Crossbills are the new “in” finches. Members of their growing fan club are attracted by the intriguing possibility of breeding fine hybrids and mules, as well as the straightforward breeding and interesting personality of the “straight” pairs. Don’t say we told you, but there does seem to be quite a slant towards them on the part of show judges. Just one thing to bear in mind: they don’t half chew a cage! Among canaries we mix the very long (the Persian Rasmi) and fairly short (Fife fancy). Solid support from experts on budgies, zebbies, parrots, lovely garden aviaries and intriguing variations on the Barbary dove.

Crossbills are the new “in” finches. Members of their growing fan club are attracted by the intriguing possibility of breeding fine hybrids and mules, as well as the straightforward breeding and interesting personality of the “straight” pairs. Don’t say we told you, but there does seem to be quite a slant towards them on the part of show judges.....