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
Membership details
Crop Needling
ANCS Autum Table Show results
Dominant Silver Cockatiels
Code of Practice - Aviculture
Members Articles1 – Homing baby cockatiel
Members Articles2 – Sexing Cockatiels
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 3371 3239
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 3371 3239
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 3
May/Jun 2010
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President’s Report
Welcome all to our May / June edition of the ANCS
Journal.
Winter is here and along has come the cold and the winds
so please ensure that we keep our Cockatiels and any
other birds we have, well protected from drafts and the
bitter cold.
Our Autumn Table Shows have been run for 2010 with a
wonderful array of Cockatiels being benched and some
well deserved winners being crowned. A special thanks
goes to our Judge David Heyden who again worked hard to sort out our best birds
and also to Scott Morris for doing all the work in organising the shows and the
great trophies up for the winning. I hope to see you all again at our Spring shows
in August and September.
June is also the month for the Ipswich Festival of Feathers Show and Sale. A
couple of our members will be showing Cockatiels and other birds so if you get
the chance, please go along. It is a huge show with hundreds of birds on display
– something for everyone.
Lastly, we have had a number of questions from people regarding rules and
regulations for bird keeping so are publishing the Code of Practice – Aviculture
which was produced by the Queensland Government in conjunction with the Qld
Council of Bird Societies. We will endeavour to track down similar documents
from other Australian States. Please also check with your local authority as they
are likely to have their own rules and regulations in addition to the State and
Federal rules.
Well that is about all I have to say, time to a hot cup of tea to warm me up.
All the best and I hope your cockatiels are all healthy and happy.
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
July – Tuesday 20th
August / September -- held in conjunction with our Table Shows
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
August Table Show (first half) – Saturday (Date TBC)
September Table Show (second half) – Saturday (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
No events as this stage
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
Janine Moller, Milton Ludlow,
Karen & Jason Baker, Rebecca Pankhurst,
Karen Jones & Denice Cameron
I need to begin this Journal report by apologising for some of the delays that have
occurred in responding to emails and returning Membership receipts and new
member packs this past couple of months. Unfortunately I have had some
personal issues taking up my time and weighing on my mind. I thank you for
your patience and will endeavour to stay on top of club requirements over the
balance of the year.
Now to things more pertinent to a Cockatiel Journal and the first is how
wonderful it was to see so many people attend our Autumn Table show days. I
had a wonderful time showing my birds and chatting to some members that are
newer and those that had travelled a fair distance. It is great to see such interest
in the club and cockatiels in general. I am sure our Spring shows later in the year
will be even better attended. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to those
that brought birds along to show. Our inaugural Pet and Cage Bird section was a
success with all birds good enough to take place in the main show. Just quietly, I
hear a couple of our newer members will be trying their hand at showing soon
and attempting to take some trophies away from the regulars. Great to hear!!
Also in May was the Beenleigh Bird Breeders Sale which was very well attended
and I know I sold a few cockatiels without much effort at all. There were a
number on sale, both cheap and expensive, but it was good to see the interest in
the birds still exists in the main stream club sale scene and you can get good
prices for good birds.
So, another year is almost half over! Please check our Calendar of Events and
What’s on in Aviculture sections for details and more.
Lastly and as always, 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
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Encouraging young people into
aviculture
The Australian BirdKeeper (ABK) Publications are currently running a writing
competition aimed at young birdkeepers to share their bird keeping experiences.
I consider it to be a great initiative and a great way to encourage the younger
generation to get into aviculture. I have two young boys who love getting out and
helping Dad and it is an excellent opportunity to teach them the "ways of life' and
responsibility.
Submissions to ABK may be on any bird keeping topic or just brief helpful
information on housing, feeding, breeding, providing activities for your birds or
even caring for and training pet birds. ABK request that submissions also please
send high resolution photographs with captions explaining the details of the
photograph.
You may email ABK your story to youngbirdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au or
post a CD of your story and photos to PO Box 6288, South Tweed Heads, NSW,
2486. Entries close on 30 July 2010, with great prizes to be won.
Please go to the ABK website for more details –
http://www.birdkeeper.com.au/Young_BirdKeeper.
