Budgerigar Society
Fifteen members attended the Baw Baw Budgerigar Society meeting held on Monday, April 4 where Dareren Macfarlane conducted a presentation on preparing birds for showing. The club was fortunate to have a couple of experienced championship breeders attending who were able to add their experience and knowledge on this topic to the presentation and ensuing discussion.
Much emphasis was placed on handling the birds at a young age so that when they appear on the judging bench they sit quietly. Feeding them the correct foods and spraying them to encourage preening of their feathers was also an important aspect in presenting the bird in the best possible light. Show cages should also be maintained as a dirty cage will detract from the bird.
Darren also conducted a presentation on dominant pieds with examples of birds on display. Some of the discussion centred around the loss of the banded variety of pieds.
The next meeting will be held on May 16 for the selection of birds for the Young Bird State Championship. Entries for the beginner and intermediate state championship will also be taken on the night.
The Baw Baw club will enter a team of birds into a competition where all of the clubs in Victoria will compete against one another. On this night up to three birds of each variety will be selected, which will then represent the club against three birds from each other club. If members are lucky at the State championship, birds may then be selected to represent Victoria at a National competition.
This is an opportunity for people interested in budgerigars to see all of the varieties on display.
Annual memberships are only $10 for adults and $1 for juniors and people don't need to be a breeder of exhibition budgies to be a member. The club tries to cater for everyone, from those who may have one bird in a cage to those who have an aviary of birds.
Anyone wishing to attend club meetings is welcome. Meetings are held on a monthly basis in the old tennis club rooms in Burke Street, Warragul opposite the aquatic centre. Meetings begin at 7pm and last about two hours.
For anyone who would like to know more about breeding, showing or would just like to join the club you can make contact via the club's website - https://bawbawbudgerigarsociety.weebly.com or find us via the Facebook page. The next monthly meeting will be on Monday May 16.