By Justin Flynn
Moolap’s Armen Arslanian has only been in the budgerigar show business for three years, but achieved something that some veterans of 30 years haven’t.
Armen, a member of Geelong District Budgerigar Society (GDBS), won his first title at the recent National Championships in Adelaide.
Think of it as a dog show for budgies.
“I’m over the moon,” Armen said.
“That’s my first ever national win and as a beginner to win that is fantastic.
“I’ve only been in the hobby for three years. There’s guys that have been in it 20 and 30 years and not won a national championship.”
Armen won the Class 2 Normal Grey Green category from clubmate Ron Wilson.
But, disappointingly, the event was held remotely, with the initial competition cancelled due to the pandemic.
“I would have loved to have gone, but next year is in Ballarat so hopefully I can win one there,” he said.
Armen also took out the best beginner bird at the Victorian championships.
GDBS members George Ilic, John Ennis, Rex Stephens and Ron Wilson also had success at the state titles and earned spots in the national championships.
Judges were impressed with Armen’s entry.
“The winner, owned by A Arslanian from Victoria, is a modern power bird,” they said.
“He has width, strength and magnificent spots, tons of width (at) the frontal and stood out.”
Armen said it takes about a week of preparation to get the birds looking good on the day.
“It’s got to show for you on the day,” he said.
“Some play up. It all comes down to what they look like.
“It’s a big thing, it’s a bit of work to get them into the right condition.”
Armen said the best thing about the budgie breeding hobby was “playing with the babies and seeing how they grow and develop into a show budgie”.
GDBS meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at Geelong Showgrounds. New members welcome.
