My first introduction to budgies was as a young boy "helping" my dad with his stud of exhibition budgerigars. This was in the 1950`s and I don`t recall what status my dad showed at. I do remember that he kept most of the colours that were then available and I remember going with him to club meetings at Preston Lancs. I also remember going to the railway station with the carrying boxes in which the show cages were sent to the shows and going back to meet the return train with great anticipation at the results the birds may have gained.
This introduction must have sown the seed and I started keeping my own birds in 1975. After a few years the addition of a couple of children and work comitments took up most of my time and the birds had to go!
I think once the "bug" has got you there is no getting away and I restarted with the birds nearly thirty years later. I joined the Budgerigar Society in early 2005 and Clitheroe BS in 2006. Clitheroe is a smashing club, well run and very friendly and I would recommend anyone starting out in budgies to join their local club.
My bloodlines now consist of birds from Tommy Luke, Geoff Corser,Frank McGovan and Derek Whaites. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their valuable help and advise. My birdroom is the former garage under our kitchen which has its own sink unit with hot and cold water and of course electricity. The floor is ceramic tiled, there are timers for the lighting and air filter and I also have a whinower which helps reduce the cost of seed. There is a large flight, a smaller young bird flight and 12 breeding cages. I have found that 12 breeding cages is enough at the moment with my present work comitments. I am now moving up to the Novice section after having quite a sucessful beginer period, having won at many open shows and at Clitheroe. I feel that my birds have improved year on year and I am looking foward to this years breeding results and to the novice section.
