There will be a total of 4 Divisions. Each awarded separately. The divisions are not then judged against each other forming a best of show. Rather, we hope to encourage the development of both Standard and Rare varieties of each species and feel this is the best way to achieve that.

We kindly thank the following for sponsoring our show Divisions:
Standard Zebras - Jamie Arndt
Rare Zebras - Laura Watkins
Standard Societies - Janet Edmonds
Rare Societies - Chris Hartje

Click for a full listing of the show Divisions/Classifications

Clarence is keeping this a secret for now. Well, not really. Your webmaster is a little behind in his duties.

Keep watching this space for insights on how to bring home the big ribbon!

New to Showing? Let us help you with your first show.
It can be a little intimidating to enter that first show. Maybe you have observed one or two shows and think you need to have a perfect bird first before you will even consider entering a show or that it looks difficult with all those tags and show cages being shuffled around in back of the bench. Well, there is no easier show to enter than the West Coast Zebra and Society Finch Show. Let our helpful volunteers guide you through the process of entering your birds. We have a relaxed, family atmosphere and want others to join us and enjoy this hobby. There's no pressure here, with four divisions being equally awarded, there's plenty of opportunities for your birds to be presented and possibly awarded.

Need a Show Cage? Rent one at the show.
We will have a limited number of show cages available for rent. So if you're new to the hobby and just want to give it a try, here's a way to show your birds for a day without the expense of purchasing a cage. The rental charge will be $2 per cage for the day. You will need to bring your birds in some appropriate travel cage and then transfer them back to it after the show is over. To check on availability and reserve a rental cage, contact Chryse Seeman, Show Manager

Further Information about showing
The Novice's Guide to Showing Finches
Showing Finches: How
Showing Finches: Why
Showing Finches: What
Show Cages for sale - search for "show cage"

The Huntington Fold Away Cage - $34.95 - Contact Sally Huntington

Care for you birds at the show
Unlike many bird shows that are conducted in the Fall, the West Coast Zebra and Society Finch Show is held in the Summer. This can mean some special considerations for your birds in transit and at the show to make sure they handle the weather and stress of transport well. The weather in Sacramento during that time of year averages in the low 90°Fs, but days reaching 100°F are not that uncommon. While it may be hot, the birds generally do well with heat. Avoid the temptation to put the birds directly in the path of the air conditioner. Good airflow is important though. Water should be available at all times and seed in the bottom of the cages. Sometimes it is advisable to bring water from home. A spray bottle to give the birds a light misting not only encourages them to preen, but also keeps them cool. Keeping the birds calm not only avoids damage to the feathers you have worked to get into condition, it also helps avoid stress for the birds. So this can mean transporting the birds in a slightly darkened carrier and keeping the cages turned away from people.

If you plan on purchasing birds at the show to take home, be sure to think ahead and bring an appropriate travel cage with water devices, good air flow and seed for the trip home. You may not find travel cages for sale at the show like you might at local bird marts.

Etiquette of Bringing Pets into the La Quinta
The La Quinta Inn has not charged the West Coast Zebra and Society Show a cleaning fee during the past two years it has held its show and we would like to keep it that way. Some things to consider in keeping birds in motel rooms include:
• Keep your belongings in one area. Do not leave them spread out all over the room.
• Maids make beds, daily. Clear beds of belongings so maids can work more freely and quickly. Stack show cages away from the bed in order to give the maid room to work around the bed. Turn the show cages towards the wall in order to help keep birds calm during bed-making activity. Doing so may help the maid feel more comfortable, too.
• Bring a large plastic or cloth sheet to cover the birds. Wrap the sheet under and over the cages. This helps contain seed and can reduce draft from the room's air conditioner.
• Do not poor seed in any sink. This clogs drains
• Do not use hotel towels or wash clothes to clean cages. Bring your own.
• Tip the maid daily! Leave the tip on the pillow.

Please join the West Coast Zebra and Society Show Committee in making other people's experiences with the presence of our messy birds a positive one so that we will be invited back next year.