SJD Javas - Exhibiting Java Sparrows.

What type of show cage is required for Java Sparrow's in the UK?

For club shows then it doesn't really matter, but any show that has patronage to the JSSUK must only accept Java's in the official Java Sparrow show cage as stated within the JSSUK rules.

The official show cage is an AFS type (Australian Finch Society) show cage. The only modfiication to be made is to replace the 8mm perches for 12mm perches.

The photo on the right is a Java Sparrow Show cage.

As the Java Sparrow is the only species I currently keep and breed I like to think that I have a "good eye" for a bird that would be suitable to enter in to a show.

I'm not saying that I am a Java expert, and I'm not saying that I am experienced on the showing circuit, but "specialising" in this species has, I believe, helped me to obtain knowledge and experience to understand the key attributes that deem a Java Sparrow fit for the show bench.

What are they key attributes of the Java Sparrow?
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The Java Sparrow pictured here is, in my opinion, a good example of a bird that I would consider suitable for a show team.

The first thing I look for is general fitness in a bird. A fit Java Sparrow will have that "healthy bounce", and its movements whilst in a cage/flight will be sharp and crisp.

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I tend to start selecting birds for showing around 8 to 9 weeks berfore the show date, this allows me to pull any damaged tail feathers which take approximately 6 weeks to grow back. A slick undamaged tail is essential if the bird is to do well on the show bench.

To view the full Java Sparrow show standard then Click Here to go to the "Show Standard" page on the JSSUK website.

You will find all of the current standard that judges adhere to when deciding which bird is deemed good enough to win its class or show.
The key things I look for at a glance are as follows: 1. The wings are tight and compact and meet neatly just above the rump. 2. There shoud be no white "tick" marks on the bird. Tick marks are small white feathers often found on the throat just below the lower mandible or in the outer primary feathers of the wings.
3. The white cheek patches should be clean and crisp with a definite line seperating the cheek patch from the main grey body colour of the Java. 4. The legs and feet are in good condition, there should be no scaling skin and they should appear to be a healthy pinkish colour. Also, all of the birds claws/nails should be in tact and should not be overgrown. 5. Does size matter? - The JSSUK show standard states that "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". The issue of the size of the bird is, in my opinion, an important factor. In my limited experience in showing, a judge has never awarded a position to a noticeably small Java. As long as the bird is around the size mentioned in the JSSUK standard then it should be ok.

Once the decision to enter a show has been made then a show schedule and entry form must be applied for. These are usually obtained from the show secratary of the relevant show, his/her name and address are usually published in society newsletters, avian publications and now more commonly from the club or society website.

The Show Schedule

Pictured right is the schedule show classification for the JSSUK members show held in conjunction with the BSOTY 2008 (Bird Show Of The Year). This is a very simple schedule and ideal to use as an example to anyone new to exhibiting their Java Sparrows.

You can see that there are three catergories, Adult, Current Year Owner Bred (CYOB) and Junior.

Adult - Refers to the bird and not the exhibitor. An adult bird is more than 12 months old or a bird that is not close rung (birds that do not have closed rings have no proof of age and are therefore classed as adults).

Current Year Owner Bred - The title gives it away really....this is a bird that has been bred by its owner and is close rung. The ring will display the current year which guarentees the age of the bird.

Junior - Refers to the breeder and not the bird. Anyone under the age of 16 is classed as a junior.

As you can see, each class has several sub catergories with a number allocated to each one (eg Class 21 is a CYOB Agate). These numbers are very important when it comes to entering birds into the show.

The Show Entry Form

Once you have selected your birds that are suitable for showing the next step is to complete the entry form. Pictured right is the entry form issued to JSSUK members for the members show held in conjunction with the BSOTY 2008 (Bird Show Of The Year). If you click on the image a pdf file will open up to illustrate how the form is completed (please note, not all entry forms are the same but this example gives you an idea of how a typical entry form looks).

You will see on the example entry form (click here if you haven't downloaded it yet) that I have entered a total of 12 Javas for the show. The classes and descriptions follow the show schedule pictured above.

This entry form does differ slightly to most forms as this particular show (JSSUK members show 2008) was "free to enter" to JSSUK members. Most shows have an entry fee for each cage (usually between 50p and £1) so you would usually see a section for entry fees.

Important - Always ensure you submit your entry form by the closing date listed on the form. This date is usually 1 week before the show and allows the show secretary time to post out cage labels and lifting cards.

A good tip! Always enter more birds that you intend to show. I generally do this because as the show date draws closer "sods law" takes effect and for one reason or another, one or two of my original selections will lose condition or damage feathers etc rendering the bird unfit for exhibition....it's always good to have birds in reserve!

By the way....you will see on the example entry form that there is a "Sale Price" ......in some shows there are sales classes where an exhibitor will enter a bird and offer it for sale at the end of the show .....the exhibitor would list a price on the form detailing the sales price of each bird entered.

The Show Cage Labels

A few days before the show the Show Secretary will post your cage labels. These will list class and cage number....the example on the right show that this label is for Class 5 which, on the schedule above, is for "Any Pied Java Sparrow" and it is cage/bird number 1.

These labels should be placed on the front of each cage in the middle of the front panel.

Very Important - An obvious point.....but ensure that the correct bird goes in the cage relevant to the labels.

The Lifting Card

With your cage labels you will also receive a lifting card.

This card should be presented to the Show Secretary / Steward on arrival at the show check-in desk. The Show Secretary will log each bird via the class and cage number and log it on the lifting card.

The lifting card is then held by the exhibitor until the show is over and then is presented back to the Show Secreatry / Steward who will then ensure that each bird is booked back to the exhibitor at the end of the show.

That just about covers the basics of showing...it's pretty straightforward really. Why not give it a try....you never know, you might just win!

Each bird entered will have a unique label .

The 2007 JSSUK Members show.

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I started keeping British birds in 2001 and switched to Java Sparrows in 2005. I never had any real interest in showing but thought I'd give it a go so I entered some of my birds in the JSSUK members show in 2006. I did well in my first show and now enjoy the whole showing experience. This page outlines basic information from the show cage, selecting and preparing Java's for showing through to a day at a show venue.