The Australian National
Cockatiel Society
A.R.B.N. 065 793 044
PO Box 1248
Fortitude Valley. Qld. 4006
Club Web site: www.cockatielsociety.org.au
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Committee members 2010
President’s Report
Calendar of Events
Secretary’s Report
Legring Steward’s Report
Meet the Committee
Membership details
2009 Annual General meeting
Spotlight on a Sponsor ABK
In Memorium Vale Roy Douglas Wood
Feeding Cockatiels
Sunflower
Wheat
Weeds for Birds
New Sales Table Explained
Product Table Pricelist
Bird Steward’s Report
Birds ‘n’ Things
What’s on in Aviculture
Avian Vet Listing
Our thanks to
SNAP Printing Brendale
For the production of our club journal.
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Committee Members
2010
Executive Committee
President
Maureen Blair
Vice-President
David Heyden
Secretary
Scott Morris
Treasurer
Scott Morris
Bird Steward
Geoff Watts
Editor
Jo-Anne Watts
Ring Steward
David Heyden
Webmaster
Jo-Anne Watts
07 3344 2910
president@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3720 9934
vpresident@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3342 3555
secretary@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3342 3555
treasurer@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3269 9590
birdsteward@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3269 9590
editor@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3720 9934
ringsteward@cockatielsociety.org.au
07 3269 9590
webmaster@cockatielsociety.org.au
Honorary Life Members
Trish Lock
Mike Ashton
Robyn Ashton
Terry Casey
Maureen & George Blair
Doug & Doreen West
1994
1997
1997
1999
2007
2008
Please remember that when contacting any committee members by phone,
to respect their personal lives and call before 8.00pm.
An official publication of the Australian National Cockatiel Society Inc.
ANCS Journal Volume 21 Issue 1
Jan/Feb 2010
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President’s Report
Welcome to 2010 and my first report as the new ANCS
President.I hope the strange weather to end 2009 and start this
year has not been too troublesome. It has been quite a while
since we had a wet Christmas but I am sure most of us needed
the rain.
As most of you are aware, my husband George and I were
honoured with Life Membership of this wonderful society in 2007. Over the
years, we have helped out in many ways and held minor positions on the
Committee but it was a great honour to be nominated and elected as President for
2010. I hope I can continue with the wonderful contributions our past Presidents
have made.
I would first like to thank the out-going committee for their efforts through what
ended up being a very trying and tiring year. We returned to holding our own
Show, which was very successful and will occur again this year. I would love to
see more members involved, showing their birds. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact any member of the committee for information.
Remember, no question is silly as there may be others thinking the same thing!
It is with much sadness that I must also advise of the passing of a long term
member and personal friend, Roy Wood. We pass our condolences to the Wood
family and remember Roy in a small tribute later in this Journal. His family
made the request for no flowers at the service but a donation in lieu to the Cancer
Council of Queensland. The ANCS has contributed $50 to this very worthwhile
cause and also encourages all members to do likewise.
As has been said many times before, let’s hope this year is better than the last
with plenty of healthy new chicks if you are a breeder and also a trouble free one
for all bird owners.
Hope to see you at the next meeting.
Maureen Blair
President 2010
Australian National Cockatiel Society
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Calendar of Events
Each year the ANCS holds various gatherings that include general meetings,
Show & sale Days and appearances at public venues as promotional events.
Below is the calendar for the year as organised to date.
Next General Meeting
February Tuesday 16th First meeting for the year
March – Tuesday 16th
June – Tuesday 15th
July – Tuesday 20th
October – Tuesday 19th
November – Tuesday 16th
December AGM (TBA)
These meetings are held at Dutton Park State School starting at 7:30pm and are
advertised in the Courier Mail “Poultry and Birds” section the Saturday before.
Show & Sale Days
April Table Show (first half) – Saturday (Date TBC)
May Table Show (second half) – Saturday (Date TBC)
August Table Show (first half) – Saturday (Date TBC)
September Table Show (second half) – Saturday (Date TBC)
*Festival of Feathers
June (Date TBC)
There are normally 2 of our shows held each year. One is in Autumn and one in
Spring. More information is always provided in the journal immediately
preceding the event as well as the usual advertising in the Courier Mail.
Promotional Events
26th March (display only)
State Bird Fair & Expo
For more info on an upcoming event please see our website
http://www.cockatielsociety.org.au/articles/calendar_of_events.htm
Or phone the secretary on 07 33423555
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Secretary’s Report
Roz Smith, Steve Clarke,
& Mary Lomas
BANG and it is 2010 already!
I hope you, your family members and all of your birds had a safe, happy, relaxing
Christmas and New Year. Very strange to have a wet one but we definitely
needed it here in Brisbane.
I would like to thank those that supported me as Secretary and Treasurer in 2009
and have again shown the faith to allow me to continue in 2010.
This year will hopefully build on the efforts of last year in recommencing our
own shows with the possibility of us holding events in Spring and in Autumn. It
would be wonderful to see as many members as possible entering their birds and
getting along to our meetings as it really is a fantastic way to meet new people
who are like-minded with their love of the Cockatiel. You also get the chance to
see some great quality Cockatiels on show, if last year was any indication of what
is amongst our aviaries. Remember, prizes are awarded to the Class winners and
you never know, that pretty little Cockatiel you have at home could be the next
Bird of Show! Be sure to keep an eye on our website or the Brisbane Courier
Mail for notifications of our meetings and shows as holding the shows on a
weekend proved much easier and we will keep you up to date via these two
methods as well as our Journal. If you have any questions on our shows, please
feel free to give any member of the committee a call or drop us an email.
