A Man In Demand

Top Irish judge and breeder LAURENCE EDGAR tells Dave Brown about the breeding, showing and general techniques he has in place for his extensive collection of foreign finches

- Laurence Edgar

FINCHES

LAURENCE Edgar is an active member of the Northern Ireland fancy and supports shows across the region, including his local club Craigavon BZF&FBS, which runs a good show in Browns town. His dedication to breeding and exhibiting has won him many top awards across the region, as well as at major events down south. This long-standing experience of a variety of species also means he is much in demand as a judge at shows across Ireland.

This experience started at 10 years old when a friend had an aviary built, and Laurence and a few pals followed suit. An aviary was built and a mixed collection was thrown in, which included finches, canaries, budgerigars and lovebirds. The appeal of keeping a mixed collection has never waned and Laurence successfully maintains a range of species.

Currently, a lot of his energies are invested in ensuring the Ulster Zebra & Bengalese Finch Society show, which was created a few years back, continues to maintain its reputation as a first-class event. His most recent ambition is to try and take the top spot at this show.