What's in the issue

DEFRA again… and a heads-up from the latest critical meeting with the NCA. Shock, horror, the bureaucrats sounded quite receptive to the strong arguments put by our well-advised representatives. We report that two killer issues for bird gatherings – risk assessments and vet requirements – are to be reappraised. Cautiously, we can be optimistic - but there may be more twists and turns in the race. And we also have a handy point-by-point comparison chart which shows the differences between the types of bird-gathering licence. It’s miles clearer than anything DEFRA have come up with! Then back in the real world we learn how an expert aviculturist hand-reared Bali mynas, gen up on keeping violet-eared waxbills, and cover the bases on budgies, Borders, Fifes, Bengalise and birdrooms.