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I usually start preparing my exhibition birds about eight to ten weeks before the first show. They are firstly examined for any broken feathers. If there are any these are carefully removed, in order that new intact feathers can grow in time for the show. An exception to this rule are the tail feathers. A flight feather takes about 6 weeks to re-grow and a tail feather about 8 weeks. The birds are fully de-spotted 5 weeks before the show. |
After their initial examination the birds are sprayed heavily with warm water, with a little bit of gin added. They then go into a clean stock cage which has clean soft wood shavings on the floor to dry off. I always spray my birds in the morning in order for them to be fully dry by rousting. This cuts down on the chance of them catching a chill. The birds are sprayed lightly once a week thereafter. |
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Two days before the show, the birds have their heads washed using Johnsons Baby Shampoo, they are throughly rinsed using warm water, and then dried with a standard hair dryer. They are then returned to a newly cleaned stock cage. Great care is taken at all stages to ensure each bird suffers as little stress as possible. Some of my show birds positively love the experience. |
The day before exhibiting the show team have their spots trimmed and have their heads combed with a soft toothbush. The standard show cage is then checked and prepared ensuring it is clean and tidy. On the morning of the show the prepared budgerigar is placed in the show cage and the the label is added to the front bar in the correct position. It is only then when all the team are ready , that I carry out the final check to ensure that I have entered the birds in the correct classes. Show cage covers are then put onto the cages and we are ready to go. |
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Checking flight feathers
Preparing for a head wash
Grey Green Cock
Standard Show Cage