FOR THE GOOD OF THE GOULDIAN

[Tiaris]

I really am quite surprised that there wouldn't be much more support for the idea of a Gouldian breeders club (call it what you will). This is one of the most popular aviary birds we have in captivity with many specialist Gouldian breeders out there. It isn't as if the current mish mash of mutant gene cocktails or abundance of weedy pencil-like physical specimens which comprise our current captive stock are any better representatives of wild type than would be collections of more impressive physical specimens bred according to whatever features their breeders deem most attractive & desirable. Breeding same head colour pairings for several generations, selecting only the clearest head colour females in yellow and red headed stock are other examples of totally unnatural Gouldian husbandry which already have widespread acceptance without ridicule. Surely a Gouldian club with aims such as promoting appropriate housing, care and breeding of captive Gouldian stocks, providing accurate information on mutation inheritence to prevent unwitting genetic "pollution", supporting meaningful conservation research, and conducting shows, sales & meetings would be a thoroughly worthwhile & useful body. I'd join.

[arthur]

When will you eat pork Rabbi Levi?

At your wedding Father O'Reilly



Everyone is entitled to his own opinion . . . as long as it coincides with mine


Lucky we are all on the same side

[E Orix]

It amuses me every time I hear people putting up these great ideas for clubs/groups what ever.
Most are terrific ideas but how many get of their BACKSIDES and put their hand up to start it off and do the work.
Anyone can have a sensible idea but it takes effort to put that idea into practice.
Look how many bird clubs are struggling because they can't fill the committee(workers) positions.

[TomDeGraaff]

Truer words never spoken

[Tiaris]

No doubt that will always be the case with most clubs/societies such is human nature, but nothing at all wrong with talking about the idea first to gauge the level of support or otherwise for the concept. This isn't something I've seen or heard discussed before (with Gouldians) so surely it doesn't hurt to throw the idea around & see what, if anything, eventuates.
Sounds to me like there may be more spear-sharpeners than supporters out there so far.

[TomDeGraaff]

Eorix and I speak from vast experience with clubs BUT clubs have always started somewhere! There has always been that small keen founder group who get the club over that critical mass needed to be self-sustaining. I do agreen with everything said so far _ good and bad !! Boy, what a fence-sitter!!

I find the critical people are a secretay, treasurer, communications (mag, web whatever) and a person to bind and aim them all!

[E Orix]

Don't worry I am up the front when it comes to supporting those people trying to improve our great hobby.
At times people need a little push.

[TomDeGraaff]

When I wrote "critical" in a club I meant the word "crucial". I too would join such a club

[gouldian 06]

I'm sure there is a standard for all species somewhere.
It is called the type specimen and is found and described from the wild by those discovering and/or studying the species
Does this not apply to the Gouldian?

Good comment I am in your corner the mutations are making it hard to find pure breds, the same colour same as birds in wild

[Tiaris]

I don't know that the above quote was necessarily referring to mutations.
The notion of a standard is to ask the question: exactly what aspects of the wild birds' features are ideal?
There is much natural variation in every physical feature of the normal Gouldian (& all other species). Every part of its external anatomy shows variation in colour, shape, and size. The idea of a standard is to try to encourage and educate those who may not already have their own firm idea of exactly what features to look for in a good quality Gouldian - what to look for when aiming to purchase good birds and what to aim for in their bird breeding activities if they choose to pursue a firm goal of breeding good quality birds. A standard need not include any features or proportions which are in any way unnatural.