Chatter Magazine Spring 2026

For those of us in South Australia, spring has finally arrived. The days are getting longer, the weather is beginning to warm and, for many breeders, thoughts are well and truly turning towards the breeding room. It is a great time of year in the budgerigar fancy, and the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy another packed edition of Chatter.

In this issue, we also look beyond the breeding season to the future of our hobby. Our opening feature considers how Clubs can reach the next generation of budgerigar enthusiasts by creating more opportunities for people to discover the hobby. From pet shops, agricultural shows and community events to social media, open days and beginner activities, every interaction can become a valuable “touchpoint”. The challenge is not simply recruiting members, but creating pathways that give people a reason to take the next step, and a welcoming community that gives them a reason to stay.

Our Fancier in Focus takes us from Klemzig to National glory with the story of The Marshall Family. What began with Ian Marshall spotting a simple “Budgies for Sale” sign on Hampstead Road developed into decades of involvement for Ian and his parents, Brian and Bette. The family became particularly renowned for Albinos, Lacewings and Recessive Pieds, while all three would ultimately become Life Members of the North East Budgerigar Society.  Their remarkable show record includes Australian National Championships with an Albino in 2007 and a Recessive Pied in 2014, along with the extraordinary achievement of breeding both first and second place in the 2014 National Recessive Pied class. The story also celebrates the enormous contribution made away from the show bench, including Ian’s nearly two decades as a South Australian National bird carer and his 2025 BCSA Life Membership.

In Exhibiting Corner, we explore the fascinating story of the Australian White Cap, a mutation whose beginnings can be traced to Townsville in 2003. Those first unusual youngsters displayed a yellow face and mask, but with a strikingly white crown and, in the blue form, the distinctive aqua or “seafoam” body colour that caught the attention of breeders.  The article follows the variety from those early birds through breeding trials, genetic investigation and eventual recognition by the Australian National Budgerigar Council. It also explains the differences between Single and Double Factor White Caps and how the mutation progressed from a curiosity in a North Queensland aviary to a recognised National Championship variety.

Genetics Corner continues John Mulley’s exploration of Inbreeding and Line Breeding with Part 2 of this detailed series. Building on the concepts introduced in the Winter edition, John turns his attention to fitness, inbreeding depression and heterosis, or hybrid vigour, while examining just how much inbreeding may already exist within our aviaries even when breeders are not deliberately following an inbreeding program. Through pedigree examples and coefficients of inbreeding, the article highlights both the opportunities and risks involved in concentrating desirable genetic traits while maintaining fertility, viability, longevity and overall fitness.

In Novice Corner, Optimising Breeding Preparation in Budgerigars provides a timely guide as many fanciers prepare for another breeding season. Revised by Peter van Amelsvoort from the work of veterinarian Dr Peter Coutteel, the article reinforces that successful breeding begins well before birds are paired. It examines pre-breeding health assessment, nutrition, body condition, lighting, fertility and environmental preparation, with an emphasis on prevention rather than simply reacting when problems occur.  The central message is simple: strong fertility and healthy nestlings are far more likely when health screening, balanced nutrition, light management, hygiene and careful observation are brought together as part of a planned breeding program.

Our Overseas Corner heads to the Belgian Ardennes to meet Mathieu and Julien Bily and the M.J.B. Breeding Partnership. Mathieu shares his journey from receiving his first breeding pair at the age of 12 through to becoming one of Belgium’s leading exhibition budgerigar breeders.  We explore his breeding setup, selection philosophy and approach to maintaining genetic diversity, along with his belief that a quality exhibition budgerigar must possess more than simply size and head quality: it should also retain mobility, balance, healthy feathering and longevity. His comments offer an interesting perspective on selection, outcrossing, preparation for major shows and the importance of protecting the health and functionality of the modern exhibition bird.

Finally, Pet Corner turns our attention to budgie-proofing the home. Time outside the cage provides valuable exercise, stimulation and interaction for pet budgerigars, but an ordinary household can contain dangers that are easily overlooked. Open windows and doors, ceiling fans, glass, kitchens, hot drinks, smoke, aerosols, strong fragrances, water, household pets and other everyday items can quickly turn free-flight time into an emergency.   The article encourages owners to develop a simple pre-flight routine where windows and doors are closed, fans off, other pets out and hazards removed, so their budgie can safely enjoy one of the most rewarding parts of life as a companion bird.

We hope you enjoy this Spring edition of Chatter as much as we have enjoyed bringing it together. From the remarkable history of the Marshall Family and the Australian White Cap, through to genetics, breeding preparation, overseas insights and practical pet care, there is something in this edition for every part of the budgerigar community. Thank you, as always, to our contributors, readers, members and advertisers whose continued support makes Chatter possible.

Until next time,

The Chatter Team

Link to view Chatter Magazine Spring 2026