Bird keepers from Beenleigh recently stepped out of their comfort zone to run a bird sale at Beaudesert.
Martin Thorn, who is president of the Beenleigh Bird Breeders Association, said his members are passionate bird lovers who took on running the Beaudesert Bird Sale after the local club folded.
“That club ran out of members and it was one of the biggest annual bird sales in Queensland so my members decided it had to be kept going,” he said.
“Bird sales provide the opportunity for kids to buy their first pet bird as well as for seasoned aviculturists to obtain new stock and to sell birds they have bred that are surplus to their needs.”
Around 400 people attended the sale, held in the Teese Pavilion at the Beaudesert Showgrounds, which saw 500 tables populated by close to 1000 birds on offer.
Martin said vendors came from as far as Kingaroy, Lismore and Murwillumbah, with one keen buyer travelling from Coffs Harbour.
“The recent sale was the second time our club has run the sale and we were very happy with the way it went,” he said.
“It was good for bird keepers in Beaudesert and for the town as well with visitors spending money on meals, petrol and accommodation.
“The Beaudesert Show Society helped a lot by letting us use the Teese Pavilion.”
Martin said the event was well patronised, with birds ranging in price from a few dollars for common finches and budgies to blue mutation black-headed caiques which sell for up to $10,000.
He said it was a good day all round with a good crowd.
“We organised for a portable ATM to be there and it dispensed $900 on the day,” he said.
The Beenleigh Bird Breeders Association meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month at the Eagleby Community Hall, 94 Fryar Road, Eagleby.
“Our monthly meetings are informal and friendly with discussion on club activities and current news about subjects affecting bird-keeping,” Martin said.
“Our meeting venue is modern, spacious and air-conditioned with all facilities, disabled access and free parking onsite and on-street.”
Information: 07 3206 6062, 0439 882 554.