Our first meeting for the year is looming close, on the 16 th of February. We will
love to see you along and if you have a bird or two that you would like to show
off, please bring them along. As long as we keep the hall clean and tidy, we are
allowed to have a small “Show and Tell” on the night. Not only that, we all love
to have a chat about our birds, Cockatiels and other birds too, so you can get a
chance to learn a thing or two and maybe teach us something as well!
Also on the Calendar already is the Festival of Feathers at the Ipswich
Showgrounds in June. This is a wonderful show with many species of aviary
birds including classes for our Cockatiels. I am sure I will be there and would
love to see you all there too. Further details will be published closer to the event
date.
I would like to thank the many new members that joined us in 2009 and hope
that you will continue to be a part of the best Cockatiel club in Australia. Also,
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thanks go to those members who have already forwarded their membership fees
for 2010. I hope your receipts and membership cards found their way back to
you as promptly as your fees were in coming to us! To those who are paying online, please remember to use a reference that distinguishes you from everyone
else. Either your full name or your membership number will suffice but if you
can also drop me a quick email confirming that you have paid, it will make my
life a little easier.
So, I hope you enjoy your first Journal for 2010 and keep an eye on our Calendar
of Events and the “What’s on in Aviculture” section to see what the club is up to
and also some of the goings on in the bird community too. There is always a
pretty good chance of running into another member at one of the shows or sales
going on around the country.
Lastly, if there is anything that you would like to see in our Journal or something
that you have written and would like to have printed, please get in touch with
myself or our Editor, Jo-Anne and we will see what we can do. Volunteers are
very rarely turned away when there are things to do and remember this is YOUR
club, participate and enjoy it as much as you can.
Regards
Scott
ANCS Secretary/Treasurer 2010
---ooo000ooo---
HAPPY BIRTHDAY & BEST WISHES
To: -
January
Geoff Watts, Sandra Clarke,
David Heyden, Wade Gaudion,
Angus Dawson
February
George Blair, Mary Jarrett,
Eddy & Carmel Rackemann,
Doreen West,Colleen Smith,
Bob Fuller, Jo-Anne Watts, Lucy Wai,
Lorraine Lane, Roz Smith
(We apologise if we have missed your birthday, please drop us an email or a
letter so that we can update our records)
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Leg Ring Steward’s
Report
Well, 2009 has come and gone. 2010 is the year of the Tiger, but hopefully it can
also be the year of the Cockatiel. The colour of the rings for 2010 is blue and the
club has ordered only a limited number, so get in quick. A third has already been
sold and we are only in the first two months of 2010. While it looks like being a
hot summer and you don't have nest boxes in at the moment, don't wait too long
to get your rings for the year.
You don't have to be a prolific breeder of cockatiels to warrant purchasing leg
rings through the club. You can purchase as few as 10 leg rings, which are
reasonably priced and are individually numbered allowing the club to track down
the owner of any escapee. Come along to the first meeting of the year on 16
February to buy your rings and have a chat about what other services the club can
provide to you.
David Heyden
Email: legringsteward@cockatielsociety.org.au
ph: 3720 9934
BLUE 2010 ANCS LEG RINGS
POSTAGE $2.00 up to qty 100, $2.50 thereafter.
ANCS LEG RINGS (10=$6)
(25=$15) (50=$30) (75=$45) (100=$60)
---ooo000ooo---
All members and guests welcome to our
1st General Meeting for 2010
Tuesday February 16th 7.30pm
Dutton Park State School
Bring along your favourite or interesting birds for a
Show & Tell evening!!
(Max 2 birds per person)
Please do not put seed or water in cages as room must be kept clean
--ooo000ooo--7
Meet the Committee
We have decided to give you a bit of an insight into each of the committee
members in the hope of making each one seem more approachable and more like
just an ordinary member. Each one of these people are members just like you are
but have volunteered to work for you to keep the club running and make it into
what you want it to be.
PRESIDENT – Maureen Blair
My husband George and I have been breeding birds now for the
last 30 years. We currently have many aviaries filled with a
variety of cockatiels, lovebirds, peachfaces and a few other
larger parrots. We have been members of the ANCS since the
very early days of the club and have seen many committees
come and go. Our commitment to the club over the years was
recently rewarded by us being made Life Members. We are
always happy to help anyone with anything related to the club or cockatiels.
VICE-PRESIDENT – LEGRING STEWARD – David Heyden
I am the new ring steward and welcome this opportunity of
being on the ANCS committee for 2009. I have been keeping
birds all my life and have been with the ANCS since 2006. I
have approximately 30 cockatiels in my collection, which
includes a variety of colour mutations. I also have a key
interest in keeping and breeding King Parrots. One of my keen
interests this year will be to knowingly produce true Pastelface cockatiels, i.e. the
Parblue mutation. Most Pastelface cockatiels have in my experiences carried one
Pastelface gene and one Whiteface gene i.e. ParblueBlue. My outcomes in this
endeavour may form part of future articles in this journal. I hope to be of
assistance to all bird lovers throughout the year.
SECRETARY/TREASURER – Scott Morris
This is my second year on the committee and I look forward to
meeting even more of you than I did last year. I enjoy going to
sales and bird events and love to chat about almost anything
feathered! As I have only had birds for 6 years and bred for
only 3, I am always ready to learn more and more but
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remember, genetics sometimes makes by head hurt! With too many birds to now
bother to count, I find the hours spent each day feeding, watering and chatting to
them very relaxing. I also enjoy the thrill and sense of accomplishment in
building my own aviaries and making each new one even better than the last.
Until we meet at our next GM or public event, take care and remember, talk to
your birds, they are little people too.
BIRD STEWARD – Geoff Watts
I had owned cockatiels for many years, originally just as pets and
then in 2001 talked my wife into buying a cockatiel or 2 as it turned
out. Very quickly this turned into 4 then 5 and so on. We now have
about 100. While my wife concentrates on genetics, handraising and
showing birds I am in charge of building aviaries, doing repairs and
catching and moving the birds around. Our whole family is involved
in some way and we all enjoy the interaction and fun involved with
these birds and the many great people we have met through our hobby.