David Heyden (2010 ANCS Vice President)
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY & BEST WISHES
To: -
May
Terry Casey, Wendy Hegel,
George Zietse, June Mitchell, Robert Collier,
Peter McFarlane, Jason Baker,
Denice Cameron
June
Adrian Gallagher,
Wayne Humphrey, Noel Gascoigne
(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
The time has come to start preparing for a busy breeding season, selecting those
breeding pairs, preparing your nest boxes and most importantly getting those leg
rings. Don’t leave it until the chicks are already hatched before ordering or you
may not have the legrings in time! There are not many 2010 leg rings left
available, so give me a call.
David Heyden
Email: legringsteward@cockatielsociety.org.au
ph: 07 3371 3239
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)
For any of our new members requiring assistance with using closed
legrings on for the first time, please contact one of our committee
members who will be only too happy to help!
---ooo000ooo---
Tip of the Journal
To start the breeding season, it is a good idea to worm your birds. There are a
number of products out there and different methods of administering, including
crop needling or within the food or water. Crop needling is the best option as you
know the bird has got the recommended dose. The advantages of worming prior
to the breeding cycle will ensure any infestation is not transmitted to the young.
--ooo000ooo--7
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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Crop needling
By David Heyden ©
The crop needle is a tool, which in my opinion, all bird breeders and pet owners
must be able to use. It has great advantages in terms of administering food, fluids
or medicines. It is particularly useful in administering worming products as you
are sure the bird is getting the correct dose. It may also prove to be a life saving
skill, for example, administering fluids to a badly dehydrated bird.
Once you have been shown how and can nail the technique, it is a simple little
device which will pay dividends in maintaining your bird’s health.
It is important to have a quick anatomy lesson as well first up before, we get into
using the crop needle and will help to put things into context. The image below
identifies the oesophagus which is where the needle will pass down through into
the crop below. The trachea or windpipe is on the left hand side of the bird,
which is why you start on this side and angle across the trachea to ensure the
needle does not enter this pipe and asphyxiate the bird. There are also a number
of important blood vessels along the bird’s neck, making it important to be gentle
when holding the bird.
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To learn how to use a crop needle there are a couple of options – you can go to an
avian veterinarian and get them to show you or alternatively, members of the
ANCS are happy to provide tutoring and practical advice. There are also a
number of DVD products in the market.
The crop needle comes in a variety of sizes to suit all your needs, from Cockatoos
to finches. They range from an 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 gauge needle and vary
from 100 mm to 150 mm in length. The recommended size for a cockatiel is a 14
gauge needle. It is important to use the correct gauge, the bigger the better,
ensuring the ball at the end of the needle is too large to fit down the trachea of the
bird. It is also very important that the correct dose is provided. I use a 1 ml
syringe for worming my birds, as I am only administering about 0.06 ml.
Syringes can be made available through the ANCS.
Make sure you fill the crop needle first too. The crop needle can hold up to 0.5
ml of fluid. Therefore, if the crop needle is not full, the volume in the syringe is
simply plunged into the needle and nothing enters the bird’s crop. This is
particularly important when administering medicines, i.e. worming produces,
when the dose is small and very critical.
In addition, when crop needling food it is important to get the volume right,
otherwise it will just get regurgitated back up.
The critical step is holding the bird correctly. The easiest way that I have found
is to wrap the bird in small towel, allowing you to easily restrain the bird with one
hand against your chest, holding the bird’s head and straightening out the
oesophagus with your thumb under its bottom mandible. This allows for your
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other hand to be free to use the crop needle. This technique has been particularly
useful for me for my larger birds, i.e. King parrots.
Once you have the correct dose in the syringe, prior to placing the crop needle in
the birds mouth, it is beneficial to wipe any excess of the syringe, particularly as
some of the worming products are quite bitter, making the process that bit harder.
You will need to hold both the syringe and the crop needle in your hand, ensuring
the crop needle does not come off during the process.
Next, is to place the needle on your right side (the bird’s left) at approximately a
45 degree angle, rolling the needle along the tongue of the cockatiel, gently
twirling the needle back and forth as it slides down the bird’s throat. Through this
process, you will be gentling raising the angle of the needle down the throat. The
secret is to be calm and don’t try to force the needle. Bird tissue is quite soft and
damaging them is possible. If in doubt, pull the crop needle out and start again.
