|
|
|
Showing Your Parrotlet Bands There is no requirement that a parrotlet have a leg band in order in for it to be shown. If a parrotlet is accumulating points for champion or grand championship status, it should have a band but that can be an open band. The Society of Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors requires that champion and grand champion parrots must be banded. In addition, they must either have an SPBE issued leg band or the band must be registered with the Society. However, any bird can compete and win without any leg band at all. Conditioning In the weeks before the show, spray your parrotlet several times a day with clean, clear fresh water. Some people add all sorts of things to their water, some of which may be harmful. Only use fresh, pure water on your parrotlet with nothing added. Do not leave grooming until the last minute. If you are going to trim nails or the beak, do it at least two weeks before the show. Brush the head and neck with a toothbrush or Velcro™ every few days to remove pin feathers. Do not trim or pull ruffled feathers. A ruffled feather is better than a missing one. Do not use oil or anything else to enhance the beak or feet. Oil is dangerous and can cause a parrotlet to lose heat if rubbed on feathers. It also looks unnatural and will be noticed and faulted by the judge. Show Cages As mentioned, there are no cage standards for parrotlets. However, there are cages made specifically for showing. If you plan on showing regularly, it is well worth the investment for a good quality show cage. The cages are covered by wood or plastic on all sides except the front, which is wire. Love bird size boxes are recommended for parrotlets. The perches should be replaced with 1/2" dowels. Parrotlets show better in a cage with two perches. Toys are not allowed and there should be no markings on the cage that could be used to identify the owner. Each cage should have water and food containers (although food is usually used as a bottom covering). Show Cage Training It is important to have your parrotlet behave correctly in the show box. Many times a judge will have to overlook a physically better bird because it refused to stay on a perch or refused to budge from the cage bars. Your parrotlet's experience will be much more positive if it is prepared ahead of time. Place your parrotlet inside the show cage with food and water and leave it alone for an hour or two. Do this for several days until the parrotlet is comfortable and sits on the perches. Next, take a dowel and gently guide the parrotlet back and forth from perch to perch. If the parrotlet jumps to the floor, remove the dowel and allow the bird to climb back to the perch. Praise him. Keep working slowly and gently until the parrotlet jumps back and forth easily without going to the floor. Once the parrotlet has mastered this skill, it is important for them to get used to different surroundings and distractions. Move the cage from one room to another, put on different hats or sunglasses, and invite your friends over to look. Try and expose the parrotlet to as many different people and places as possible so it will sit like a rock on the show bench. Before the Show Once you have found a show to attend, find out its exact location, the time it starts and the deadline to have birds registered. Obtain a map and plan your route as soon as possible. If necessary, make hotel reservations. Most clubs make arrangements with local hotels with discounts for exhibitors. Pack a show bag with a spray bottle, small stapler, pens, toothbrush, Velcro™, plastic sandwich bag, extra food and water containers, a favorite toy, food, millet spray and bottled water. Also, pack a towel big enough to cover the cage. Many shows leave lights on at night so a towel will ensure a good night's sleep. Write down your parrotlet's band number and be sure put it in your show bag. |
|