EDITOR/WEBMASTER -- Jo-Anne Watts
I have always owned animals since I was a child and this love of
animals focused me in the direction of Veterinary Science as a
career. After 2 years at uni I settled for vet nursing instead I have
bred many varied animal species over the years and in 2001 my
husband introduced me to cockatiels. My fascination with genetics
and cockatiels has since ballooned my aviaries to now house about
100 birds. I joined the ANCS in 2004 to gain more knowledge and
since then have been an active member on the committee as well as a successful
exhibitor on the show scene. I look forward to another great year with the club.
---ooo000ooo--Did you know...
Did you know sprouted seeds are at their highest nutritional value when they have
just 'chitted', i.e. just sprouted. The sprouted seed, if reasonably dry, can be stored
in the freezer for a number of months, providing an easy daily supply to your
birds and their young.
---ooo000ooo--9
2010 Membership
NOW OVERDUE!!!!
Congratulations our fees have remained low!!
CURRENT FEES:
Standard $30.00 people over 18 yrs of age
Pensioner/Junior $24.50 under 18 or card holder
Overseas $42.00 residing outside Australia
What your membership gives you:
 6 editions of the ANCS Journal
Claimed to be the best around by other bird clubs
 Access to Club Legrings
Only legrings available that are listed in a register
 FREE website advertising in the breeder listing
Banners for your aviary can be arranged by webmaster
 FREE Tieltrader advertising on website and in the
ANCS journal
Buy/Sell Ads to be sent to editor before each journal
 Discounts from our sponsors
These may vary each year depending on sponsors
 Monthly meetings
Guest speakers and round table discussions
 Shows and Sale days
Members can show and sell their birds
 Access to Club Library
An extensive range of avicultural books and videos/DVD’s
All this plus access to a wonderful friendly network of experienced
breeders and owners that are always willing to assist where they can!!
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2009 Annual General Meeting
On December 8, 2009, we held our Annual General Meeting.
It was a shame that we were down on numbers from last year but fun was still had
by those that attended.As usual, the formal part of the meeting is the election of
the new committee for 2010 and the presenting of our Annual Reports. The new
Committee for 2010 was elected from nominations and the floor with 2009
President, Karen Morris, not standing for re-nomination due to increased work
commitments.
As you can see in the front of this Journal, our new President for 2010 is one of
our longest standing members, life member and past Vice President, Maureen
Blair. David Heyden was voted in as Vice President and will also continue as our
Ring Steward. Our Secretary and Treasurer for this year is again me, Scott
Morris. Our Webmaster and Editor is Jo-Anne Watts again, with Jo-Anne adding
yet another year to her long running commitment to presenting and updating our
face to the members and public, our wonderful Website and our Journal. Lastly,
Geoff Watts will too continue to carry the mantle of our Bird Steward which is
one area that we as members need to add more support to and use this valuable
resource properly.
All committee members were thanked for their efforts in 2009 which was a very
trying and eventful year for all. 2010 will again be a year of confirmation that the
ANCS is the best Cockatiel club in Australia.
After the formalities, the Monster Raffle was held with all walking away with
prizes that were kindly and generously donated by attending members. It is
wonderful to see members supporting each other at these events. We also had a
few items left over from our major sponsor Bird Munchies’ support earlier in the
year and these were gladly gathered up by all winners.Once all of the prizes had
been drawn, the meeting was closed and all had a nice supper and great
conversation ensued.
On the whole, another AGM was held, a new committee (same members with a
couple of changes) was elected and all enjoyed plenty of pre-Christmas cheer.
Scott Morris
---ooo000ooo--11
Spotlight on a Sponsor!!
ABK Publications – Australian BirdKeeper Magazine
ABK Publications is an Australian owned company and are arguably the largest
publisher and producer of Pet and Aviary Bird magazines and books in the world.
They have been publishing for our industry since 1987. All of their articles come
from experts in the industry, Avian Veterinarians, specialist breeders, bird
behaviourists and avian geneticists.
They are most well known for their bi-monthly magazine, Australian BirdKeeper
and the “A Guide To...” series of books covering just about any type of bird you
would like to keep.
Of course their titles include what is recognised as the best Cockatiel publication
in the world, A Guide to Cockatiels and Their Mutations as Pet and Aviary Birds.
This book is in its second addition and contains a wealth of information for both
the novice and the experienced Cockatiel owner and breeder. Even some of our
current and past members feature pictures of their beautiful cockatiels in the
book.
As well as breed specific publications, they have a wonderful array of books to
help with the keeping and breeding of your birds in general. They include:
 A Guide to Colour Mutations and Genetics in Parrots
 A Guide to Basic Health and Disease in Birds
 A Guide to Pet and Companion Birds
 A Guide to Incubation and Handraising Parrots
We would like to take this opportunity to thank ABK Publications for their
support of the ANCS and hope to continue our relationship well into the future.
Please help support your club by supporting this wonderful sponsor at every
opportunity.
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Vale Roy Douglas Wood
(1941-2009)
It is with sadness that we advise the passing of another long term member, Roy
Wood. Roy lost his battle with illness on 29th December, exactly one month
before his 69th birthday. He leaves behind his wife Eileen and children Tony,
Gavin, Gary, Troy, Shona, Scott and Danica.