Once the needle is down the throat into the crop, you should feel the ball of the
needle pass by your thumb holding the bird. I do not recommend the use of
gloves in this process, as you will not be able to feel this pass along. At this
point, you can safely plunge the syringe, slowing removing by sliding it out (the
same way it went down). It is recommended you wash your crop needles between
birds to prevent the possible spread of disease spread. Warm, soapy water is fine.
I hope this has been useful.
---ooo000ooo---
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2010 ANCS Autumn
Table Shows
Scott Morris©
In April and May the ANCS held our Autumn Table Shows for members to enter
and display their much-loved cockatiels. This is a continuation from our Spring
Show which recommenced last year. Holding the show over 2 weekends allowed
for members to bench more birds than if we crammed all classes into one day.
This involved splitting the mutations into two groups and also combining each
show with our monthly general meeting.
It is an opportunity for members to come along to a meeting on a Saturday
afternoon, something often more convenient than a weeknight, and also a chance
to show off those wonderful cockatiels sitting at home in our aviaries.
As with our Spring Show, the classes were kept simple with Normal face, Pastel
face and White face classes in each one of the following:
Normal
Pied
Pearl
Pearl Pied
Solid Body
Additionally, we added a Pet and Cage Bird
Class for our second day of the show to occur
alongside our White face classes. This allowed
members the chance to bring along their pet or
aviary bird in a small cage and participate
without the added expense of the traditional
show cage.
As with last year, the judge was David Heyden, our current Vice President and
Leg Ring Steward, who again did a great job.
Saturday the 17th of April was our first table show for 2010. We featured Normal
face and Pastel face mutations giving us ten classes for members to enter birds.
We ended up with 12 cockatiels benched; entries in four of the five Normal face
classes and in two of the Pastel face classes.
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Winners were:
Normal face Normal
Jo-Anne Watts
Normal face Pied
Jo-Anne Watts
Normal face Pearl
Jo-Anne Watts
Normal face Solid Body
Jo-Anne Watts
Normal face Bird of Show
Jo-Anne Watts
Pastel face Normal
Scott Morris
Pastel face Solid Body
Scott Morris
Pastel face Bird of Show
Scott Morris
Normal Olive cock Bird of Show
Normal Pastelface cock PF Bird of Show
It was a wonderful day with everyone thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to
present their cockatiels before their peers and have them judged accordingly. It
was great to see members travel from as far away as Kilcoy and Tweed Heads to
attend the meeting and show. David Heyden commented on the quality of bird
presented with all being very good in size and a couple of our classes decided by
a very small margin.
Our second show was on Saturday the 22nd of May and featured White face
mutations. Again a total of 11 birds were benched covering all of the classes
being judged.
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Winners were:
White face Normal
Scott Morris
White face Pied
Jo-Anne Watts
White face Pearl
Jo-Anne Watts
White face Pearl Pied
Scott Morris
White face Solid Body
Jo-Anne Watts
Whiteface Bird of Show
Jo-Anne Watts
Again, a great showing of the Whiteface varieties of the Cockatiel and another
very high standard of bird being presented for judging. Members again travelled
some distances with attendees from Kilcoy again, Boonah and Colleyville. David
again commented that the size of birds was very encouraging and also the Bird of
Show was the closest decision he had made of the show.
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After presentation of the trophies for the White face show, the judge adjudicated
on the Pet and Cage Bird class. With only four birds entered, you would think
that a decision would be easy to make – definitely not the case! Each of the birds
would have definitely held their own in their respective Table Show classes
which made the job of reaching a winner very difficult for David.
He finally decided on a beautiful bird Platinum Cock called Henry.
The last award for the day was the “attendees vote” for favourite Pet and Cage
Bird and fortunately we had a different winner in a very nice Normal cock bird.
Winners were:
Judges Choice Winner
Yvonne Schuetze
Attendees Vote Winner
Yvonne Schuetze
A big thanks goes to Yvonne and Janine for bringing their birds along to make
our first Pet and Cage Bird class a great event with difficult choices for both the
Judge and the attendees.
Lastly, our Judge, David, was presented with a plaque as thanks for the fine job
he did of choosing our winners. It is never an easy task to stand up and judge the
birds of your peers but he again completed it with much effort and impartiality.
Overall we had a great 2 days for showing our Cockatiels and it was wonderful to
see so many members attend. Let’s hope we see you all again when we hold our
Spring shows in August and September.
