This week, the BSSA held their monthly meeting, with two presentations from Troy Holmes and George England.

Troy’s “18 Days of Incubation” talk was aimed at best practice for breeders looking to lift hatchability rates for chicks. Between 2010–2015, Troy was seeing decent fertility but too many embryos failing before hatch – this problem is often mislabeled broadly as “dead in shell”. Troy breaks the 18-day cycle into three distinct risk windows: early deaths (0–7 days), mid-term deaths (7–15 days), and late term deaths (15–18 days). Early losses are commonly linked to bacterial issues (E. coli, staph, salmonella) and nest disturbance (mice, thunderstorms, even over-attentive cock birds). Mid-term deaths often follow temperature swings, vibration, malposition from scattered eggs, or contamination through shell pores. Late deaths cluster when the chick draws down the air cell: incorrect humidity (too wet → drowning; too dry → “shrink-wrap”), poor incubation, dirty eggs, or shell/porosity problems can all stop a chick rotating to pip.

The egg’s structure and porosity matter: shells exchange gases and moisture—and also admit bacteria if wet or soiled. Handling and re-placing eggs can backfire: hens naturally push older eggs outward for gas exchange, so returning them to the centre can doom an otherwise viable hatchling. Other compounding factors include mould in the air of nest boxes, mites/lice distracting hens, contaminated food or water, vitamin B12 deficiency (anaemia/poor oxygenation), overweight hens causing dirty eggs, and inconsistent brooding behaviour.

Troy’s turnaround came from disciplined, low-drama management and targeted hygiene. He standardised nest checks (same time daily), improved airflow and dander extraction, quarantined newcomers, marked eggs and then left them alone, swapped to fine-grade coconut husk bedding, and kept spare nest inserts to cycle and sanitise (dishwasher/hypochlorite). To reduce contamination, he eliminated soaked seed (mould risk), used a dry soft-food alternative, and added diatomaceous earth to seed (wearing appropriate PPE). He dusted nest boxes with D-Mite, managed mites weekly, and ran a short B12 water regime to improve chick vigour at hatch.

He noted the depth in the Grey Greens, especially among the top ten, where minor differences in mask, spot and overall deportment became decisive. The sheer size of the show demanded sharp time management and disciplined judging notes, and George said the experience sharpened his eye further as a Senior Judge. Beyond the bench, he valued the opportunity to compare breeding trends, swap ideas with BCV fanciers, and observe how exhibitors present nest feather youngsters at scale.

George extends thanks to the BCV stewards and show team for their smooth organisation and hospitality—an all-round rewarding trip and a valuable learning exchange for both states.

Later today, at 9:30 am Adelaide time, BCSA President will be talking with Tribe FM’s Trevor Garard & MC Blaze about all things budgies on the Generation Gap. You can tune in on 91.1 FM, or listen through the Community Radio Plus App – https://www.cbaa.org.au/membership/station-services/community-radio-plus

In the week ahead, the North East Budgerigar Society (NEBS) will host its Come & Try + Buy, Swap & Sell night, incorporating a tender sale. This event will have something for everyone – newcomers can ask practical questions, and see how exhibitors assess type, balance and colour in young stock. Respected breeders are also donating quality exhibition birds specifically to help Novice members get started, lowering the barriers to entry into the exhibition side of the hobby.

Beyond budgies themselves, expect tables of sought-after literature, including classic budgerigar books and back issues of Budgie World, alongside equipment and surplus supplies. The tender sale always draws a crowd: bids are listed on tender cards in a silent auction of sorts, and more than a few members go home with that crucial outcross to refresh a line. There will also be a small selection of unused breeding birds changing hands ahead of the summer pairing window.

The night will double as the handover point for birds purchased in North East’s November Mega Auction, providing a convenient spot for buyers and sellers to complete exchanges.

Tips for the evening: arrive early for viewing, bring a suitable carry box, and have your member details ready for paperwork. Stewards will be on hand to assist with handling, welfare checks and tender instructions. Whether you’re brand new or building a competitive stud of exhibition budgies, there’ll be something worthwhile to take home, and plenty of friendly advice and supper to go with it.

Other Auctions this week include the Elmir Family sale from Werribee in Victoria, which has been extended, and CJB Budgies in regional NSW near Orange.

Helpful tips:

1. Arrive early for viewing
2. Bring a suitable carry box
3. Stewards will be on deck for handling, welfare checks and tender instructions

Whether you’re brand new or building a competitive exhibition team, you’ll leave with something valuable—plus friendly advice and supper to top it off.

1. RSVP headcount — urgently (ASAP!)
2. Choose your meal from the attached menus and send me your selection (zoom in if needed).
3. Bring CASH for your meal — no cards.

Peter will record your order now and compile the list for Ashleigh. On the day, you’ll pay Ashleigh in cash and he will settle one lump sum with the hotel.

Important

If you don’t pay in cash, your meal will go through as a separate single order and may be significantly delayed (no guarantee on timing alongside the Club order). Please send numbers and meal choices ASAP so we can confirm with the venue. Thanks in advance for replying early (and not leaving it to the last minute!).