Roy kept and bred a range of cockatiels, more importantly the pastel silver
whiteface bloodline. In his earlier days, Roy was a practicing chiropractor, where
he later applied the same care and attention to his birds to make sure they were in
top physical condition. Roy will be remembered for his sense of decency and
respect for other breeders, attention to detail in the participating in and running of
meetings and their protocols, and attentiveness in making everything right and
proper. These traits made his a valuable source of information to support the club
and provide guidance on critical issues. A quietly spoken person, Roy would
strike up a conversation with any new or prospective member and make them feel
welcome. Due to deteriorating health, Roy decided to give away one of the loves
of his life and eventually sold off his birds and aviaries. In his later period, Roy
embarked on the challenging epic of travelling around the east coast of Australia
with a caravan, despite his illness. Courage and determination would certainly
describe the character and life of Roy.
Our condolences are extended to the Wood family on their loss.
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AVIAN HEALTH PRODUCTS
AVIAN VITALIZER
A complete vitamin, mineral and amino acid
additive for your bird’s seed, soaked seed or
fruit and vegies.
AVIAN VITA BOOST
A water soluble multi-vitamin supplement to
aid the reproductive performance of your birds.
AVIAN HI-PRO
SOFT FOOD
Contains animal as well as vegetable proteins
and is recommended to improve reproductive
performance and fledgling growth.
AVIAN
SUPERBLOOM
A complete vitamin, mineral and amino acid
additive for your bird’s drinking water.
PROBIOTICS
A natural product containing a blend (7-9 strains)
of millions of "live" beneficial gut bacteria.
These benefit your bird by improving the
intestinal microbial balance, improving disease
resistance.
10% discount given on consultations to ANCS members!
Products also available from the A.N.C.S. Sales Table
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Feeding Cockatiels
By Jo-Anne Watts©
Feeding cockatiels is a topic that raises many different opinions and often
arguments as to what is correct and what is not. I have my own ideas and have
outlined these below. The feeding regime I use gives me healthy, happy, large
birds that are willing breeders and wonderful parents. They do not have any
health nor behavioural problems and are active, bright and alert. Having said this
though, I am always eager to hear new ideas and am not
adverse to change if it can be proven to me it will
benefit my birds.
The birds diet is basically grouped into three main
categories. Seed mix, fresh foods and supplements.
They do get treats and extras as well but they are not a
significant part of their daily nutritional intake.
For those of you that are wondering where pellets come into this then look no
further. I do not feed pellets to my breeding birds and have my own personal
reasons why I don't. I have considered it and read up on pellets but am not
completely convinced they are the best for my birds. I will not get into the
seed/pellet debate as that is an article all on its own but I have heard negative
reports on the use of pellets as well as seed and have decided that 'when I see a
pellet tree growing in the wild and birds feeding from it then I will use them'. For
now though I will admit to the occasional inclusion in my young handraised
birds' diet of 'Prettybird Daily Select' but this is only to introduce them to all
different types of foods before being placed in new homes.
Seed Mix
The basic seed mix I use for my birds consists of a mixture of the following:
White French Millet, Panicum, Canary, Jap Millet, Grey-striped Sunflower,
Safflower and Hulled Oats. In winter I add extra Hulled Oats and Grey-striped
Sunflower to fatten the birds up a bit so they don't stress during the cold weather.
It also has them in good health ready for the Spring breeding season.
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I also give them sprays of Panorama and White French
Millet a few times a week as a treat and to give them
something extra to do I hang the millet in spots that
require them to work to get it. They really enjoy the sprays
and spend ages trying to access every seed. This helps
alleviate boredom and reduces problems such as feather
plucking.
I used to replace the seed daily but found by doing this
they tend to pick out their favourite seeds like the sunflower and leave a lot they
don't like as much. I have recently changed that practice and now only give them
fresh seed every second day. This means that there is less waste and they eat all
the seed. I do however blow out the husks each day so only full seed remains.
Fresh Foods
Each day I feed some type of fresh food. By fresh food I mean vegetables and
fruits and breads. I vary what they get every few days and each time there is
always a choice of a few different selections. The different things I offer are:
Wholegrain bread Corn Flakes
Silverbeet
Baby spinach leaves
Broccoli
Celery
Grated Apple
Grated carrot
Endive
Snow pea sprouts
Frozen peas & corn
Bok Choy
Spinach
Chickweed
Sprouting mix
Corn kernels
Beetroot leaves
Grated beetroot
Dandelion
Egg & Biscuit
Most of these are purchased fresh from the supermarket when I do my family
shopping. There are also numerous recipes available on the net for birdie bread or
mixes you can make yourself. Personally I am not a cook and find the above list
caters for what my birds need.
With the exception of any dry foodstuffs all the fresh foods are cut up and served
as a tossed salad. I find by serving it this way the offering is bright and colourful
and will tempt almost any bird. Also by having everything in together it is easy to
substitute items or add different things and the birds don't notice the change.
Often something new added to a birds cage will cause them to stress as they have
no idea what it is. Curiosity will eventually win over and they will check out the
new addition but this can take days. By having everything mixed together it
remains familiar and so getting them to try something new that is added is a
quicker process.
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Sprouting:
I sprout my own seeds for the birds and find it simpler and easier to keep a fresh
supply at hand at all times. I am currently using a 'Pigeon Mix' to sprout that
contains a large variety of seeds that easily sprout and are quickly devoured. I add
mung beans and extra wheat to the pigeon mix to make it a more complete
offering. The method I use for sprouting the mix is:
1. Place required amount of mix in plastic container and fill with water.
2. Stir thoroughly to loosen any dust and debris and rinse.
3. Place mix in a strainer or colander and run water through until mix is clean.
4. Place seed back in plastic container and cover with warm not hot water.
5. Leave mix soak overnight so seed swells.
6. Next morning pour seed into strainer and rinse well.
7. Continue to rinse seed every few hours for next day or so until seeds begin to
sprout.