A huge thank you and congratulations must go to all that entered, all that won and
those that came along to view the superb birds on show.
My last thanks goes to Grinners Trophies at Bowen Hills who supplied the great
trophies presented to our winners and judge. Please support this business if the
opportunity arises just as they support us.
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Dominant Silver Cockatiels
Also known as: UK silver, Dominant Edged
By Ida-Emilia Kaukonen ©
Firstly, we should introduce Ida-Emilia. Ida-Emilia is a cockatiel breeder who
lives in Finland. She had kept and bred cockatiels for a number of years and has
her own web site showcasing her birds. Since Ida-Emilia has Dominant Silver
cockatiels, we asked her if she would be a guest writer and put pen to paper on
her knowledge and experiences with this mutation which we in Australia have
only heard about. Ida-Emila has kept Dominant Silvers and various multimutations for some years. She has included a number of photographs, but
unfortunately the photographs will only be printed in black and white in this
journal.
The first dominant mutation
discovered in cockatiels was the
dominant silver. It was found in
1979 in UK, which is one reason
why some people still are calling it
by the name of the UK Silver. The
other reason is probably that
nowadays there are several different
silver cockatiels and even more
different names, so that people could
clearly tell the difference between
the colours. Dominant silver is quite
. Dominant Silver Double Factor
easy to recognize and separate from
the other silvers. This dominant edged mutation, identified also in many other
parrot species, causes a beautiful edged pattern through the bird's back and wings.
The sharpness of the pattern varies a lot from very clear, almost spangle-look-like
edges to foggy, more blurry surfaces. The melanin reduction lightens the whole
plumage, but what I find interesting is that the dominant silvers retain a darker
skull cap and a little bit darker primary edges. This colour also has dark eyes,
feet and beak.
Dominant silvers appear in two different forms. If the bird has only one
dominant edged gene in its locus, the bird is called a “single factor”. A bird with
two genes is called a “double factor”. The edged effect can be seen better in
single factored birds, since they have more melanin left. The double factored
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birds are much lighter and smoother, appearing almost white, since the melanin
reduction is much heavier. They still have clearly a light, misty layer of pale grey
colour on them. I've noticed it hard to capture the true colour of double factors in
pictures and photographs. Depending on the amount of yellow undertones, the
normal double factors may let just little hints of yellow bleed through their pale
grey. It is actually a very beautiful colour. The co-work of the yellow and the
light grey can be best seen in double factor dominant silver pearls. Sometimes
double factor dominant silvers are so light that they remind of a lutino colour.
Taking a closer look, one will clearly see that they still have light melanin
production and that their eyes are dark.
Both factors look astonishing beautiful when combined with the whiteface. The
whiteface, caused by the blue gene, alters psittacin pigments – red and yellow –
and makes them dissolve from the whole plumage. This pigment change makes
the edged effect more visible. The whitefaced single factor mutation is seen as
one of the most beautiful combinations by many breeders. Combined with a
double factor, whiteface impresses highlights of the plumage. The body still
retains the darker head, feet, beak, primary and tail feathers. Because of the pale
body and relatively darker extremities, the whiteface double factor dominant
silver reminds me actually of the point coloration in some mammals.
Single factored birds look very often just like normal greys in the nest. Some
lines are so dark that the single factor dominant silvers look almost just like the
wild-type or normal grey. I still had a couple chicks of single factor that were
very clearly edged already in the nest. When the cock gets its first moult it gets
much lighter and reaches the edged pattern. The cocks can sometimes get lighter
in every moult, even five or six years of age before maintaining their full silver
coloration. The single factored hens are always darker and the difference
between a normal grey hen and a single factored dominant silver hen might be
difficult to tell without practiced eye. Double factored hens are still clearly
lighter and easily identified. Already the pin feathers are pushing through clearly
lighter.
Dominant silver is caused by a melanin-altering gene, seen as one of the dilute
mutations. When I was breeding my single factored dominant silvers for the first
time, I noticed that some of the chicks had just a little bit lighter eyes at their first
days. Two single factored dominant silvers can also produce normal babies, but
all the chicks with lighter eyes revealed to be silvers. I though I was just being
paranoid until I heard other breeders reporting the same. It has been discussed
within the international cockatiel community if this would mean that the
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dominant silver would be actually a form of dark albinism, but it is not yet fully
understood how the gene acts.
