WHOSE BIRDS ARE THEY?

  (Doing the right thing)               

Article by Bill Burnside

During a conversation with a Junior Fancier, the topic came up about the suspicion some juniors are winning awards with birds they are not taking care of.

The belief is the parents or grandparents are entering their own bird (s) in the name of the child. Sometimes these birds are being selected for various awards to include Champion.

In my opinion and the opinion of many, this is unfair and totally wrong.

What is to be accomplished by such unfair actions of a few individuals?

Is it for the adult ego?

Does one think this will build good character in a young person?

Is it taking away the fun these kids should be having at a show?

Is this fair to the other junior fanciers who maintain their birds and follow the rules?

Does this create an atmosphere of mistrust and lack of respect between juniors and adults? How about animosity between the kids?

In an upcoming show my grandson will be participating. He is only 4 years old and obviously not taking care of the bird he wanted for his own.

The question is how will he participate and I not be the problem as stated above. My answer is; I will inform the judge, require the bird be judged, but not selected for any type of an award.

He will have a great time with the other kids there, and will leave happy his pigeon was displayed. His reward will be fun and a participation ribbon.

I hope he will remember, and return as a fancier of pigeons later in life.

Perhaps you can come up with something similar that will work for your youngster who is not yet capable of doing the necessary requirements to be a full fledge junior participant.

THE BOTOM LINE IS, PLEASE DON’T RUIN THE JUNIOR SHOWS BY UNFAIR PRACTICES.

DO THE RIGHT THING FOR ALL OF OUR JUNIOR FANCIERS AND ALLOW THEM TO HAVE FUN.