8. Sprouts are ready to feed when sprout has just broken free of seed.
9. Sprouted mix can be kept fresh in the fridge for a few days.
Some people claim that an anti-bacterial solution should be added to the water
such as Aviclens but I do not use it and have had no problems. It is important to
rinse the mix regularly and you will tell that it is fresh by its sweet nutty aroma. If
the smell changes then the mix has become tainted with bacteria and mould and
should be discarded. Do not feed it to your birds if it is at all suspect.
Supplements
I do not feed many supplements to my birds and have not found it a necessity.
Sometimes it often can cause more problems than it is worth by overloading your
birds with extra things that they do not require. Too high a level of one substance
can cause imbalances in others and it is often a snowball effect. You then need
another supplement to fix that imbalance and the food bill climbs higher as your
birds poop it all out.
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One supplement I use is calcium in the form of
calcium/iodine blocks or cuttlebone. Calcium is
especially important for hens when they are laying
eggs and I have each of my breeder cages with a
permanent supply of the calcium blocks and
cuttlebone. I also use calcium Sandoz twice a week.It
is a liquid calcium supplement that can be mixed in
with the sprouts for easy consumption I have only ever
had 1 minor case of eggbinding which was quickly cleared up with a dose of
Calcium Sandoz. That hen was 1 year old and it was her first egg that was the
problem but since then she has gone on to lay with no further issues.
In recent years I have also taken to using AVIAN VITALIZER twice a week. It
is a complete vitamin, mineral and amino acid additive that can be mixed with the
dry seed. This product can be obtained from our club sponsor Dr Ron Woodhead
from Waterworks Rd Vet Surgery. (see ad on pg 15)
The only other extra I give my birds is fine chargrit which is charcoal and grit
mixed. I do not however leave it available for birds feeding chicks as it has been
known for birds to feed it to chicks and block the crop.
Autopsies done on wild birds have shown that small rocks and the like have been
ingested by the birds and were present in the crop so it seems to be a natural
requirement.
Extras
The only other thing I give my birds is fresh
branches weekly. These branches are usually either
bottlebrush or grevillea and are cut from trees of my
own or friends so I can ensure they are chemical and
poison free. Within minutes of adding these to the
aviaries the birds are busy chewing on leaves and
bark and totally tearing it apart. I am unsure if there
is actually any nutritional advantage to be gained by
giving them branches but it certainly keeps them
occupied. Within a day or so of putting the branches in all that is left is a pile of
dried leaves on the ground and some well chewed sticks. I am sure they do ingest
some of the leaves but regardless of this I find it helps relieve the boredom of
being confined. They spend hours climbing through the branches and playing
acrobat trying to get the last leaf or the biggest flower and plus it adds a natural
look to my aviaries.
---ooo000ooo--19
Sunflower – Helianthus
by Ann Corthals
The sunflower is a large flower often found growing along fences and walls. It is
often grown for decorative purposes as well as a food crop for humans and
animals. Originally a native of North America, sunflowers are now cultivated
almost worldwide. The sunflower is both a genus Helianthus which contains
more than 60 species in the family Compositae.
A sunflower can grow up to 3 metres high. The stem is rough and hairy and the
huge leaves are heart shaped. The large flower heads, which turn to face the sun,
resemble huge daisies with yellow ray flowers with a yellow, brown or purple
centre disk, depending on the species.The seed consists of one kernel enclosed in
a smooth, dry shell. Sunflowers are cultivated especially for the oil extracted
from the seeds. Refined sunflower seed oil is considered to be equal in quality to
olive oil. The crude oil is used in soap and candles.
Sunflower kernels are consumed by humans. They are excellent for snacks,
toasted and as part of meat and vegetable dishes. Sunflower seed is used
commonly in the diet of the parrot family; crushed, it can fed to finches.
Sunflower has a high oil content, about 40 percent, which must be considered
when selecting a varied diet. Each season the best sunflower seeds are used for
human consumption. There is a great variation in the quality of sunflower seeds.
Good quality sunflower is plump and free fro dust. The grey sunflower is a better
quality seed than the black sunflower, however, is t is more expensive.
Although sunflower forms the basis of the diet for the cockatoo family, and part
of the diet for the Parrot family, it should never be overfed. It is recommended 3
parts sunflower of the total mixture for larger parrots, much less for the smaller
members of the parrot family.
Sunflower is rich in Arginine, one of the 10 essential amino acids, however, it is
deficient in carotene.
Most parrots relish sprouted sunflower especially during the breeding season and
when feeding youngsters. In moist, warm storage good quality sunflower should
begin to sprout within 24 hours.
The nutritional analysis of sunflower varies depending on where the seed is
grown. Content of dry seed is listed below”
Water
Fat
Fibre
7.8%
29.8%
26.9%
Protein
Carbohydrates
Reprinted from ANCS Journal Vol 2 Issue 3 March 1991
20
14.9%
17.9%
Wheat – Tritium
by Ann Corthals
Wheat is the common name for cereal grasses of the genus Tritium. It is the most
important food crop in the world. In originated in the Middle East and has been
cultivated there since 7,000 years BC. It is now grown worldwide.
Wheat is an annual plant and grows to about 1 metre high. The young plant is
green, but turns golden brown as it ripens. It has long slender leaves, hollow
stems and flowering heads. The grains grow in the wheat head at the top of the
main stem. Each tiny grain consists of three parts, the germ or embryo, the bran,
and the endosperm. The bran protects the grain, growth start in the germ and the
endosperm stores food for the developing embryo. It contains starch and proteins
called gluten and gliadin.
White flower is made of the endosperm, whole meal flower is made of the entire
grain. The husk covering the grain is chaff. When the wheat is harvested the
threshing machines remove the chaff and stems from the grains.
