A Brief Look At The Java Sparrow Show Standards!

As I have only been keeping birds since 2001, I do not feel as though I have enough experience to show my birds, particularly the Java Sparrow (as I switched to the species in 2005).

The JSSUK have a proposed standard that is currently being discussed.

 The following information details the current proposal of the Java Sparrow  show standard.
 

Show Cage

The Java Sparrow Society UK have agreed that the A.F.S (Australian Finch Society) show cage is suitable for the Java Sparrow, the only difference being perch size diameter.

The A.F.S cage has 10mm diameter perches, which the society believes should be 12mm for the Java Sparrow. This will be the standard show cage for the Java Sparrow from 2008.

On the right are a couple of pictures of the Java Sparrow show cage.

Although I don’t show my birds, I do have show cages to present my Java’s that are for sale. When I have a visitor to my birdroom who wishes to buy some birds, I feel it’s better to present them in show cages instead of “pointing out” birds in a stock cage.

For those of you who are “handy” with woodwork, click the picture below for a "pdf" copy of the show cage plans.



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Show Standard
To be confirmed

Here is the first draft of the Java Sparrow show standard proposed by the JSSUK.

 Type

1. The bird should retain the sleek body profile of the original wild type Java Sparrow.

2. The bird is to stand proudly and clear of the perch.

3. The wings should be compact and carried close to the body, with the tips just meeting above the rump.

4. The tail should be straight, tapered and a continuation of the body profile.

5. A line from the eye to the point of the tail should be approximately 50 degrees from the horizontal.

 Condition

1. The bird should be active and give the appearance of vitality and radiant good health.

2. The bird should be clean and complete.

3. The bird should not be over-fat or slim.

4. The feathers should be smooth, close, tight and have a good sheen.

5. No scars, imperfections or other sign of injury should be apparent.

6. Feet should be a healthy pinkish colour with no scaling present.

 Markings

1. As the pattern of markings for Java Sparrows are very distinct in their evenness they must be clear-cut.

2. The cheek patches should be pure white and sharp with and clear-cut with no bleeding of body colour into the cheeks.

3. The head colour (excepting whites and pieds) should be even and not patchy and should continue under the chin of the bird.

Colour

All colour patterns must at all times appear to be clean, clear, crisp and even. The evenness and intensity of colour should be considered when viewing the bird.

Size

The bird should measure approximately 150mm from the tip of the beak to the point of the tail. It is important that birds exceeding this size retain their shape and proportions in relation to the ideal type of the “wild type” Java Sparrow. Birds that are exhibiting excessive buff feathering that differs from the sleek plumage of the ideal Java Sparrow should also not be considered for top awards.

As mentioned above this is a first draft of the proposed show standard. I will be updating the information as and when a confirmed standard is in place.

For further information on show standards, contact the Java Sparrow Society UK by clicking on the logo below.