| Welcome to this week’s edition of the Budgie Bulletin! |
|
This week, the BSSA opened the formal show season with the Murphy Classic—an event dedicated to showcasing the future champions of the hobby here in South Australia. Open exclusively to Novice and Intermediate breeders, the show highlights emerging talent and developing studs within the State. With 20 exhibitors and around 215 birds benched, the strong turnout is an encouraging sign for the future of the fancy here in South Australia.
|
|
| Among the standout results, Jane Kelb was awarded Champion Intermediate Young Bird, with Danny Brill taking Reserve in that category. Danny also claimed Champion Intermediate Old Bird, while Jane was awarded Reserve. In the Novice section, Dave Miller had a clean sweep, securing both Champion and Reserve titles for Young Bird. Brice and Sally Wheaton were awarded Champion Novice Old Bird, with Paul Wilton taking Reserve. A special congratulations goes to Andrew Swift, who received the Show Manager’s Award for the most accumulated points on the day. And finally, to Show Manager George England, for his tireless efforts in coordinating the event.
To help boost participation in the Murphy Classic, each bird entered into the show earned its exhibitor a ticket in a raffle draw for a young Normal Grey Green cock kindly donated by the Holmes Family. Congratulations to Steve Wharton, who took home this promising young bird. |
|
| This week also marked the release of the April edition of the ANBC Gazette, featuring a range of exciting updates for the budgerigar community. Among the highlights were details of two new raffles launched to support the upcoming Trill Expert 49th Annual ANBC National Show in Cairns, along with a look at the finalised ANBC Supporter shirts. The Gazette also announced the official ring colour sequence for the next five years, which notably includes a change to Gold in 2028.
The Gazette also included an important appeal to breeders working with Melanistic Spangles, encouraging them to document their breeding records and provide photographs. This initiative aims to assist the Colours and Standards committee in determining whether the variety is a true mutation or simply a heavily marked form of the Spangle. Additionally, Dr Hamish Baron contributed valuable insights into the role of seasonal feeding in stimulating breeding behaviour and improving breeding outcomes, offering readers practical knowledge grounded in avian health and nutrition. |
|
| Tuesday night here in Adelaide featured a highly anticipated presentation by Dr Rob Marshall from Sydney, renowned author of The Budgerigar and Budgerigar Medicine. Travelling to Adelaide for the occasion, Dr Marshall focused on the topic of Vitamin A and D deficiencies, addressing both primary and secondary forms. Rather than delivering a traditional lecture, he took on the challenge of answering over 50 pre-submitted questions—sight unseen—before opening the discussion to the floor.
With over 50 attendees, the event was a clear reflection of the high regard in which Dr Marshall is held within the budgerigar community. His willingness to personally connect with everyone in the room created a lively atmosphere, with conversations continuing well past the usual finishing time at the Unley Community Centre. A heartfelt thank you goes not only to Dr Marshall for his time and insights, but also to Troy Holmes and Kelwyn Kakoschke for their efforts in organising and facilitating the evening. |
|
The Week Ahead
🚨 Judges Meeting 🚨
This Sunday, 6th April, the BCSA Judges Meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Enfield Community Centre, Meeting Room 1. All BCSA judges are kindly requested to attend, and your participation is greatly appreciated. Judges Coordinator John Mulley has prepared an extensive agenda, so there will be a lot to cover off.
|
|
| 📢 North East Meeting 🏆🐦
The North East Budgerigar Society will be holding its monthly meeting this coming Wednesday, featuring a special talk on culling and a presentation on budgerigar faults by renowned breeder Nigel Tonkin. All fanciers are encouraged to attend what promises to be an engaging and informative evening. |
|
Latest Update on Bird Flu (H7N8)
The most recent information on Bird Flu (H7N8) is outlined below. The key takeaway for bird owners is the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures.
