Society Secretary Andrew Rankmore said the show was far better than expected with 3500 birds benched, a 50 per cent clearance rate and 4000 people through the doors.

The event was held at Cessnocks Civic Indoor Sports Centre and drew a crowd of bird fanciers from every state with the exception of WA.

We had our regular core group of bird people who come every year as well as a lot of interested inter-state buyers, Mr Rankmore said.

In terms of the general public there were plenty visiting from out of town including people from Sydney, Coffs Harbour and Grafton who just came along for a look.

He said the show had an unusual variety of birds for sale with some carrying expensive price tags.

Some of the more unusual birds for sale included a pair of Macaws with a going price of price of $10,000.

An African Grey parrot fetched $4000 during Saturdays show.

Mr Rankmore said bird sales are growing in popularity, particularly with people over 40, in particular retirees.

He said some of the bigger exotic breeds can often outlive their owners with life spans of 60 and 70 years.