The Tritium genus is divided into three series, the diploid or einkran, the
tetraploid or emmer and the hexaploid. Tritium aestivum or common wheat is the
large grained variety used in bread. Tritium compactum or club wheat is used for
cake and pastry flour. These grains belong to the hexaploid series.Tritium durum
(durum is Latin for hard), so called because of the hardness of the grain, is used
for pasta, and is a member of the tetraploid or emmer series.
Wheat is also widely used in the production of breakfast cereals and to a lesser
extent in making beer and whiskey. Wheat starch is used as a sizing for textile
fabrics. Wheat species do cross breed in nature and only the common, club and
durum wheats are of commercial importance.
Because of the hardness of the seed, wheat is rejected by most of the smaller
species of the parrot family. It is however, very useful in the diet of the larger
parrots, cockatoos, pigeons and pheasants.
Wheat is deficient in fat, but rich in carbohydrates, about 70%. It also contains a
large amount of Vitamin E. Because of the high carbohydrates content, it is an
excellent winter seed. Wheat is extremely easy to sprout.
The nutritional analysis of wheat can vary depending on where the seed is grown.
Nutritional content of dry seed is:
Water
Fat
Fibre
14.2%
1.7%
2.1%
Protein
Carbohydrates
Reprinted from ANCS Journal Vol 2 Issue 11 & 12 Nov/Dec 1991.
21
11.5%
68.8%
Weeds for Birds
by Andrew George
What is a weed? A weed can be described as any plant growing of its own accord
in a place where it is not wanted. Weeds are a part of everyday life, and thus we
can use some of them to our advantage--this advantage being, to feed them to our
birds.
I must stress at this point, before I mention any names, that there are many things
to consider before feeding any weeds to your birds.
Knowing your weeds is imperative for a start, you don’t want to make the
mistake of feeding a poisonous weed to your birds. Once you know your weeds
you must consider where it is you are getting the weed from. Never take a weed
from the roadside, as the pollution from cars and trucks will be on the leaves and
flowers. Be sure that the area you get the weed from hasn’t been sprayed with
anything. I wouldn’t recommend taking a weed from a park, for instance, as they
are areas often sprayed for pests. The old saying, "it’s better safe than sorry" is a
golden rule to follow when picking weeds to feed to your birds.
Following is a list of some of the weeds you can feed your birds:
Grasses:
Most if not all grasses are edible, Avena fatua and ludoviciana are wild oats
related to the oats used in seeds and
for porridge. Phalaris paradoxa
grass and lesser canary grass are
related to the canary seeds found in
bird mixes. Setaria is millet grass,
with italica being a cultivated form
and verticulata being a common
weed form. Panicum maximum
Guinea grass is a tall grass of
disturbed areas and provides plenty
of food. Wild sorghum is a useful weed though, as with
Johnson grass, has been described as possibly causing some
poisoning in stock. I have fed it to birds in small amounts with no adverse
effects.
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Amaranthus:
There are many varieties of Amaranthus that you may find, a
common one is Amaranthus viridis, also known as green
Amaranthus, this is what I would call a great weed, as it grows
quickly and my birds absolutely love it, from its roots to its
seeds.
Gomphrena:
Gomphrena weed is the one that Galahs enjoy in parks in the
summer, and you may find it in your lawn. It has been reported
that horses can be poisoned if all they eat is gomphrena weed for
prolonged periods. That is not likely to happen to your birds but
be cautious.
Milk Thistle:
Sonchos oleraceus is also known as sow thistle. It is enjoyed
by birds all over the world, as its milky stem is classed as a
delicacy by even the snobbiest of birds. The flowers are also
a favourite.
Dandelion:
Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion is common in lawns
and pootpaths. It grows close to the ground in a tight
crown and has yellow flowers on single stems. Birds
enjoy leaves, flowers and roots of this plant. High in
Vitamin A and also has some Vit B, C and D.
Brassica:
Brassica juncea, Indian mustard and wild turnip, a
member of the cabbage, Brussels sprout family, is enjoyed
by some but not all birds. It is cultivated in Russia for oil
for medicinal purposes. It may also provide something for
birds, who knows?
23
Pigweed:
Portulaca oleracea is a succulent plant that grows in areas
where there is high rainfall. It is also called purslane or
munyeroo. This plant should only be fed to your birds in
small amounts.
Chickweed:
Stellaria media is a widespread garden weed. It is
regarded as a major problem weed of crops in
many parts of the world. It is sometimes used as a
green vegetable in cooking.
There are a few weeds that birds will enjoy if you are lucky (or unlucky) enough
to have them growing near you. Your local library is a good source to identify
weeds through books and you local nursery may also be worth a try. Happy bird
keeping & happy weeding!
---ooo000ooo---
The NEW Sales Table explained!!
We have organised access to the African Lovebird and Foreign Parrot Society
Sales Table for members of the ANCS. They have an extensive range of avian
products at very competitive prices. Included in this Journal is their current listing
of most of the products that will appeal to bird owners and breeders.
Unfortunately the ANCS has not been able to sustain our own sales table as
existed in the past and this solution has been put forward to benefit both clubs and
all members by giving us access to less expensive, bird specific products and also
assisting the ALFPS in adding to their sales and stock turnover.
The only “issue” is that they will not be able to attend our meetings. Access to
the products will be at their General Meetings, via our Secretary or via their stalls
at several weekend markets held in South Western Brisbane.
For more information, please contact Scott, the ANCS Secretary, on 3342 3555 or
via email at secretary@cockatielsociety.org.au
SEE PRICE LIST ON PAGE 25 OF THIS JOURNAL!!!