✅ Keep sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean
✅ Ensure footwear is clean before entering bird areas
✅ Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds or eggs
Staying vigilant with hygiene practices is essential in protecting your birds and preventing the spread of disease. Note that poultry and bird sales, shows, markets and auctions or other gatherings within the control and restricted areas are prohibited until further notice. |
|
 |
| Press release from Agriculture Victoria |
|
This week, we have two online auction underway on the 32 Auctions platform – BSSA Auction 8 for 2025, and the North East Auction. Details of these events are provided below.
|
|
BSSA Auction 8 for 2025 🦜
Date: Ends April 6th 2025
Lots Available: 12 individual lots
Running from March 31st to April 6th at 7 pm ACST, this exciting auction features 12 quality birds from BSSA Members. The auction showcases birds from Marie & Kerry Murphy, the Longbottom Family, Jane Kelb, and George England. Varieties available include Normals, Yellow Faced, Spangles, Inos, Clearwings, and Black Eyed Self. Each bird is well described in the comments, giving buyers plenty of detail – one 2022 cock is even described as a “fit and strong love machine”—he’s ready to impress!
|
|
North East Budgerigar Society Auction 3 🦜
Date: Ends April 6th 2025
Lots Available: 20 individual lots
This auction includes 20 birds from breeders across South Australia including the Holmes Family, John Mulley, Doug & Ruth Lange, John Farrugia-Gay, Beau Schutz, and Ian & Gina Wise. This auction showcases striking varieties including Violets, Crested, White Caps, Cinnamonwings, Clearwings, and Dark Eyed Clears.
|
|
| BCSA Judges Meeting
🗓 Date: Sunday April 6th, 2025
📍 Location: Enfield Community Centre
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
All BCSA accredited judges are required to attend the meeting, convened by Judges Coordinator, John Mulley. |
|
| Stock Reduction Strategies & Exhibition Faults in The Standard
🗓 Date: Wednesday April 9th, 2025
📍 Location: Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
Entertainment will include a Stock Reduction session focused on identifying which birds to retain and which to move on, alongside a presentation by Nigel Tonkin on common faults in relation to The Standard of Excellence.
Bird of the night will be Black Eyed Self and Dilute. |
|
| BSSA Come & Try Day
🗓 Date: Sunday April 13th, 2025
📍 Location: Ascot Park Scout Hall
Are you a young bird lover or just curious about the world of budgerigars? Come along to the “Come and Try” Day, hosted by the Budgerigar Society of South Australia! Held on Sunday 13th April 2025 from 10am to 12 noon at the Ascot Park Scout Hall, this free event is a perfect introduction for juniors and novice breeders alike to learn all about breeding and caring for budgies. You’ll hear from passionate South Australian breeders who will share their knowledge and love for the hobby in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Whether you’re brand new or already have a feathered friend at home, this is a fun opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow young fanciers, and even take home your very own budgerigar! It’s a great way to get involved in a hobby full of colour, character, and community. So, let’s flock together—come and see what all the chirping is about! |
|
| Port Pirie Breeders Show
🗓 Date: Sunday April 27th, 2025
📍 Location: Crystal Brook Institute, 26 Bowman St Crystal Brook
The Harry Johnson Young Stock Show will be an Open Show, allowing any financial member of the Pt Pirie Budgerigar Society or any other Budgerigar Society to participate. The event will be conducted under the show rules of the Pt. Pirie Budgerigar Society of South Australia Inc. If entry numbers are sufficient, it will also be recognised as a BCSA Status Movement Show. Birds are to be benched between 9:30am and 10:00am, with judging commencing promptly at 10:15am. Exhibits must not be removed before 2:30pm or without the direction of the Show Manager.
Entries close electronically by Friday April 11th. |
|
| Lower Murray Bird Club Expo
🗓 Date: Sunday April 27th, 2025
📍 Location: Murray Bridge Racing Club
Get ready for a fun-filled feathered morning at the Lower Murray Bird Club’s annual Bird Expo, happening on Sunday, April 27th, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Murray Bridge Racing Club, 342 Brinkley Road, Gifford Hill. With just $2 entry for adults (kids enter free!), it’s the perfect outing for bird lovers of all ages. The event will feature an exciting range of trade displays showcasing all things avian—from bird products and accessories to vibrant live bird displays. There’ll also be a free children’s raffle, making it a great family event.
Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks from the Bird Club Café, including BBQ, sandwiches, pies, cakes, tea, coffee, and refreshing iced drinks. Ample parking is available, and seller helpers can register for just $2 at the registration desk. All birds must be benched between 8:30am and 10:30am, with the event run under the UBSSA Bird Expo Code of Practice. First aid will be provided by St John, and Dr Anne Fowler Avian Vet will be present for bird welfare. Whether you’re a seasoned bird breeder, casual enthusiast, or curious first-timer, everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere! |
|
| The North Queensland Budgerigar Zone are hosting two more raffles to support the 2025 TRILL™ Expert Australian National Budgerigar Council (ANBC) Championship Show being held in May. The first is an aviary from the official cage partner to the ANBC, NCA Custom Cages.
Details: Medium size mobile flight cage valued at $2800.00 plus accessories.
Size: 1950-L x 950-W
Stainless Steel 316 grade cage fronts.
2 x slide out litter trays
8 x Hardwood perches
1 x Main Door
1 x Smaller Feeder Door
2 x Drinkers
1 x Transparent Seed Hopper.
Freight will be paid by NQBZ Inc. to winner.
Raffle to be drawn on Presentation Night in Cairns. 25th May, 2025.
Tickets are $10.00 each.
Please ring Michelle Fidler on 0457088108 or Bruce Schuster on 0426731339. |
|
🎟️ North Queensland Budgerigar Zone Inc. proudly presents Raffle 5!
Up for grabs is a superb trio of budgerigars from the Joel Keune:
🔹 Cock – Spangle Double Factor Yellow (JVK-037)
Bred from a BIS Double Factor cock and a top-quality Spangle hen from Glenn Schiller.
🔹 Hen 1 – Cinnamonwing Grey Green (JVK-109-23)
Sired by a Gary Gazzard Light Green cock and out of a Grey Green hen who is a full sister to the 6th-placed Light Green at the Nationals.
🔹 Hen 2 – Dominant Pied Grey Green Hen (JVK-036-23)
Sired by a Light Green Spangle cock and a Dominant Pied Grey Green hen
🎫 Tickets: $20.00 each
📞 Contact:
Michelle Vidler – 0457 088 108
Bruce Schuster – 0426 731 339
📍 Raffle drawn at the Presentation Dinner during the Nationals in Cairns – 25th May 2025
Your support is greatly appreciated, and we wish all entrants the very best of luck! |
|
| Have you signed up to the ANBC Gazette? It is packed full of information, and spans the continent, with cutting edge news from Vets, nostalgic reflection on some of the older Clubs, fanciers in focus, and more. Its free, and it’s a great resource. We encourage anyone with a passion in budgerigars to sign up. |
|
|
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out over the weekend and took part in the Murphy Classic—whether as an exhibitor, judge, or volunteer. Your involvement and enthusiasm are what make the South Australian budgerigar community so strong. And to those who backed it up by attending Dr Rob Marshall’s presentation on Tuesday night, your continued support is truly appreciated.
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at either the Judges Meeting on Sunday or the North East event on Wednesday evening. Your continued support and involvement are what keep our community thriving.
Until next week. |
|
|
April
- Sunday, 6th April – BCSA Judges Meeting, Enfield Community Centre, Regency Road, Enfield
- Wednesday, 9 April 2025 NEBS Culling & Faults Relative to The Standard of Excellence presentation, featuring BES & Dilute, Hectorville Community Centre, 47 Reid Avenue, Hectorville
- Friday, 11 April 2025 – Entries Close – Harry Johnston Young Bird Show
- Sunday, 27 April, PPBS Harry Johnston Young Stock Show, Crystal Brook Council Hall
- Sunday, 27 April, Lower Murray Bird Club Expo, Murray Bridge Racecourse.
|
|
|
|
|
