JeffL

With birds like this i keep them in holding cages as they tend to perish in the big world. As I have wire breeding cages that helps as well.

I have been meaing to get back on BBC for a while. Merry Christmas to all the budgie people out there. Got a budgie mug for Christmas from the good wife. My Budgies have given me my first Mauve baby. Shouldnt have come as a surprise as I breed so many Violets. Had to have a very close look. Really nice. I hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas Jeff

I purchased 2 birds for myself and 11 for a friend in Melbourne. They werent expensive birds. But as Gary said they were far better value at and average of $200 per bird, we paid, that we would buy over east. Thanks to Gary Armstrong, Jan McMahon and Alan Jaeschke for putting such good birds in the Auction. Enjoyable day and delighted with the purchases

I think showing the Lot going under the hammer on the big screen helped a lot.

I think at Henrys Auctions you either go for the older proven breeders or fully investigate the bloodlines. Regarding Lot 102 the Grey Green cock who is pictured the catalogue he is a beauty. He is 2010 rung. His sister Lot 96 had good backskull. Both could have been longer but had the thick neck and backskull. Nice birds. She went for $900. However, their sister Lot 17 also 2010 must went for $100. Nobody cant tell me there isnt something for everyone at these auctions!!!!!! Lot 46 their 2007 mother went for $350. She looked a bit tired but you could see where the quality came from. She is down from the Hercules line which is much sort after. The Light Green cock 2008 Lot 4 was purchased by a chap who k nows what he is on about. This went for $1100. Also from the Hercules line. I hope I got those prices right as I was very busy yesterday!

I helped with the phone bidding and did so for a bloke in Victoria who bought a few more birds than me and spent more than I did. That kept me very busy. I always feel quite welcome by the club and it is always nice that people come up and say hello. I thought the overall quality was higher this year. I go with the intention of buying birds I need rather than necessarily the best ones. Anyway thats what I tell myself when I run out of money. The guy I was bdding for knows the birds pedigrees and breeding results inside out as did another chap I know who attended. Watching the Eagles lose was the big disappointment as well as trying to arrange to bring the birds home with me. Thanks to Bruce and Judy Wilson for their help. With Australian Air Express times in Perth we are very lucky. They are in the dark ages in Melbourne and I believe Sydney.

Lot 1 coming to WA plus 5 others. Never much of a Vic crowd at HG Auctions 4 phone bidders with about 20 - 25 birds going back to purchasers in Queensland. Went there with a purpose tp purchase violets and yellowfaces mission accomplished. More details later after some rest and recovery from the Eagles game

Lot 1 is actually a Violet Sky and 4 years old. What considered a fortune for a 4 year cock bird?

I purchased a couple of Violets so I am happy.

Its out and I have it. Anyone super keen can PM me thier email address and I will send it tonight

Mark has advised that the reason relates to spending more time with the family and growing work commitments. Ours is a time consuming hobby. He has rightfully earned his status as a legend. Nice bloke too. I expect the Auction to be BIG. Good luck to him.

Two Clearbodies and a Lute in the name of Jeff Lloyd & sons. No great expectations I am afraid. Just happy to get a Lute in the team after gettig 4th at the selections over the last few years. I went looking for what birds are being judged each day. So, for your information and viewing pleasure: Classes for the Show are: SATURDAY 1. NORMAL A.S.C. GREEN 3. NORMAL A.S.C. BLUE 5. BLACK EYED SELF COLOUR A.S.C. 7. ALBINO 9. GREYWING A.S.C. 11. SPANGLE DOUBLE FACTOR A.S.C 13. OPALINE A.O.S.V., A.S.C. 15. LACEWING A.S.V., A.S.C. 17. YELLOW FACED BLUE A.S.V,A.S.C. 19. DOMINANT PIED A.S.V., A.S.C. 21. CRESTED A.S.V., A.S.C. SUNDAY 2. NORMAL A.S.C. GREYGREEN 4. NORMAL A.S.C. GREY 6. LUTINO 8. CLEARWING A.S.C. 10. CINNAMONWING A.S.C. 12. OPALINE A.S.C. 14. CLEARBODY A.S.V., A.S.C. 16. FALLOW A.S.V., A.S.C. 18. SPANGLE A.S.V., A.S.C. 20. DANISH RECESSIVE PIED A.S.V.,A.S.C. 22. HENS A.S.V., A.S.C. Just worked out that I can sleep in tomorrow as I havent got any birds being judged. As for Nubs she will be awake all night! Price you pay for fame.

11 birds in the team Mrs Nubbly. Fair effort that. I enjoyed judgimg with you as well. All the best on the weekend

I had my first bird picked for the Western Australian State team in 1985. I have never lost a bird that has been selected. I dont spend a lot of time training my birds. However, I do house them in a holding cage for a couple of weeks beforehand to just settle them down. On return I quarantine them for say two weeks. Give them some Spark/NV Powder. I dont put them down to breed. If I held them up too long beforehand on their return they will fall apart into a moult that was due in March/April. They would then struggle through the winter trying to recover and most likely die. That is the biggest risk peopke have. I have only ever not in a bird that I thought wold have done well and I regret it very much. Its bloody hard to breed birds that consistently on the top bench at Nationals and well done to the people that do. Thats my two bobs worth. P.S. sorry I havent been on here lately. Just returned from UK/Paris.........

I agree with Matt. The hobby is a life passion. If people crave fame or fortune through breeding budgies then this will ultimately lead to disappointment. I have been through many cycles in this hobby. Right now I am *** busy often working 12 hour days and my weekends are full with running teenagers around to sport. It is a challenging time of life and I am sure many find it the same. I crave to have my hobby back. Unfortunately, for me I have little choice for now. However, I continue to strive for greater efficiency for managing my birds and still hope to breed the odd good one, After fighting the neighbour from *** for 5 years I know all about Council issues (seems to have resolved for now.) Regarding Auctions - having often travellled all over Australia, many years ago now, looking for suitable birds we now have a great shop window in the Budgie Auctions. All the varieties and quality depending on your pocket. I always say something for everyone. Very good birds from good bloolines can be purchased for $200 - $400 each. These are the same prices good birds were going for at Auctions 30 years ago. In my mind the quality available overall is better. In my estimation, birds going for higher than these prices probably represent 10% of birds sold at Auctions at most. That leaves a lot of birds to pick from. In my experience the key to sustained success in breeding good budgies is good management - breeding, feeding and housing. Recognising good bloodlines and knowing how to use them is the key. The hobby can be affordable - if you have a passion for it. Nobody will ever buy their way to success - whatever that is. Just realised I cant say ***. Sorry