---ooo000ooo--24
Stainless Steel Dishes
7 inch ............................. $14.00
5 inch ............................... $9.00
4 inch ............................... $8.00
3 inch ............................... $6.00
2.5 inch ............................ $3.50
Seed
Large Parrot .....1kg ......... $2.00
......................... 2kg ......... $3.50
Small Parrot .....1kg ......... $2.00
..........................2kg ......... $3.50
Budgie .............1kg ......... $2.00
..........................2kg ......... $3.50
Finch.................1kg ......... $2.00
..........................2kg ......... $3.50
Canary .............1kg ......... $2.50
..........................2kg ......... $4.40
Flat Dishes
8 inch ............................... $8.50
6 inch ............................... $3.00
Spring Clips ...................... $3.50
Perch holders (pair) …...... $3.00
Mouse Traps ................... $12.00
Cage Fronts 6inch ............ $7.00
Plastic D Cups x 2 ............ $2.00
Plastic Feeders .................. $3.00
Fruit Sticks ....................... $4.00
Calcium Blocks ................ $1.50
Avitrol Plus ........................ $9.80
Disinfectant........................ $8.50
Kitty Litter 1kg.................. $2.00
Silver Sand 1kg.................. $2.50
Hi Pro Soft food Pellets
...........................1kg ......... $2.50
Hi Pro Mash ......1kg ......... $2.50
...........................2kg ......... $4.50
Egg & Biscuit ...1kg ......... $6.50
Lorry Dry ..........1kg ......... $7.50
Lorry Wet ..........1kg ......... $9.00
Millet Spray ......1kg ......... $7.00
Grit.....................1kg ......... $1.40
Vitamin Powder. 200gr ..... $4.00
Insect Powder….500gr ..... $7.00
Toys assorted …...$7.00 - $25.00
Bird Seeds
Small ................................. $8.00
Medium ........................... $10.00
Large ............................... $12.00
Ex/Large ......................... $14.00
Cages ................small ..... $15.00
Opens at top for perch
400 L x 400 D x 600 H ... $48.00
600 L x 400 D x 400 H ... $32.00
Large suitable for Finches &
Parrots
760 L x 450 D x 900 H .... $78.00
Large Parrots opens at top
760 L x 460 D x 8120 H… $78.00
Stands for large cages ...... $45.00
Cage Seed Catchers
Small ................................. $8.00
Medium ........................... $12.00
Large ............................... $16.00
Ex/Large ......................... $25.00
Email secretary@cockatielsociety.org.au to place your order!
25
Hi to one and all,
Well another year is here and we have had an interesting start with quite a few
birds being sought after and only a small number of members notifying us of what
they have for sale. I guess people are still getting organised following the summer
break but it is imperative you let us know what you have for sale so we can keep
purchasers happy. If we don’t have the goods they will go elsewhere and potential
sales will be lost. Please contact me if you have any birds for sale or if you are
looking to purchase new additions for your aviaries.
Regards
Geoff Watts
E-mail: birdsteward@cockatielsociety.org.au
Ph- (07) 3269 9590
Members need to renew entries for each subsequent editions of the club journal.
Where possible, please advise the age and sex of birds listed. Details provided in
ads are printed as they are submitted
Legend: - h/r = hand-reared.
c= cock. h = hen. p/r = parent reared.
mo = months old. nrm = normal. u/s = unsexed juv = juvenile
s/s = surgically sexed. ? / = possibly split to
Cut-off for the next magazine 23rd March 2010
Bank Details for Direct Deposit
The details below are for paying of member fees directly into the club account:
Bank:
Account name:
BSB :
Account No:
Westpac
The Australian National Cockatiel Society Inc
034-117
11-3450
When depositing funds please ensure you add details of your name and reason for
payment. Please email confirmation of payment to
secretary@cockatielsociety.org.au
26
Cockatiels:
Light Pied Cinnamon Hen (approx 2 years old)
Whiteface Cock (16 month old)
Other Birds:
Bonded Pair Creamino Peachface Lovebirds (both under 2 years)
UK Pied Red Rump Cock 4 years old – proven breeder, lost his mate
Green Cheek Conure – Sex unknown, Split Cinnamon if cock bird (6 months old)
Green Cheek Conure Yellowsided – sex unknown (6 months old)
Bonded Pair Lutino Indian Ringnecks – been together 12 months but not allowed
to breed. (Approx 4 years old)
Contact – Scott Morris Ph 07 3342 3555 after hours or leave a message
Cockatiels:
Grey split Spangle cocks and hens.
Platinum split whiteface and pied cocks and hens 6 months old
Cinnamon cock was handraised but in aviary now
Contact: Jo-Anne Watts Ph 07 3269 9590
jo-annewatts@optusnet.com.au
Cockatiels:
Pastelface pied cocks adult and juvenile
Pastelface pearl pied and Pastelface pearl split pied juvenile hens
Cinnamon pearl and Cinnamon lutino pearl juvenile hens
Cinnamon split pied juvenile cock
Contact - David Heyden Ph 07 3720 9934
david.heyden@bigpond.com
Cockatiels Wanted:
Whiteface Heavy Pied Hens 6 – 18 months old. No cinnamon please
Contact: Jo-Anne Watts Ph 07 3269 9590
jo-annewatts@optusnet.com.au
---ooo000ooo---
27
28
What’s on in Aviculture
This page will now be a regular feature in our journal and will list other clubs sales
and events that are coming up in the next few months. All clubs are welcome to
submit their events for inclusion in this list.
Events marked with a * are ones the ANCS will be attending as a club
March 14th
Queensland Bird Breeders Club
2010 Birdfest
Cleveland Assembly Hall
Bird sales tables, raffles
See ad page 22
March 14
Rockhampton Parrot and Finch Club
Annual Sale
March 28th
Parrot Society*
2010 State Bird Fair & Expo
RNA Showgrounds
Trade exhibits, club stands, bird sales, aviculture displays
Contact: ANCS Secretary 07 3342 3555
April 24th
Downs Bird Breeders Assoc Inc.
