This week, the BCSA announced its 2025 Exhibitors of the Year, recognising the fanciers who have put together outstanding results across the season.

Open Division – Champion Exhibitors (400 points): Holmes Family
Congratulations to the Holmes Family, crowned Champion Exhibitors for 2025 after a year to remember on the show bench. Their tally was built on Grand Champion wins at the 50^th Anniversary North East and Ron Norman BSSA shows, 16 class wins at the Logan Shield Interbranch, resulting in 43 birds benched in Team South Australia and four National titles in Cairns.

Intermediate – Breeder of the Year (45 points): Michael Smith
Well done to Michael Smith, named Intermediate Breeder of the Year. Michael secured two class wins at the Logan Shield Interbranch and had nine birds selected in Team South Australia for the Cairns Nationals. With 60 points accumulated over the past three years, Michael will be promoted from Intermediate to Open for 2026.

Novice – Exhibitor of the Year (20 points): Longbottom Family
Congratulations also to the Longbottom Family, who take out Novice Exhibitor of the Year. Their season highlights included Best Novice at the Port Pirie Show, plus 1st and 2nd in Clearbodies at the Interbranch, with those results carrying through to State Team selection for Cairns. With 35 points over the last three years, the Longbottoms have earned promotion from Novice to Intermediate.

A terrific achievement for all three—well deserved, and a great reflection of the depth of talent across South Australia. Congratulations also to Tony & Angela Van Den Brink on their promotions to Open for the 2026 showing season. Andrew Swift has reached the required points to progress to Intermediate – to finalise the promotion, Andrew needs to score points in 2026 with a third bird. A link to the final results is posted below.

As reported last week, the North East will be holding their aviary visit in February now. In addition, they will be holding their regular monthly meeting in the week leading up to the aviary visit. To make the day even more enticing, they’ll be firing up a lamb spit, generously supported with meat by John Farrugia-Gay and the self proclaimed “Greek Master Chef” himself, Con Orfanos. It’s shaping up to be a ripper day of birds, good company and great food. Beau will have some birds to give away to Novice NEBS exhibitors, so if you’re not a member of the Club, remember to join now.

This weekend marks the first live budgerigar auction of the year, with the Australian Budgerigar Society (ABS) hosting their event in Queensland. The auction will be held this Sunday in Beenleigh, and ABS have confirmed it will be live-streamed via Facebook. To watch the stream, fanciers will need to be a member of the ABS Facebook Group. A link to the ABS Live Auction feed is provided below:

Water

Nigel provides fresh water early in the morning (aiming for 6:00–7:00am) and again in the evening (around 7:30–8:00pm). His lights are on timers so birds can see from 5:00am to 11:00pm. He adds ice to the morning water to keep it cooler for longer. Nigel checks water again later in the day to make sure every container is still topped up. Importantly, he changes water twice daily. He uses open trays (glass or enamel). He avoids galvanised containers and isn’t a fan of upturned bottles in hot weather—when a whole flight wants a drink, one-at-a-time access isn’t ideal. Nigel doesn’t add vitamins to drinking water during hot conditions, as many supplements can spoil quickly. He adds Aviclens (or a similar water sanitiser) to help keep water cleaner. He doesn’t spray birds during the day, as it can increase humidity and add stress rather than relieve it.

Airflow and Aviary Routine

Nigel uses electric fans to create airflow. He uses air-conditioning if it’s available—but with caution. If the power fails, temperatures can rise rapidly and catch birds out. He gets jobs done early (feed, water, check systems). Once he’s out, he stays out—avoiding repeated disturbance through the hottest part of the day. He lets the birds control their own day without interruption once the basics are done. Nigel insulates where possible, but only when conditions are cool and safe to work in. He uses shade cloth to reduce radiant heat on the aviary.

Greens

Nigel doesn’t feed greens unless it’s early morning or late afternoon—and only if the birds will finish them quickly.

Soft Foods and Soaked/Sprouted Seed

Nigel doesn’t feed soft foods in hot weather. They can sour rapidly, so in heat he stops all “extras”. He may feed sprouted seed, but with care. Done properly it’s a great treat; done poorly—or left too long—it can become a problem fast. He rinses thoroughly and keeps it fresh.

Checking Birds

Nigel checks his birds morning and evening. Quick observations can prevent big losses. Nigel’s view is simple: every setup is different, but the principle is the same—plan ahead, minimise heat stress, and reduce risk during extreme weather. With best practice front of mind, fanciers can avoid preventable losses when the heat hits.

Robin Dunk is seeking a permanent home for two budgies (male and female) that were “rescued” at the last minute when friends emigrated to the UK. Robin is hoping a member of the budgerigar community may be able to offer them a long-term home.

The birds are approximately 6–7 years old, very healthy, and currently housed in a large cage. The male flies well, while the female has never flown. The birds are free to a good home, with the cage included.

Location: Goodwood, South Australia
Contact: Robin Dunk – 0431 247 746

Whether you’re a newer exhibitor wanting a clear plan, or an experienced hand looking to fine-tune your program, this session will be packed with insights that can make the difference between a bird that’s “nearly there” and one that’s truly ready for the bench.

A must-attend event for anyone serious about show preparation and getting results when it matters.

It is also recommended that all attendees consider making their general accommodation and travel bookings at this time to avoid disappointment.