The new Endangered Mutation Division being rolled out at Budgerigar Association of America affiliated shows is something breeders of rare mutations are very excited about. These dedicated breeders have been seeking recognition for these not often seen mutations for quite some time. The Tri-State Budgerigar Society is pleased to be one of the first clubs to offer it beginning with our 2009 show. We hope that it will be well received, utilized and perhaps build an interest in these unusual types and get more people involved in this great hobby.
Over time, budgie exhibitors and enthusiasts have noted a decline in the numbers of some budgerigar mutations. If allowed to continue unabated, a significant number of budgie varieties could eventually disappear altogether and some are already feared lost. In an effort to prevent these endangered mutations from being lost, as well as to provide exhibitors with new creative breeding and exhibiting opportunities, the number of BAA Sections in the Schedule of Classes has been increased. Many of the mutations now assigned their own sections in this new division had previously been entered and judged together in the AOV Section. With these expanded sections, more exhibitors will be encouraged to continue developing these unusual mutations and have an opportunity to have more of those birds appear on the show bench and earn division and variety wins. The top ten endangered types will be compared to the top ten birds of their respective division to allow these birds a chance to earn additional awards.
Endangered budgerigar types will be judged to the official published description of the variety. In addition to the new Endangered Mutation Division Schedule of Classes, there are several other BAA documents that have been assembled to encourage, expand and help clarify this division. If needed, show personnel and exhibitors may refer to the Color Standards for the BAA Endangered Mutation Division, the Guidelines for Judges and Exhibitors for the Endangered Mutation Division, the Standard of Perfection for the Endangered Mutation Division and the Scale of Points for the Endangered Mutation Division as guidelines. Size will not be a factor in determining the winners of this portion of the show. There must be at least two birds entered in each section for an award to count in the annual overall scoring. The judging attributes order of priority will be:
1) Confirmation - Depth of Mask, Feather Quality, Balance, etc.
2) Variety Characteristics - Markings, Color Pattern and Depth of Color.
3) Size - Used only as a tie breaker if all other characteristics are equal.
There could be additional benefits from this activity. For example, subtle variations in some of these varieties that now cause confusion in birds bred strictly for size can be illustrated and emphasized by skillful breeders to reduce exhibitor frustration in the exhibition classification process. One result could be progress towards the creation of a new type of budgerigar. One thing is sure, and that is that this change provides increased opportunity for all Budgerigar fanciers to participate and have fun.
