The Show Season is Coming!By Mick Freakley (Freakley & Ainley)I write this piece mainly for beginner and novice budgerigar breeders and exhibitors who have aspirations to show their stock. I remember in my early days in the hobby looking for all the information I could find to help me become a better fancier. So with the show season fast approaching I will give my views on show preparation. Keep it Simple There is nothing complicated at all in bringing a bird into show condition, many make it that way, but a simple approach is best, be aware though, no matter how much you work at it, nature will still play it's part, there is only so much we can do, and nature sometimes wins, but this is all part of that learning process. So to begin with you will need to catch up your early young birds, I would suggest approximately eight weeks before your first planned show. These are usually the produce from your first round breeding, which should be about through their first moult. Place them into a run of stock cages for about a week to allow them to settle down and get used to each other, they will sort out a new pecking order, so be vigilant and make sure non are being bullied. It is also at this time to check for any broken flight and tail feathers, as these will need to be removed to allow them to grow back in time for their first show, this may take up to six weeks. Spraying After that week of settling, it will be time to start preparing them for the show. Initially we need to spray the birds with water, this can be done with a simple hand sprayer, or pressure pump sprayer, it makes no difference apart from the former making your wrist ache. The initial spray can be done using hot water (not boiling) with either a small amount of baby shampoo or a propriety plume spray added, this will help in removing the grime and dirt from the feathers. A cage especially for this purpose is recommended; a pet type budgie cage is ideal, or you can make one from Twilweld held together by cable ties. Soak the birds until it is virtually impossible to see what colour they are, I would suggest the spraying process takes place early in the day so to allow plenty of time for them to become completely dry before roosting, this is very important. Place them in a clean stock cage with shavings or similar on the floor, and provide and few treats, like millet sprays and maybe some Japanese millet to encourage them to feed, as it can be quite a stressful time for them. Continue spraying the birds on a regular basis, I would suggest every other day is ideal, but after the first soaking, there is no need to soak them quite as much with the following spraying. You will notice very quickly the feathers tightening and the water will encourages the birds to preen, this will result in perfect feather condition. It is important to continue spray even though the birds have reached this stage. Adult Show Team The adult birds take less time to come into condition, I would catch these around four weeks prior to my first show, but would advice you checked for broken flights etc. at the same time the young birds were checked. Treat the adults in exactly the same way, spraying regularly until condition is reached. Wash the Heads It is important to wash the heads of the birds; this will remove any dirt and also help in removing the wax that covers any un-opened head feathers. A soft toothbrush is useful for this job, again with a spot of baby shampoo, be careful to avoid contact with the birds eyes during this operation. It may be necessary to repeat this on a number of occasions until the head is perfect. De-Spotting During the week of the first show is the time to turn your attentions to the mask and the spots in particular. The BS standard on most varieties calls for six evenly spaced spots, this will include the four main spots, and two cheek patch spots which are usually smaller than the main ones, it pays to take your time with this task so as not to make a mistake, and also not to stress the birds or yourself for that matter for too long. Start by removing the obvious ones first, the shadow spots and flecks, by doing this it will become clearer which are the proper main spots, patiently work your way though them until only the six required spots are left. I would suggest spraying be deferred on this day to allow the spots to settle. Oops, nearly forgot. The last thing to do either on the day of the show or the evening before is to dip the tails in hot water, then gently pull them through your finger and thumb to straighten them. Your exhibit should now be in tip top condition, there is only one thing left to do, place him or her into a clean show cage, and feel proud in the way you have benched your exhibits, the judge will certainly take this into account on show day. Good luck. Copyright © Mick Freakley http://www.fa1-stud.co.uk/. All Rights Reserved This article may not be reproduced in any way, shape or form without the express permission of Mick Freakley. |
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