Chatter Magazine Winter 2025

Welcome to the Winter Edition of Chatter Magazine 2025

In this edition, we profile veteran fancier Malcolm Loveridge, whose 50-year journey in the South Australian budgerigar scene has spanned breeding, showing, and national-level judging. From his early days on the Yorke Peninsula to his current seaside aviary at Moonta Bay, Malcolm shares his breeding setup, favourite varieties, and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the hobby today.

Our Genetics Corner continues the exploration of colour in budgerigars, focusing on melanin-related colour and variety variations. This in-depth article explains how mutations affecting melanin quantity, type, and distribution create the wide range of colours we see, from Dark Factors to Pieds, and offers a clear overview of the science behind these traits.

In Overseas Corner, Martin Stieglmaier turns the spotlight on the Crested Budgerigar—a rare and striking variety with a fascinating global history. He discusses the three main crest types, the genetics theories behind them, and practical breeding advice for maintaining quality.

Pet Corner serves as a comprehensive Budgerigar Owner’s Manual, covering diet, housing, enrichment, health care, and training tips to help keep companion budgies happy and healthy.

Our Novice Corner focuses on perfect perching, guiding exhibitors through the process of training their birds to present confidently in the show cage—an often-overlooked skill that can make all the difference on the bench.

In Exhibiting we offer a practical guide to describing budgerigars using the ANBC Matrix, helping breeders and exhibitors correctly identify and name their birds in line with the national standard.

Finally, Around the Clubs recaps major events across the state, including the NEBS 50th Anniversary Show, the Port Pirie Hutchinson Annual Show, and the BSSA Ron Norman Annual Show—all showcasing outstanding birds, strong competition, and the vibrant community spirit of South Australian fanciers.

Link to Magazine

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