Birds of A Feather Avicultural Society (BOAF) is an organization dedicated to the care, enjoyment and breeding of pet birds. Our mission is to unite bird keepers and people interested in keeping birds as companions, and to educate the general public on the responsible breeding and care of birds (aviculture).
BOAF, the brainstorm of Larry Brandt, Fred Marchaland, Nancy Storey and Dr. Al Decoteau, was established in 1986.
In 1987, we held our first annual bird show in Hampton, NH. There were 220 birds entered with 14 entries in parrots. There were finches, canaries, parrots and Cockatiels, as well as American Parakeets and Budgerigars. An Eleonora Cockatoo owned and exhibited by Eileen Brouck of the Danville area was selected as Best Bird in Show.
In our heyday (the early 1990s), over 500 birds were being exhibited at our annual shows. BOAF had transcended into one of the largest bird clubs in New England. We gained national recognition when we hosted the National Cage Bird Show in 1994 and again in 2001, as well as the Great American Bird Show in 1996.
BOAF was instrumental in changing legislation in the state of NH. Prior to 2011, Quakers Parakeets (Monk Parakeets) were illegal to own in NH. BOAF members testified before NH’s state congress and rallied support for changing the laws. In May 2011, Governor Lynch signed HB651 into law making it legal to own and keep Quakers in NH.
BOAF sponsors seasonal marts (sales of birds and bird supplies), and annual bird shows and expos (educational sessions on various avian topics presented by bird experts). Monthly meetings include guest speakers on topics from bird healthcare to breeding and handfeeding techniques.
Club members are young and old, and we come from all over New England. Some of us have decades of experience keeping and/or breeding pet birds; others of us are new to this.
