This week, the ANBC Working Group convened to discuss exciting sponsorship opportunities for companies looking to partner with the ANBC. The meeting focused on ways to engage sponsors and enhance support for the national event.

On Wednesday night, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) gathered for their monthly meeting, with a focus on Show Preparation and the much-anticipated “Once in a Blue Moon” Show, which had been postponed. The evening featured an informative presentation on Show Preparation by John Mulley, offering valuable insights into getting birds ready for the show bench.

Show Preparation Insights
Taming the Bird
A well-tamed bird is easier to handle and presents better during judging. Handling chicks while they are still in the nest helps build trust early. Placing the nursery cage near foot traffic also conditions them to human presence. Show cage training is essential to ensure birds remain calm and confident on competition day.

Conditioning the Bird (Including Feather Condition)
Post-breeding care is vital for bird health. Using an insecticide spray after breeding protects against ectoparasites, while moxidectin prevents blood-sucking and internal parasites. Following up with a probiotic supports gut health and recovery.

Feather management plays a key role in presentation. Twelve weeks before the show, primary tail feathers should be trimmed halfway along. By ten weeks out, fully dead tail feathers should be pulled to encourage regrowth.

To synchronise the moult, a diet change should begin on March 1. By March 31, birds return to their regular feed. In the final two weeks, supplement feeding helps achieve peak body condition. Regular spraying with water should begin but taper off as show day nears. On the day of the show, a light application of baby oil to the beak, cere, and feet enhances presentation.

Managing Pinfeathers
Pinfeathers must be carefully managed for a clean show appearance. Crushing the sheath of dry pin feathers allows them to break down naturally, while a toothbrush can help remove feather debris. Blood feathers require caution, as damage can cause injury. Blood stains on the cap should be removed or concealed before the show.

Dipping Ragged Tail and Flight Feathers
Just before placing the bird into the show cage, dipping ragged tail and flight feathers in hot water helps straighten them. Stroking the feathers afterwards reconnects the barbs, giving a neater finish.

Spotting the Bird
Spotting should be done over two to three sessions in three distinct stages:

1. Remove central flecks
2. Define the necklace
3. Remove shadow spots

By following these steps, breeders can ensure their birds are well-prepared, in top condition, and ready to compete at their best.

“Once in a Blue Moon” Event
The Once in a Blue Moon Show was a highlight of the evening, with a strong representation of blue series budgerigars on display. Judges Shiralee Reardon and Graeme Alchin carefully assessed the entries, and after much deliberation, Susan Adams was announced as the winner. Congratulations, Sue!

The Raffle – A Classic Ending
No NEBS meeting would be complete without the famous meat tray raffle. Despite Tom Sismey’s hopeful presence, the lucky winner of the night was John Mulley.

It was another successful and enjoyable meeting, filled with valuable learning, great competition, and plenty of fun!

Murphy Classic Show Schedule

This week, the Budgerigar Society of South Australia (BSSA) released the Show Schedule for the Murphy Classic Future Champions Show 2025. This status movement show is designed to encourage up-and-coming exhibitors and provide them with a platform to showcase their birds in a competitive yet supportive environment.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Ascot Park Scout Hall, located at 51 Sixth Street, Ascot Park. The show will be conducted under BSSA Show Rules, and while birds are not required to be spotted, exhibitors are encouraged to do so.

Entry Details
Entries for the show are open, with a bird entry fee of $1 per bird, capped at $20 per exhibitor. Entry for visitors and guests is free, making this a great opportunity for bird enthusiasts to attend and learn more about the exhibition scene. Entries close on Sunday, March 23, 2025, and must be submitted via email to [email protected].

For any enquiries, exhibitors can contact George England at 0418 819 705. Payment can be made on the day or via direct deposit to the BSSA bank account (BSB: 105-073, Account: 286290440).

To support exhibitors traveling long distances, those traveling over 100km with 15 or more birds will receive a $25 compensation.

Show Schedule

• Benching: 9:30 AM
• Judging: 10:30 AM (adjusted for traveling exhibitors)
• Trophy Presentation: Following lunch

Show Cage Requirements
Exhibitors must use standard BSSA-approved chrome or powder-coated cages. Each cage must have a D drinker, half-full of seed (canary, jap millet, white millet), with a dry drinker placed four spaces from the left. White paper or plastic inserts are optional. Entry stickers must be placed on the bottom left corner of the cage.

Before judging begins, the Safety Officer will inspect all cages to ensure birds are healthy and cages are free from hazards.

Murphy Classic 2025 Awards & Prizes
The show will be judged by Ken Harris and Wayne Weidenhofer, with Avian Vitality as the major sponsor.

• Champion & Reserve Awards will be presented for Intermediate and Novice Young & Old Birds.
• Best of Variety in Show winners will receive a Diploma & $20 per category.
• The Novice Award will go to the exhibitor with the most accumulated points.

As an added bonus, each benched bird earns the exhibitor a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2024-rung bird from an Open breeder.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors to compete, learn, and connect with fellow fanciers. Don’t miss out—we look forward to seeing you there!

The Week Ahead 

Join the Port Pirie Budgerigar Society for a fantastic quarterly catch-up and aviary tour at the home of Pete & Polly this Sunday, March 16th, at 10:30 AM in Tiddy Widdy Beach. This unique daytime gathering includes a shared lunch, an aviary tour, and plenty of great conversation in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you’ve never attended a Port Pirie meeting before, this is the perfect chance to experience its friendly community spirit while enjoying a relaxing day trip to the Yorke Peninsula. Make sure to let Peter know you’re coming so there’s plenty of food to go around! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow budgerigar enthusiasts and indulge in a Yorke Peninsula feast by the sands of Tiddy Widdy Beach. For more information, contact Peter Glassenbury on 0409 288 710

This week, we have two online auction underway on the 32 Auctions platform – BSSA Auction 5 for 2025, the Cye Travers Hens Auction. Details of these events are provided below.

BSSA Auction 5 for 2025 🦜
Date: Ends March 16th 2025
Lots Available: 13 individual lots

Welcome to BSSA Auction 5 for 2025! The BSSA are excited to offer 13 lots featuring birds from Marie & Kerry Murphy, George England, and Chris Jones. Available varieties include Recessive Pieds, Opalines, Dominant Pieds, Lutinos, Clearbodies, and more. BSSA Auction 5 for 2025 runs from March 10th to March 16th at 7 PM ACDT, with extended bidding if needed. All birds are sold on behalf of BSSA members.

Cye Travers Auction 1 🦜
Date: Ends March 17th 2025
Lots Available: 20 individual lots

This Cye Travers Auction 1 2025 marks the first sale of the year, offering a selection of 20 quality hens that are either 2023 or 2024 rung.

Starts: Tuesday, March 12, 2025
Ends: Sunday, March 17, 2025
Birds Available: 20 hens, bred in 2023 and 2024
Varieties: Dominant Pieds, Normals, Cinnamonwings, Lacewings, and more