Mary Allen
Each area has special terms, including bird breeding. Experienced growers know them, but newcomers don’t know exactly what they mean. A little guide.
Exhibition. Bird exhibitions take place after the end of the breeding season from October to the end of the year. They are organized by local bird clubs. Some show birds in large biotope aviaries, others individually in small cages. Judging will take place where birds are shown in small cages.
Ringing Breeders ring young birds with closed rings when they are about to open their eyes. The closed ringing is proof of breeding. Breeding associations deliver the rings to members.
Evaluation. Breeders of domesticated birds often want to compete. They breed birds such as zebra finches, Japanese seagulls, budgerigars, or canaries according to a given standard. The colors and shapes must be correct according to this. Breeding judges judge the birds according to clear specifications and have different criteria.
Breeding season. Birds breed when nature is at its most nutritious. Our birds breed in the wild in spring and early summer when the days are getting longer and there is a high abundance of insects. Rainforest birds often begin breeding in the rainy season. When the young hatch, the forest is full of berries. Others, like the budgerigar, will not breed for several years unless conditions are good. When it rains, however, several broods are possible one after the other.
Color canary. Color canaries are bred for their color. So there are red, yellow, and white, but also color names like Isabell, mold, agate, mosaic, and many other variants are common.
Singing Canary. These were bred out for their singing. Nightingales or blackcaps were once associated with them as lead singers. Only males sing to attract females. There are Belgian water hammers, Harz rollers, and Timbrados Español, to name three examples. All differ in their singing.
Shape canary. As the name suggests, these canaries are judged on their shape or posture. There are numerous races. In Switzerland, the Frisé Suisse and the Bernese canaries are among the shape or posture breeds.
Inbreeding. Without inbreeding, all breeds of domestic animals would not exist. Inbreeding is also practiced in aviculture to enhance certain characteristics of a breed. Every breeder must keep records of their matings. This prevents breeding in too narrow a circle. If outside lines are crossed in, again and again, inbreeding does not lead to a problem.
Molt Every bird renews its plumage. This process usually occurs after incubation. Parakeets and parrots as well as canaries and finches gradually change their plumage so that they are always able to fly. During the molt, they have an increased need for rearing feed, vitamins, and minerals.
Show budgie. Also called English budgies, they are large and have the longest feathers. They are bred for show purposes. There are also colored budgerigars and intermediate forms that can often be purchased in pet shops.
Default. The standard was developed by breed judges for specific breeds. Plumage color and posture are described there in detail. When breed judges judge birds, they refer to the standard.
Ornamental birds Switzerland. The trade association for bird breeders is called Ziervogel Schweiz. Numerous sections in Switzerland belong to it. You become a member through a section. Ziervogel Schweiz belongs to Kleintiere Schweiz, the umbrella organization for small animal owners and breeders.
Breed judge. To become a breed judge, you have to complete at least three years of training. You are admitted to the training if you have passed an entrance examination. If you want to become a breeding judge, you must have bred birds for several years. Breeding judges specialize in canaries, finches or parakeets, and parrots.