Hi everybody,

I just wondered if anyone else feels the same as I do? I have looked all over the web, looking at budgies of all kinds and of course our budgies here. I don't want to make anyone mad or anything, but I really don't like the looks of show budgies. They just aren't very pretty to me. I love the more normal (to my eyes) head shape and even the shorter seeming bodies. A little puffy head is kind of cute, but show birds seem to take it to an extreem that just doesn't look right. You can't see their eyes and thier faces seem pushed in. Their faces just don't seem to have that sweet look that I have come to adore. I just can't see why that would be a good thing and something to try to breed into these birds. Do wild budgies look like that? Not that I think all birds should look just like the wild ones, I just wondered. So what do you all think, am I crazy?

thanks

Shell

that would be one big reason a lot of people don't get into. I felt the same as you before, and seeing some of them still feel that way, the the show ones I have I think still look cute and the ones Bubbles just got in.

Yeah, I suppose I shouldn't be so general. Some show budgies are cute. It just seems to me that the closer they get to "Show standard", the less I like the looks of them. I am sure they are wonderful pets and just as sweet and funny as any other budgies. If I had one, I know that I would love it just as much as my other little sweeties.

I guess it depends on the individual. I prefer the look of pet budgies myself but I have seen many cute show budgies as well. Still, it can be bittersweet or even downright saddening to see show budgies (for me, at least). That applies to a lot of different animals though.

 

I do agree that the show birds look over-exaggerated. Not trying to be offensive, but nothing about them looks natural or quite "right" to me. It's almost like comparing a wolf to a chinese pug. Ultimately, for me, it really comes down to worries about health and longevity. That's the source of my sadness/bittersweetness of the situation. I'm sure everyone has their own perspective but that's mine at least.

Edited November 27, 200618 yr by eterri

I don't think it's that show budgies look like they have a "pushed in face" or look like pugs....it's the feathers around their face, being so puffy and fluffy, that make them look that way. Let's face it....a real champion show budgie looks like the grumpiest budgie ever ! So stern and definitely not friendly looking or fun loving. But it's just a look. In examining a show budgie up close, it's all about the feathers, Like comparing an old english sheepdog with it's long coat and then seeing it when it was wet from a bath....same dog different look. The feathering on a show budgie makes it looks both bigger (weightwise) and mis shapen in body type. In essence, there are some weird budgies around in both show types and garden variety pet budgies. It's all in the breeding. Like comparing bodybuilders with normal people.

I used to think all show budgies were like what you have said, but have changed my opinion somewhat. I see good points in all types of budgies. If someone gave you a rescue budgie that was a show type, would you love it any less because of its looks ?

One thing I have noticed in handling the larger show budgies is...how gentle they are in comparison to other budgies. Less likely to bite, more easily handled....and that's a good thing. Also in talking with show budgie breeders, I have never come a cross a more determined group of people where the health of the budgerigar is their utmost top priority.

Also, as we know...there are badly bred budgies all over the place.....and looks aren't everything.

Edited November 27, 200618 yr by Bubbles

Sorry, I didn't mean that they actually looked like pugs, I was comparing something natural (wolves) with something very much changed by man (pugs).

 

A lot of the look is the feathers but the body itself has also changed. I won't elaborate there, don't want to spark an argument. I just wanted to explain what I meant better. There indeed are poorly bred budgies of both types, the difference in show budgies is that those extremes are bred on purpose. Looks don't make me love one animal any more or less than another. My ekkie has the cutest bald belly in the world and I wouldn't trade her for anything. The only real worry for me with show budgies has to do with health. If the looks didn't affect their health at all, I'd not feel the way I do. I might still prefer the overall look of a pet budgie, but the show budgie look wouldn't be so depressing.

Shell I have to agree with you but then I have to say I changed my mind (Laughing out loud).

 

Some yes are extreme. I think our eyes are used to the pet budgie look you see them everywhere but not many show budgies. It is kind of like German Shephards, I see the pet type all the time then I see the show and say my gosh what have they done to their hips.

 

But view changed when I got Merlin he is an "English" and has the show look to him, not that he good enough for the show ring but here is he perfect. I got used to the grumpy look and as Karen said I find Merlin to be much more docile then Pretty. Pretty is as flighty as they come and sometimes "brainless" (shhh don't tell him (Laughing out loud)), Merlin always seems like he is in deep budgie thought.

 

I believe it is just being exposed to the look and then of course having on yourself .

 

Great question, I don't see why anyone should be upset for asking it.

You are right Lovey, I would quickly get used the looks of any pet that I love. My dog loses all her hair on her belly and backside every summer due to alergies and it doesn't even phase me anymore. I love all animals regardless. It is neat to know that show budgies tend to be more gentle. I was just thinking about human changes. Imagine a super model compared to a average housewife and mother!!!!(Laughing out loud)

I guess it all depends on how you look at it.

Shell

okay Shell we don't want to go there

just joking but you are right you just get used to them.

 

I mean think about a dog that you feel well is not that cute or the hairless cats or dog eww...but they are LOVED (Laughing out loud) and knowing it if we had one we would think they are the cutest thing in the world.

I am the same way about pet budgies. I love my pets George, Chirpy and Angel but looking at them I feel pitty that Angel's Spots aren't as Impressive and that George and Chirpy don't stand as tall and magestic.

Dont get me wrong. I love them very much as many will agree. But I look at budgies with a different eye than you do.

 

Here is a video of my ugly show birds They are this years Chicks. Approximately 5/6 months old.

 

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/darry...rent=PR-129.flv

 

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/darry...rent=PR-131.flv

Plastic Golf Balls make great toys.

Edited November 28, 200618 yr by daz