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.

DEFRA challenge: wheels are in motion

Gannets arrive early to Les Etacs

QUOTE of the WEEK

Also in the news…

Scotland's capercaillie sees ‘flutter jump’ in numbers

General Council: BS's Ghalib says farewell after 37 years of service

COLOUR BUDGERIGARS

Fancy unites to fight and plan for the future • NCA chairman BARRY MILLS reports on the Action Group's campaign on behalf of the entire fancy against DEFRA's unworkable new regulations

AVIAN DRAW AFTERTHOUGHTS

Editor's Letter

Cage & Aviary Birds

First thoughts on my new room • With a radically different new set-up to work with, DAVID ALLEN has plenty to consider as he heads into the pre-breeding period with his Lizard canaries

Feed with consistency and variety • For experienced champion RICK WATTS, food for a stud must combine high nutritional diversity with a minimum of uncalled-for surprises. Here he summarises his approach

Greenfinch plans for this year

Long toes make light walkers • Most of us would recognise a jacana, but probably few of us know about their complicated lifestyle and adaptation to a niche in nature. BILL NAYLOR profiles a remarkable bird family

Northumbrian Notes • ‘One of the six new birds we've bought in was actually bred by me in 2024.’ Now why would Austin want to buy his own bird back? To boost an interesting new pigeon programme!

My early-year rearrangement • Each year, David's collection changes a little or a lot, and that inevitably entails moving his established stock around as well as accommodating new arrivals. It's a fiddly business, but essential so that the birds can settle before breeding time comes – and there's lots to look forward to in that regard

My journey with budgies: Part 2 • Having described his start-up with budgies last month, NEIL CAWLEY moves the story into the 21st century and pays tribute to the key mentors who helped his early days in the hobby

Breeding prep for a colony • Following his column in last week's issue, LES RANCE explains the management that lays the foundations for the new breeding season for his aviary budgies – which is always good fun

There's a first time for everything • Such as – role reversals cropping up unexpectedly in DAVE BROWN's finch aviary, and a whole new challenge with one of his birdrooms. There's never a dull moment in this game!

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

It was only a year ago… 2025

Obituary

Club roundup • Show reports, dates, club notices

PARROT SOCIETY

What's on this week