|
|
For at least 15
years, I have bred different species of finches: from the tiny
Golden-breasted Waxbill to the big Java Rice Sparrow. At the
beginning, a lot of finches were passed through my hands. And as
the health of my birds was always the most concern for me, very
soon I learned to recognize which bird looks better than another
one. My experience help me to select birds in good condition,
which refers to the appearance, overall health, and grooming of
the bird. I am happy to keep really strong stock. Nevertheless
on some step, it became curious to me to estimate how my birds
conform to the species standards. |
|
|
In 2006 I decided
to take part in a bird show entering one of young fawn shafttail finch from new offspring to be judged… My criteria
for picking up the Shafttail Finch to the show were quite
simple: a healthy and well groomed bird with calm behavior in
the show cage. It turns out, however, that conformation is far
more complicated procedure; the judge takes into account also
inherited characteristics such as the proper size, proportions,
and color markings. So, I was proud and excited when I was
awarded a prize in the show. My participation in the show was
first of all fun, but also it was a good opportunity to meet
other bird lovers and to compare results my own efforts with
their achievements. The bird show gave me useful information
about what appearance is most appropriate in the different species
of finches. |
