Cage & Aviary Birds

Cage & Aviary Birds is written by bird experts for bird fanciers and is packed with club, show and bird related news, advice, birds for sale and comment. Established in 1902, Cage & Aviary Birds provides a wealth of practical advice and tips from the top names in the bird world, plus opinion, controversy, species and hobbyist profiles and nostalgia.

ZSL to bring live veterinary procedures to the public

Haith's Prize Draw

QUOTE of the WEEK

Also in the news…

Holy Loch Nature Reserve: from woodland to rainforest

Gamekeeper fined for goshawk killing

2026 Avian Draw breaks new ground

COLOUR BUDGERIGARS

Independent action on licensing • Show organiser PAUL SWATTON explains how he and CHARLENE TURNER have successfully engaged with both their MP and DEFRA to lobby for change

LAST-MINUTE NCA NEWS

Cage & Aviary Birds

My best 45 minutes ever • Lifelong birdman DONALD SKINNER-REID's first session with raptors lasted less than an hour – but after encountering hawks and owls both large and small, he's an instant convert

Charcoal: the big picture • At its rich, velvety best, this mutation is just as striking as any multi-way colour combination in zebras – in fact, striking enough to secure cage space in DAVE BROWN's birdroom. Here Dave describes the mutation's origins and explains how to recognise a true charcoal, and how to breed good ones

Strollers on the savanna • Terrestrial but not pedestrian, Africa's ground hornbills walk with a purpose! BILL NAYLOR introduces two majestic species which star in collections, as long as they've got plenty of space

NERO PERLA: a canary as cool as a cat • What makes this beautiful recently discovered mutation dusky at its extremities? NORBERT SCHRAMM provides the surprising genetic explanation and goes on to summarise the basics of breeding and exhibiting these birds

Two legs good, four legs bad • Or, how to make sure your birdroom never becomes a rodent room. DAVE BROWN, who's encountered a rodent or two in his time, shares some tips on prevention and cure

The call of culture • Not art galleries or classical concerts for JAY BUNKER, but beetle larvae in grow-your-own profusion. And if you haven't manufactured your own culture yet, he's here to inspire you!

Reflections on birdkeeping • ‘After five years back in the hobby I thought I would avail the world of my wealth of experience (tongue firmly in cheek),’ says TONY KENNESON-ADAMS of Bristol BS. ‘Birdkeeping is highly rewarding, but it's also a constant learning experience. Below you will find 13 lessons I have learned about birdkeeping – not only with budgies but generally. I am sure many of you could add to it, but I trust this will be particularly useful to beginners. I hope you find this article informative and perhaps a little amusing’

READERS’ GALLERY

PICTURE OF THE MONTH!

Club News • Welcome to the club and show pages – the bit that's all about you

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Club roundup • Show reports, dates, club notices

Obituary