My name is Didier Mervilde and I am an Exhibitor, Breeder and Judge of Quality Exhibition Budgerigars.

I was born in 1952 and live in Aalter, Belgium.  I first became interested in Budgerigars in 1965 and at that time kept about five pairs in a mixed aviary.  It was in 1986, after a visit to the aviary of Gerald Binks in the UK, I decided to breed budgies of show quality.  Since I was facinated by colours, I decided to build an aviary for Rare Budgerigars only. This was my challenge and I still have "rares" today.

As a boy I was always fascinated with birds and other animals and I think it was in my genes because my grandfather was a well know racing pigeon breeder and my father also kept canaries.  So, I was destined to do the same.  First, I started with racing pigeons, later canaries and then I concentrated on budgies.

Many years ago I became a member of a local club and soon after I joined the Board of several clubs.  First the parrot clubs and then I and other fanciers started the B.G.C. (Belgian Budgerigar Club). I became its first Vice-President and then President.  I was also one of the delegates at the W.B.O. for Belgium.

It was Gerald Binks who taught me the way to breed and keep budgies.  After a while I became a correspondent for Budgerigar World Magazine for Belgium. Meanwhile, I became involved in other clubs such as B.V.A. (Belgian Lovebird Society), B.S.H. (Budgerigar Society Holland), Parkietenfederatie and Research Group MUTAVI. In 2007 I became editor and judge of the Belgian Budgerigar Society (BBS) and am currently the BBS delegate at the W.B.O.

I specialise in breeding Texas Clearbody, Easley Clearbody, Slate and Saddleback .

People who want to visit my birdroom are always welcome but by appointment please

For tourist information go to my special links pages, Aalter is half-way between Gent and Bruges.

For more information please read my articles, some of which were written for Budgerigar World.