Whiteface Double Factor
Dominant Silver
Whiteface Single Factor Pied Dominant Silver
The dominant silver is a dominant mutation. It can never be as a split. The bird
either has the colour or has not. The sex of the bird doesn't count, since the locus
is autosomal.

If one parent is a single factor and the other doesn't carry the DS gene,
half of the chicks would carry one gene and have a single factor
phenotype.

If both of the parents are single factored, 50% of the clutch will be single
factors, 25% double factors and the 25% left would not carry the DS
gene.

If one of the parents is a single factor and the other is a double factor, half
of the chicks will be single factors and the other half will be double
factors.

If one of the parents is a double factor and the other one doesn't carry
dominant silver, all the chicks will be single factor dominant silver. It's
very logical, since the homozygous double factor won't give any other
options than to receive a dominant silver gene.

If both of the parents are double factor dominant silvers, then all the
chicks will be, too.
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Dominant silver can be combined with psittacin-altering mutations. Other dilutes
or melanin altering mutations are not that good idea. For example the cinnamon
might make the dominant silver just look dirtier. It would also be hard to tell if
the bird is really a cinnamon dominant silver, or actually a combination.
Lutino is another mutation that is not strongly recommended, vanishing the whole
silver colour while destroying the melanin. Other silvers would lead the colour to
be harder to identify. There are different opinions whether a pied is a good mate
for a dominant silver. Some breeders see that the pied pollutes the stock, making
for example the skull cap lesser visible. As it destroys one of the definitions of
the dominant silver, some breeders see the pied as not a good combined with the
dominant silver. Others seem to even prefer dominant silver pieds, producing
actually very beautiful birds. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with
dominant silver pieds, but we still need to maintain pure stocks without pied
mutations entering the blood line. Once the pied is introduced to the line it is
hard to rinse away, or get rid of.
Double factored birds are noticed to be weak and small in size. Because of this
disorder, some breeders don't use them as breeding birds. I believe that this
problem can be fixed if we act as responsible breeders. It just needs commitment
and effort just like any other mutation. With a careful selection and
understanding of genetics the both single and double factored dominant silvers
can become glorious big, healthy cockatiels.
EDITORS NOTE!
Readers please remember this mutation is not an Australian mutation and as such
is not available in this country. For those readers interested in learning more
about the international mutations that are not available in Australia, information
is available in the latest edition of the ABK book,
“A Guide to Cockatiels and their Mutations”
---ooo000ooo---
Bird Trivia:
"Eat like a bird?" Many birds eat twice their weight a day.
-----ooo000ooo-----
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Code of Practice Aviculture
Nature Conservation Act 1992
1. About this code
This code identifies minimum acceptable standards for the keeping and use of
protected native birds in Queensland. It also outlines some of the conditions for
the conduct of persons involved in the keeping and use of protected native birds
in Queensland. Requirements concerning captive husbandry and transport can be
found in the Table of Contents are outlined.
This code is intended as a resource for recreational keepers but may be useful to
many types of people, including hobbyists, individuals concerned with animal
welfare and researchers.
This code should be read in conjunction with the Nature Conservation Act 1992
(the Act), the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 (the
Administration Regulation), the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management)
Regulation 2006 (the Wildlife Management Regulation), the Nature Conservation
(Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (the Wildlife Regulation), the Animal Care and
Protection Act 2001 and any other relevant legislation.
A person must not take, keep or use a protected animal unless the person is an
authorised person or the taking is authorised under the Act. Licence holders
should make sure they are familiar with the relevant sections in the Act and the
Regulations.
Matters such as cruelty, duty of care to animals and the humane killing of animals
are covered in the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. These are issues of
importance to persons keeping animals in captivity. People who keep protected
native birds also need to consider other laws, including those made by local
government that may deal with the keeping and use of animals. If you obtain a
licence under the Act that does not specify a limit on the number of animals that
you may keep under the licence, local government may still limit the number of
animals you may keep. If you are uncertain about the laws that apply in your
local area you should contact your local council.
This code is based on the knowledge and technology available at the time of
publication. To maintain high standards of animal welfare and avoid personal
injury, it is essential that a commonsense approach prevail at all times when
dealing with birds. The basic behavioural, anatomical and physiological needs of
various birds are considered in this code. The importance of knowledge of the
particular species involved cannot be overemphasised.
