CANARIES
MY RECENT articles on judging Fife canaries have triggered some very positive responses – surprisingly perhaps – from fellow judges of Border canaries as well as Fifes. They, too, have experienced over-dominant judges. One even had to endure the so-called “lead” judge explaining to the watching entourage why his choice was the best, while the other judges were still considering the four exhibits for best colour!
Size is often a trigger for back in the year 2000. In the book, I advocated a reduction in the points allocated to “size”, in order to give more consistency to judging. Some Border/Fife judges still support this view. In a proposed overhaul of the points system, I also suggested removing the 10 points allocated to “health” as that was – and still is – ridiculous. Any “soft” bird should not be exhibited and any that are in that condition should be removed and kept well away from other exhibits.
