Many Budgerigar breeders want to show their birds - especially the birds they have bred themselves.  There are two sections - adults, which we tend to call the 'Any Age Section' and the 'Young Bird Section', which includes birds that have been bred in the current year, which carry a closed Society ring, which proves the year they were bred and the name of the breeder.  It is by winning these young bird classes that provides the most satisfaction.

There are four levels of classes - beginner, novice, intermediate and champion.  There is also a junior section but the number of classes is limited.  It takes about ten years to become a champion breeder, so you do not have to compete against the highly experienced breeders when you first begin to show.

Your first shows should be local club shows, where only your local club members will be exhibiting.  You then progress on to the larger shows and then the Open shows.  The London & Southern Counties Budgerigar Society gives rosettes to all shows in its area so if you are a member you will be able to win the Society's rosettes.

You will be well advised to join your local cage bird society.  Bird keepers who keep all types of birds will be welcome and in the early years it is worth learning about all birds as non-Budgerigar fanciers have a lot to teach us.  Try and attach yourself to a Budgerigar fancier in your club and learn from him.

As you become more confident and meet new fanciers, ask if you can visit their birdrooms.  Most fanciers are always happy to show you their birds and be sure to listen to the advice that is on offer.

Showing is not for everyone.  It can become competitive which sometimes spoils the fun of keeping Budgerigars.  If you are a competitive person you will enjoy shows.  It adds a huge dimension to breeding Budgerigars and it provides a massive social network of like-minded people.

London & Southern Counties Budgerigar Society shows are always popular and the Area Championship show is the highlight of the year for the Society.  Currently, the show takes place at Smallfield in Surrey at the end of July.