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A sound knowledge of particular species enables the early detection of signs of
distress and disease, so that the cause can be identified, and prompt, appropriate
remedial action taken.
The basic requirements for the wellbeing of native animals are:
a) appropriate and sufficient food and water to sustain health and vitality;
b) sufficient area with appropriate environmental features to maintain their
wellbeing and in which they can exhibit normal behaviour;
c) protection from predation;
d) protection from injury and disease, including providing veterinary treatment;
e) protection from extremes of climate, particularly when young or injured; and
f) protection from pain, distress and suffering.
2. Birds of Queensland
General information:
This code is designed to provide basic information on the requirements of captive
native birds but does not provide specific information for each of the species that
can be kept in captivity.
Although the use of scientific names has been kept to a minimum in the code, it is
sometimes necessary and often convenient to refer to an animal by its scientific
name. Many species of Australian birds have one or more recognised common
names and it is only by referring to the scientific name that it can be accurately
identified.
3. Aims of aviculture
The aims of aviculture are the:
a) breeding and keeping of birds in a captive environment; and
b) acquisition of knowledge of the biological aspects of bird species through the
study of birds in captivity; and
c) maintenance of genetic integrity through sound captive breeding management;
d) conservation of various species and particularly those whose numbers are
4. Purpose of code
The purpose of this Code is to assist in:
a) providing the minimum standards for the safe housing and maintenance of
native birds in captivitywhich ensure that the likelihood of escape, injury or
illness to the birds is minimised; and
b) the promotion of the understanding of the health and nutritional requirements
c) compliance with any legislative requirements of the State or the
Commonwealth.
22
5. Captive husbandry
General information:
This code does not purport to provide keepers with information about the
husbandry and breeding of all Australian birds.
Keepers, and any person who wishes to become involved in aviculture, are
encouraged to contact their local aviculture society to learn more about the
practice of aviculture, including obtaining specialist advice about the
breeding of birds.
Diet
General information:
A varied diet should be supplied that, given the limitations of seasonal
availability, alternates regularly between fresh fruit, vegetables and seeding
grasses appropriate to the bird species being fed. Suitable pelleted food can
also be used.
Where a specific species requires a special diet, the bird should be provided with
an appropriate diet when seasonally available or for breeding purposes; some
examples are:
 lorikeets and other nectar feeders require a specalised diet that can be
purchased commercially
 larger species of cockatoo should beprovided with insect larvae or grubs
 some finches require live insects when breeding
 fruit pigeons will benefit from being provided with native fruits.
Food and supplies should be stored in a manner that prevents deterioration or
spoilage. Grit and calcium blocks/cuttlefish should be provided regularly to those
species that may require it.
Minimum standard:
Adequate food suitable for the particular species of bird must be available at
times when normal feeding activity would be undertaken in the wild. The advice
of an experienced aviculturist or veterinarian must be sought if uncertain of a
bird’s requirements. Food containers must be constructed in such a manner as to
avoid injury to the birds, and placed in a position to avoid contamination.
Water
Minimum standard:
Clean water must be available at all times with the containers where possible
placed away from direct sunlight.
Food and/or water containers must be kept clean and must not be placed under
perches or in areas where they could become contaminated with faeces
(droppings).
23
Quarantine
General information:
Ensure the best avian health and quarantine practices are implemented. It is
recommended that any person wishing to acquire birds for the first time should
learn as much as possible about the species before acquiring one. Relevant
information can be sought from local bird clubs or experienced birdkeepers.
Newly acquired birds should be quarantined for a period of 21 days before release
into aviaries or cages. It is important to seek advice from an experienced bird ke
eper or veterinarian if a bird appears to be sick.
Birds should be released into aviaries or cages in the early part of the day to allow
time for the bird to adjust to its new environment.
Health
General information:
Ill health or stress may affect birds in a variety of ways. Indications that may
require urgent attention include:
– changes in appearance of droppings;
– marked changes in food or water consumption;
– changes in behaviour;
– absence of preening;
– changes in appearance or posture;
– raised, ruffled feathers;
– changes in weight;
– enlargement of organs or swellings;
– vomiting, injury or bleeding;
– dull and lackluster eyes;
– discharge from nostrils, eyes or beak.
