Welcome to Joe Lastella's Web site.

By 1981 Champion status was attained. I went on to enjoy many years of learning, success, and frustrations. I call all of it enjoyment because I simply love the hobby and the people that I have met through the years. In 1990 I became an ABS Judge and also served as a District Director for several years. I love to judge the birds. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other breeders throughout the country and get a look at the quality of the birds elsewhere. Aside from the people, the part of the hobby that I enjoy the most is the breeding season. I really get a thrill out of watching the parents raise the Chicks and seeing if my expectations are met.

An average of approximately 150 to 200 chicks are raised each breeding season. I then try to get down to 150 birds in the aviary prior to the next breeding season. The majority are normal greens and grey greens. The rest consists of Australian Pieds, Opalines, Cinnamons and Spangles.

In 1997 I needed an outcross for my birds. I did introduce several top breeders here in the States, however it was time to go further out. The birds I acquired were From Chris Snell, a top breeder in the U.K.  These birds produced some outstanding youngsters. Several of my birds were pulled and bred to the Snell birds to produce another line within my aviary.

I went out again in 2007.  This time I acquired the birds from Daniel Lutolf from Switzerland.  I bred them to some of my best birds and produced some very strong birds with excellent feather. The birds clicked beautifully.

In 1999 a new organization was started here in the U.S. The Budgerigar Association of America was formed. Currently I am on the Board of Directors and a Judge in the BAA. For more information please read the Articles and feel free to contact me.  Enjoy the website.