Frank Pye, an international panel judge, gave a talk on border canaries at the recent meeting, telling of the pitfalls during the breeding season, such as hens laying only two eggs, or hens which stop feeding their young.

With regard to "sweating hens", Frank said that birds do not sweat, it is the chick's digestive system which is out of order. A pinch of a popular "salts" in the drinking water usually will eliminate the problem.

He stressed cleanliness of the feeding utensils is of paramount importance.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, when Don Ray will talk about Gloster canaries, at Scotts Road, Stourbridge, starting at 8pm.