Birdkeepers are urged to know the differences between healthy and unwell
behaviour of the species being kept. The advice of a veterinary surgeon should be
obtained if an illness persists or if several birds become ill in a short time.
Minimum standard:
Sick or injured birds must be isolated to facilitate observation and treatment and
prevent further damage or
spread of infection.
Caged birds affected by internal and external parasites causing health problems
must be treated appropriately.
Seek advice from an experienced bird keeper or veterinarian for treatment.
This article is an extract from the full code which can be found online at
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p00055aa.pdf
24
Members Articles
This is a new section of our journal where members articles, experiences and any
comments will be published. These items can vary from a funny anecdotes to a
recount of your latest vet visit. Everyone is welcome to submit items.
PLEASE NOTE: Opinions of the authors are not necessarily endorsed by The ANCS
committee or the club as a whole.
Article 1: A homing cockatiel baby by Brian
The baby came out of the nest 2 days before I was due to go away on a 5 day
holiday. I let my friend Allan know that he should keep an eye on the 2 babies
about to come out of the nest as 1 had just come out 2 days ago. This was on the
Thursday and I said for him to do the birds water & seed on the Saturday. On the
Saturday afternoon the next door neighbour came knocking on our door & said
that her dog had chased a baby bird off or it may have been injured & it could not
fly properly. My wife & daughter was not aware that a bird had got out & said it
may not be Brians bird.
On the Sunday a chap came around because he was to pick up a bird he had
arranged to buy & also to have a look at some of my other birds. My wife took
the gentleman out the back to find a beautiful reverse pied bird on the out side of
the door of the cage, he tried to catch it but it flew off into the neighbours tree.
My wife decided to put a cage with seed on the top of the cage but decided not to
say any thing to me as she thought it was not my bird. This little bird would only
be about 6 / 7 weeks old. Tuesday I came home at 11.00 PM & was told there
was a bird flying around the back yard, so early Wednesday morning I went out
to find the little bird on the door of the cage being feed by its mum through the
wire, I tried to catch it & could not get with in a metre before it took off. It had
learnt to fly very well in its short time on the loose. It sat on my house roof &
looked at me before it took off & landed in next doors tree. I tried to think of the
best way to get my bird back. My 25 year old daughter came up with a good
idea & that is why I am writing to you as it may help you one day.
I had about 3 pairs of birds & 3 babies in the cage. So I put a suspended half of a
hexagon cage on the inside on the wire wall next to the big aviary door & put all
the birds in the small cage at about 12.00 lunch time. I left the main big door wide
open, I thought that the baby may come back to be feed late afternoon. At 4.00
that afternoon Marg went out side to find the little bird inside the big cage
hanging on to the small cage being feed by mum. This is great little story with a
good ending, baby mum & dad & the others are all very happy to be back
together. It just goes to show the wonders of nature!
25
Article 2: Determining the Sex of Cockatiels
by Wayne Miller
Much has been written and discussed about determining the sex of cockatiels. In
adult birds, it is relatively easy to determine the sex of the bird. For example, in a
normal cockatiel, the hen has barring under the tail, spots under the wings and
dull orange cheek patches. By contrast, the cock has a solid colour under the tail
and wings and bright cheek patches. In the whiteface the same identifiers apply,
except that the cock has a white head and the hen has a grey head. This
identification is fine until you look as a lutino or pied mutation. Then the rules
become blurred and you have to look for other identifiers. That is when the keen
observer looks for behaviour of the bird, such as callings, the way the bird sits
and walks on perches. Cocks normally make all the calls and whistling, sitting
tall and proud or strutting along perches with broad shoulders. By contrast, the
hen normally doesn’t make calls unless under distress, sits quietly and walks
carefully on the perch. The last resort which is fool proof, is to have the bird
surgically sexed by a vet, as considerable expense however.
What about you chicks? Unless you have a sexible nest, it is difficult to
determine what sex the chick is until it begins to mature at about 4-6 month of
age. A sexible nest is when the sex and colour of the offspring can be predicted
based on knowledge of the parents and their genetic blood line.
