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.


 

Massachusetts Cage Bird Assoc's 2008 Show
Oct 18, 2008
Taunton, MA
14 exhibitors, 59 entries