variety of bird for
you and your family before you commit to a purchase.
For more information on preparing your budgie for a show, see this article on
grooming. You should ONLY show fully weaned birds that are in good health
and good physical condition. Never show a bird that has been breeding, moulting
or does not appear to be well (fluffing up, not perching, not active, not preening,
etc).
Start spraying your birds about 1-2 weeks prior to their show with water, then
allow them to dry in a warm place, away from any drafts. If you like, you may
add a small amount of baby shampoo, glycerine, or other grooming liquid like
Dyna Mite, etc. to the water in a spray bottle. Use a light spray and be sure to
remove food from the cage before spraying, or place birds in a special spraying
cage. By spraying the birds or wetting them well daily prior to the show, your
bird will then preen all their feathers, establishing a routine of preening which
will ensure shinier feathers and better condition. A small amount of Wheat Germ
Oil in their food may also help the shine of feathers as well as help hens to pass
eggs well.
For more information on spotting budgies and grooming them for show, here is a
great article and
photos.http://www.sandhillsbudgerigarsociety.com/SBSarticles.html