The fancy needs a rethink: that’s the view of top Dutch softbill breeder Lou Megens. He says public opinion on the Continent now leads away from traditional exhibitions and towards “created natural” environments for birds in aviculture. It’s controversial, but Lou certainly practices what he preaches. Elsewhere we catch up with our regular writers on Fife, Border and Yorkshire canaries, with plenty of budgerigar input too. We also pose the question: Why do zebra finches do what they do? Answers on a postcard!

The fancy needs a rethink: that’s the view of top Dutch softbill breeder Lou Megens. He says public opinion on the Continent now leads away from traditional exhibitions and towards “created natural” environments for birds in aviculture. It....