Annual Bird Auction
Centenary Heights High School Toowoomba
Contact: (07)4630-4469 or (07)4630-5471
June (tba)
Festival of Feathers*
Ipswich Showgrounds,
Warwick Road, Ipswich, Qld
Contact: Terry White 3814 3791
For clubs wanting to add their events to this page please contact
the editor Jo-Anne on 07 32699590
or email details to webmaster@cockatielsociety.org.au
29
AVIAN VET LISTING
QUEENSLAND
Dr R. Doneley BVSc FACVSc
194 West St, Toowoomba QLD 4350
Phone (07) 4636 2027
Dr A. Gallagher BVSc (Hons) MACVSc
248 Hamilton Rd, Chermside QLD 4032
Phone (07) 3359 2233
Dr P.J.S. Gardiner BVSc MACVSc
71 Princess St, Bundaberg QLD 4670
Phone (07) 4153 1399
Dr Edward Layt BVSc MACVSc
224 Wishart Rd, Wishart QLD 4122
Phone (07) 3343 6399
Dr Peter Wilson BVSc MACVSc
Gold Coast QLD 4223
Phone (07) 5533 0381
Dr Deborah Monks BVSc (Hons) FACVSc
Cnr Kessels Rd & Springfield St, Macgregor QLD
Phone (07) 3420 6773
Dr Ron Woodhead BVSc
333 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove QLD 4060
Phone (07) 3366 1888
Dr Terry Martin BVSc
128 Station Road, Sunnybank, 4109
Phone: (07)3344 6689
NEW SOUTH WALES
Dr Doug Black BVSc (Hons) MACVSc
61 Meninya St, Moama NSW 2731
Phone (03) 5480 6071
Dr M. Cannon BVSc MACVSc
461 Crown St, West Wollongong NSW 2500
Phone (02) 4229 8888
Dr J. Gill BVSc MVM MACVSc
Shop 6, Cnr Harden St & Avoca Rd
Canley Heights NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9604 9792
Dr Alex Rosenwax BVSc (Hons) MACVSc
Shop 3, Block D, 1 Hunter St
Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone (02) 9319 6111
Dr R. Marshall BVSc MACVSc
772 Pennant Hills Rd, Carlingford NSW 2118
Phone (02) 9871 7113
Dr RA Perry BVSc (Hons) FACVSc
195 Parramatta Rd, Homebush NSW 2140
Phone (02) 9746 7615
Dr Karen Dobson BVSc MACVSc
1 Station St, Emu Plains NSW 2750
Phone (02) 4735 3268
Dr Mark Simpson BVSc MACVSc
67 Carrington St, West Wallsend NSW 2286
Phone (02) 4955 1833
Dr Anne Fowler BSc (Vet) BVSc MACVSc
415 Weronbi Rd, Camden NSW 2570
Phone (02) 9351 1798
Dr David Phalen DVM, PhD Dipl.ABVP
415 Weronbi Rd, Camden NSW 2570
Phone (02) 9351 1798
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Dr Ian Hough BVSc BVMS
22A Chasewater St, Lower Mitcham SA 5062
Phone (08) 8277 7788
Dr D J Needham BVSc DDA
294 Greenhill Rd, Glenside SA 5065
Phone (08) 8379 0222
30
VICTORIA
Dr P. Macwhirter BVSc (Hons) FACVSc
Dr P. Sacks BSc BVSc (Hons) MACVSc
128 Highbury Rd, Burwood VIC 3125
Phone (03) 9808 9011
Dr Colin Walker BSc BVSc MRCVSc MACVSc
11 Henry Rd, Wantirna South VIC 3152
Phone (03) 9800 5311
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Dr Ray Butler BVSc MACVSc
789 Canning Hwy, Applecross WA 6153
Phone (08) 9364 2288
Dr Tim Oldfield BVSc MACVSc
791 Welshpool Rd, Wattle Grove WA 6107
Phone (08) 9453 6655
ACT
TASMANIA
Dr Sandy Hume BVSc MVSc MACVSc
Dr James M Harris BSc DVM
47 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah ACT 2604 2 Russell Crescent, Sandy Bay TAS 7005
Phone (02) 6295 0770
Phone (03) 6224 4244
Freecall: 1800 700 108
Ph: (02) 6933 0400
Allora Grain & Milling
Ph: 07 3849 6397
Ph: 07 4666 3293
Phone 07 3200 1690
Phone 07 3200 7351
31
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
FAMILY
$30.00 PER YEAR
PENSIONER / STUDENT $24.50 PER YEAR
OVERSEAS
$42.00 (AUST $) PER YEAR
Validation for Pensioner / Student is required.
secretary@cockatielsociety.org.au
or Ph 07 33423555
Do not send cash through the post. Cheques or money orders should be made
payable to The Australian National Cockatiel Society Inc.
Electronic payment now available see page 26
Application forms are now available on our web site.
Please include your Name, Address, Month of Birth and Phone Number.
Also, which membership category you wish to join and send
with your cheque or money order to...
THE SECRETARY
A.N.C.S.
P.O. BOX 1248
FORTITUDE VALLEY
QLD 4006
The articles and information presented within this journal are the
opinions of the Authors and not necessarily those of the Australian
National Cockatiel Society, its' Committee Members, or Editor. The
Editor reserves the right to exercise normal editorial responsibility in
regard to printing or not printing material submitted for publication.
Material that is defamatory will not be printed. Advertisements in this
journal may not necessarily carry any endorsement by the A.N.C.S.
Articles marked  copyright remain with the author and cannot be
reprinted without their permission. Permission may be granted to
clubs for the reprinting of other articles, provided permission is
obtained from the A.N.C.S. and, both the author and the source are
acknowledged.
32