okay so I've looked around on the net at some of the top breeders in the UK and Europe... The birds look massive... Are they much bigger than our show types and if so, do you think we will catch up to them? Do you like the look of European Show Types or have they gone to far?

I think they have gone too far. Some don't look like budgies at all, they have enormous heads with eyes that are hardly visable and loose shaggy feathers. I like tight feathered sleek budgies

I agree with Neville, they've really lost that nice tight feather that we aspire to

That's the way I feel about it too. Do you think that we will ever get to that point? Anyone think the top UK birds look good?

I hope not JB, it'ssomething I'm tryong to work away from while still maintaning size

I like em.

Personally,

 

I feel the shaggy loose feathers make them appear like they have mild cases of french moult and I totally agree with MB, that the size of the bird is okay but the feather should be more steamlined/tight, I think a tighter feather gives the overall look of the bird a clear line for good stance whilst being judged. (I'm I making sense ? I know what I'm trying to say just don't know whether I'm describing it right ).

 

Lets just say I don't mind a big bird, I just like it to be defined not sloppy. :hap:

Unfortunately that's the way Show budgies are heading whether we like it or not.

It is because of the judges. What they like gets bred. So to change it, one of us needs to become a judge.

:question: and you only become a judge by being around for a few years and winning prizes I'm guessing??

ikt is really up to the judges.. The birds they put up to win are the ones that will influence the breeders to breed.

 

I think the European Birds have gone to far .... but it love to breed one. :question:

:budgiedance: and you only become a judge by being around for a few years and winning prizes I'm guessing??

 

No, I don't think so .... but most of them have.

 

I think the criteria is a few years as Steward, a couple more as Show Manager and then you can do the Judging course and so long as you pass you then become a Probationary Judge, the State Judge and Finally for a few, National Judge.

Judges have to use the judging criteria set down by the budgerigar association and the association is made up of breeders

But how would you be able to make a rule stating that birds must have tight feathering? Its still up to the judges to determine what is a tight feather and what isn't...

I like the shaggy look - they do look borderline FM or FD but they do look nice.

I also like the tight glossy look - i have a nice cock who has the glossiest feather i have ever seen and i am in love with him :rofl:

We're all entitled to our opinions Liv