If you do not have a sexible nest, or you have eggs or chicks, can you determine
the sex of the chick? Well there is a lot of anecdotal information about this. For
example, some people have told me that they have strung a wedding ring on a
thread over the chick, and depending on which way it moves will give an
indication of the sex of the chick. At a recent Petacular, whilst talking to Dr
Harry Cooper, he informed me that his test was to place you’re your hand near
the chick in the nest box. If the chick hissed and pecked at you, it was most
likely a hen, whereas if the chick didn’t respond to your advances, it was most
likely a cock. Has anyone tried this experiment and what were the results after
the checking the chicks out then they matured? I would be interested to know.
Can you determine the sex of the unborn chick? Again, some people have told
me that the ring on a string technique may also work. A friend of mine breeds
and show pigeons. He swears by his method of sex determination. He claims
that the shape of an egg indicates the likely sex of the chick. He claims that
shorter and fatter eggs produce hens, whilst longer and thinner eggs produce
cocks. I have noticed these egg shapes in my nests. Below is a photograph of
two cockatiel eggs from the same clutch showing the difference in shape. The
egg on the left is likely to be a cock, whilst the egg on the right is likely to be a
hen. Unfortunately many of my recent lay of eggs were not fertile, so I was
unable to test this theory. Has anyone else heard of this technique? Perhaps
26
breeders could check their eggs and monitor their development and report back
on their findings. If this method works, wouldn’t it be wonderful to know how
many cocks and hens you potentially have in clutch.
I look forward to others commenting on my theories of sex determination.
The Editor and ANCS Committee would like to thank the 2 authors that
submitted these items for publication in this journal. You do not need to be a
genius to put a few words together and share some of your avian experiences or
knowledge with others! Thankyou!
----ooooOOOO0OOOOoooo----
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 29 OF THIS JOURNAL!!!
---ooo000ooo--27
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
28
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!
29
Hi to one and all,
Once again there seems to be a lack of birds for sale being submitted by our
members. I guess people are still getting organised and waiting for last years
spring babies to reach maturity to determine what to keep. So far this year it seems
to be hens that are in high demand! All those poor lonely males are looking for
company so if you do have birds you want to sell it is imperative you let us know
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 30th July 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
30
Cockatiels:
Several non-breeder, semi and non-tame cockatiels cheap to a good home.
Other Birds:
Green Cheek Conure – Sex unknown, Split Cinnamon if cock bird (8 months old)
Bonded Pair Lutino Indian Ringnecks – been together 12 months but not allowed
to breed. (Approx 5 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 8 months old
Orders now being taken for handraised babies
Contact: Jo-Anne Watts Ph 07 3269 9590
jo-annewatts@optusnet.com.au
Cockatiels:
Pastelface pied cocks adult and juvenile
Cinnamon split pied juvenile cock
Normal/Olive juvenile cocks
Olive juvenile hen
Wanted
Normal cockatiels, no splits
Contact - David Heyden Ph 07 07 3371 3239
david.heyden@bigpond.com
Other
Cockatiel Show Cages
2 cages for sale
Contact - Wayne Miller Ph 07 32735894
31
Aviaries:
Professionally built Aviary with 14 suspended breeding cubicles and 2 holding
aviaries. All in very good condition
Features: Walk through between breeding cubicles (bird safe)
Breeding loft
External nest boxes
Cubicles each D 900mm x W780mm x H920mm,
plus loft W780mm x D450mm x H270mm
Holding aviaries each with door from enclosed walkway (bird safe)
Aviaries have full length lofts L2700mm x D900mm x H270mm
Aviaries each L2700mm x D1440mm x H1850 mm
Automatic waterer and shower system and power inlet / outlet
Purchaser to dismantle and remove:
1 off roof
2 off holding sections
2 x 3 cubicle breeding sections
2 x 4 cubicle breeding sections
Materials alone cost $6500 before construction Asking $5000
Contact - Eileen Wood Ph 07 32612061
---ooo000ooo---
32
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
November (tba) Beaudesert Parrot & Finch Association
Bird Sale.
Beaudesert Showgrounds.
Contact: (07) 3805 8435 or 0422 294 259
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
---ooo000ooo---
Don’t Forget The Upcoming ANCS
Spring Table Shows
Time is now to start training your birds for birds for judging and
to get them looking their best!
August – Normal Face and Pastelface
September – Whiteface
Classes also for pet birds at both shows!
---ooo000ooo--33
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
34
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
35
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 30
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.
36