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COPYRIGHT 1996
Anthony Olszewski
THE BINKS SYSTEM
At the 1983 All American, the U.S.A. national budgerigar
show, Gerald Binks, world-renowned British budgerigar fancier,
explained his methods of stock husbandry. Mr. Binks came
expecting to participate in a panel discussion. Unfortunately,
the rest of the panel failed to arrive. Undeterred, without
notes, he lectured for over two hours explaining every aspect of
budgerigar culture in down to earth language that enlightened
both beginner and expert alike.
Gerald Binks uses a two-tiered system of feeding: breeding
and non-breeding. He noted that the grave mistake made by most
fanciers is to ease off once breeding activity has been
concluded. This should be the time to build up the bird's
stamina. The mistake is compounded by filling the cage with all
sort of rich goodies simultaneously with the installation of the
nest box. Budgerigars are very suspicious of any new item. Mr.
Binks explained that these unsuccessful breeders are "checking"
their birds progress exactly at the worst time. The birds go off
feed for a few days, losing weight. This gives a bad start to
the breeding season.
During the non-breeding season the birds are given a diet of
80% canary, 15% millets, 4% clipped oats and 1% niger. One-half
teaspoon of cod liver oil is mixed with twelve pounds of seed.
For the breeding season, the same seed mix is used but the oil is
increased to two teaspoons to twelve pounds. Since the
budgerigars have some cod liver oil in their feed all year round,
no extreme change is ever encountered before the breeding season.
The seed and oil is mixed daily, but Mr. Binks does not hesitate
to use the oil treated seed on the next day. He does advise
caution. Oil can become rancid. This would take four or five
days in a hot climate.
The bird's water is supplemented with the human infant
vitamin ABIDEC all year round at the rate of one drop of vitamin
concentrate to one pint of water. The water is further fortified
with a vitamin B12 preparation, daily when breeding, every other
day otherwise. Mr. Binks contends that a lack of B-12 is the
major cause of dead in shell.
Gerald Binks was questioned concerning the addition of anti-
biotics to the feed and water on a continuing basis. He
explained that even though such practice has given good results
in other branches of livestock, it is forbidden to the breeder of
exhibition budgerigars. Under the British Budgerigar Society
Rules, all "growth promoting substances" are condemned.
Iodized salt is before the birds at all times. Gerald also
gives his birds a grit made up of sea sand and shell grit to
supply both soluble and insoluble grits.
Mr. Binks suggested that the quality of the bird is
dependant upon a good supply of protein. Seed only offers
vegetable protein. Animal protein is a must. Cooked chicken
carcasses are occasionally placed in the flights. For the
breeding season, a mash of whole meal bread, milk, glucose, and
Virol, a milk product, is fed. Greenfood is not used, for it is
difficult to secure a year round supply. Greens are not needed
if the birds are given a vitamin C supplement, according to
Gerald Binks. Mr. Binks stressed that poor nutrition, not lack
of humidity is the major cause of dead in shell. He stated that
lack of moisture is barely 5-10% of the problem.
Gerald Binks also explained his novel construction of nest
boxes. These are bolted to the front of the cage, the entrance
facing away from the light. This increases privacy and allows
the hen to escape when the breeder is checking the eggs. Sawdust
is used in the nest.
The talk was concluded with a discussion of
unusual breeding strategies.He also explained his use of polygamous pairing
schemes. Mr. Binks is experimenting with using one cock with
several hens, in a similar manner to the canary breeder.
Anthony B. Olszewski
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