NATIONAL COCKATIEL SOCIETY JOURNAL
Transcription
NATIONAL COCKATIEL SOCIETY JOURNAL
NATIONAL COCKATIEL SOCIETY JOURNAL April/May/June 2014 From our Facebook Friends …. The National Cockatiel Society Journal Dedicated to the Education of Cockatiel Enthusiasts Worldwide. April/May/June 2014 Volume XXXI, No 2 Official publication of The National Cockatiel Society, Inc. www.cockatiels.org Issue Highlights.. Do you have a Disaster Plan The Evolution of the Exhibition Cockatiel Consider Showing your Pet Cockatiel Handfeeding The Chick who can’t Stand Up Pg. 4 Pg. 9 Pg. 10 Pg. 14 Pg. 18 Society Information…. NCS Board of Directors NCS Appointed Directors State Coordinators Affiliated Clubs Judge’s Panel Show Calendar Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 6 Pg. 8 Pg. 12 Pg. 22 The National Cockatiel Society Journal is the official quarterly magazine of the National Cockatiel Society, Inc. The National Cockatiel Society, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c(3) corporation. Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. National National Cockatiel Cockatiel Society, Society, Inc Inc. July/Aug/Sept 2012 Page13 Page President Leslie Huegerich 611 Quest Ridge Dr. Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 president@cockatiels.org Secretary Vickie Ferguson 411 Aviator Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76179 North-Eastern Director Ruth Doughty 79 Howard St. Lewiston, ME 04240 neregion@cockatiels.org 1st VP/Judges Chair Julia Allen 3592 Lake Unity Nursery Rd. Fruitland Park, FL 34731 judges@cockatiels.org Treasurer Deb Dollar P.O. Box 12058 Brooksville, FL 34603 treasurer@cockatiels.org Central Director Carla Crowe 1342 Hildreth Pool Rd. Bowie, TX 76230 centraldirector @cockatiels.org 2nd Vice President Jim Heffernan 11177 Buno Rd. Brighton, MI 49114 scchair@cockatiels.org Membership/Bands Chris Orowitz 1776 Walter Boone Rd. Rineyville, KY 40162 membership@cockatiels.org Western Director Jesse Avila 7910 Greenland Rd. Franktown, CO 80116 3rd Vice President Ellen O’Neil 1652 Pisgah State Rd. Shermans Dale, PA 17090 ncsclubs@cockatiels.org Puerto Rico Director Juan Carlos Cotto jcotto5218@aol.com South-Eastern Director Karen Perdue (770) 382-4225 seregion@cockatiels.org Your A D Here Page 2 Don’t miss the Chance to grow your Business by placing An ad right here! Contact: Leslie Huegerich KLAviary@gmail.com April/May/June 2014 SHOW REPORTS EDITOR Chris Orowitz 1776 Walter Boone Rd. Rineyville, KY 40162 ncsshowreports@gmail.com AFA DELEGATE Jim Heffernan tielnmore@aol.com Leslie Huegerich president@cockatiels.org EDUCATION OUTREACH CHAIR Ruth Doughty (207) 344-8640 manicamazon@yahoo.com Advertising Open GA RESIDENT NCS AGENT Karen Perdue (770) 382-4225 windamyr@gmail.com TECHNICAL CO-CHAIRS Leslie Huegerich KLAviary@gmail.com Allen Fox ncs@birdsupplynh.com NCBS (National) LIAISON Leslie Huegerich (see President) NCS Sales Store Open AUCTION CHAIRPERSON Open PARLIAMENTARIAN/BYLAWS Jeff Robinson jeff@revelationconsulting.com The folks who make the NCS Journal happen... Guest Journal Editor Chris Orowitz Assistant Editor Leslie Huegerich Content Manager Julia Allen 3592 Lake Unity Nursery Rd. Fruitland Park, FL 34731 ncsjulie@aol.com Contributing Writers Karl Huegerich Pat Tucker Linda Greeson Rice Front Cover Photos: April Howes, Peggy Armstrong, Josh Perkins, Ellen O’Neill Back Cover Photo: Young Lutino Hen, Chris Orowitz National Cockatiel Society, Inc Page 3 Do you have a Disaster Plan for them by Karl Huegerich More than 60 percent of American households have at least one pet. After Katrina, 61 percent of pet owners told national pollsters they would refuse to evacuate ahead of a disaster if they could not take their pets with them. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that if you evacuate your home, take your animals with you. “Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.” Most shelters will not be able to take in your pets due to public health concerns. Planning for an emergency before it happens is paramount to saving your life as well as a young pet. Emergency workers are going to be focused on saving human lives. We, as pet owners, MUST be focused on our pets well being. First make a disaster supply kit and keep these items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be readily carried. Please see the list on the next page for a sample check list. Birds should be transported in a travel cage. In warm weather carry a misting bottle to mist the birds’ periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. Apples and oranges work great due to their high water content. Have a photo for identification and note all leg band numbers of your birds. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels or newspaper and change them frequently. Keep the carrier in a quiet area and don’t attempt to take your pet out during this stressful time. If you are caring for baby birds, make sure that you have all of the items that you need to take care of their needs. You will need formula, syringes, container to mix the formula in, water and a way to heat up the water for the formula. The little electric water kettles work great for heating up the water for feeding. Make sure that you have a way to keep the baby birds warm. In the event that you have to evacuate due to potential storms or hazards, have an idea of where you and your pets can go. Not all hotels let you bring animals with you and many shelters do not allow it either. Make sure that you call the different hotels in your area and ask them if they allow animals and if they do not, ask them if they allow them in an emergency situation. Your best bet is to look towards friends that are outside of the affected area to help with the boarding of your animals. Do you have an aunt who lives a few hours from you? Do you have a friend who is another town? There are all kinds of possibilities. Call them now, don’t wait! Page 4 April/May/June 2014 Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who can shelter animals in an emergency. Include 24-hour phone numbers. You can also ask your local animal shelter if it can provide emergency shelter if it can provide emergency shelter or foster care in an emergency. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster. This should be your last resort. You can also use AAA (Triple A) to help you locate motels and hotels that favor animals. In the age of the fast moving internet and information at your fingertips, we sometimes are lulled into the feeling that these services will be there for us in a disaster. They won’t! Write all these numbers down plus local utility numbers and emergency contacts. The main thing to remember in an emergency is that your animals are your family as well and need to be taken care of in an emergency or evacuation situations so please do not forget about your beloved pets. Battalion Chief Karl Huegerich is the Fire Marshall with the Apex Fire Department (a rapidly growing city south of Raleigh). If your town does not have an Emergency Action Plan for Pets, they can contact Karl at karl.huegerich@apexnc.org Check list for evacuation: Medication, medical records and a first aid kit for you pets. Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely. Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Inexpensive dog tags can be ordered through most pet stores. Feed, potable water, towels, cat litter pan, and can opener and plastic. Information on feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavior problems and name and number of your vet in case you have to foster or board your pets. Pet toys and beds. Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date. To transport your animals safely: Condition your animals to being in a cage, carrying case, pet/trailer Take three to five days’ worth of supplies – food, water, high water content fruits/ vegetables, medication, cat litter, “comfort toys.” Birds/lizards – blanket to keep cage warm plant mister to hydrate feathers. Snakes-pillowcase to transport/heating pad for warmth/water bowl to soak. Pocket pets (hamsters/gerbils)-cage bedding material/water bottles. If you must leave your pets behind Leave them untied in an interior room with adequate air and no windows (such as a bathroom). Purchase a self-feeder and waterier in advance and leave enough food and water for at least 3 days. Leave favorite bed and toys. Place notice on front door with location and type of pets, their names and your contact phone number. NEVER leave animals tied up outside. National Cockatiel Society, Inc. Page 5 LOUISIANA: Richar d Nicolaisen (318) 382-2246 - tiels@hughes.net MAINE: Ruth Doughty (207) 344-8640 manicamazon@yahoo.com ALABAMA: Tony & Tr ish Albr itton jpalbritton@centurytel.net MASSACHUSETTTS: Pat Tucker (978) 443-5218 tuckerstiels@verizon.net ARKANSAS: Mar y Wagster (870)346-5190 - MaryWagster@centurytiel.net MICHIGAN: Kim & Scott Mackey (810)367-7483 KandSMackey@aol.com CALIFORNIA: Rober t Finalet chefrobertf@aol.com MISSISSIPPI: Tony & Tr ish Albritton jpalbritton@centurytel.net COLORADO: Peggy Avila (303) 663-0399 - PJBavila@aol.com NEBRASKA: Sue Ellen Pr ay (402)782-2051 praypond@windstream.net FLORIDA: J ulia Allen (352) 360-1035 - ncsjulie@aol.com NEVADA: Gr eg LeFr ancis scrpn95@cox.net (702)538-5138 Judy Shapiro (850) 294-3425 Shapiro090@comcast.net NEW HAMPSHIRE: Allen Fox allen@birdsupplynh.com GEORGIA: Kar en Per due (770) 382-4225 - windamyr@gmail.com NORTH CAROLINA: Leslie Huegerich klaviary@showtiels.com HAWAII: J anet Mishier (808) 268-1553 birdsmaui@aol.com PENNSYLVANIA: Ellen O’Neil (717)582-2412 flutterfarm@aol.com KENTUCKY: J osh Per kins (502) 741-6767 -perkinstiels@yahoo.com Page 6 April/May/June 2014 PURETO RICO: J ose Ber nar dy (787) 738-0203 josepr_ncs@hotmail.com TEXAS: Royce Ir win (817) 572-6262 royceandbarbarairwin1973@netzero.com Janelle O’Rourke cockatielsandfinchgalore@yahoo.com Memo from the State Coordinator Chair We are still in need of State Coordinators in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin ,Wyoming. If your state is not represented and you would like to become involved in promoting NCS in your local area, please contact me via e-mail at scchair@cockatiels.org Jim Heffernan 2nd Vice President State Coordinator Chair National Cockatiel Society, Inc. Page 7 The following Clubs have affiliated for the 2014 Calendar year. APPALACHIAN BIRD BREEDERS & EXHIBITORS Ellen O'Neil Shermans Dale, PA 774-281-3307 flutterfarm@aol.com MID-AMERICAN EXOTIC BIRD SOCIETY Susan Stieve Columbus, OH 614-205-3755 smstieve@gmail.com www.maebs.com BALTIMORE BIRD FANCIERS Christine Roberts 410-343-1807 compteacher@yahoo.com www.baltimorebirdfanciers.org MID-ATLANTIC COCKATIEL BREEDERS & EXHIBITORS Josh Maple jam91J@gmail.com COCKATIEL SOCIETY OF PAKISTAN Hamid Raza Shah hamid@cockatielsocietypk.com EAST COAST EXHIBITORS GROUP Leslie Huegerich klaviary@gmail.com FORT WORTH BIRD CLUB Royce Irwin 817-572-6262 royceandbarbirwin1973@netzero.com GREATER CHICAGO CAGE BIRD CLUB Villa Park, IL Julia Howard aratinga7@hotmail.com www.gccbc.org MOUNTAIN STATES AVIAN SOCIETY Brighton, CO Jesse Avila 303-663-0399 pjavila@aol.com www.msasbirds.org NEW ENGLAND COCKATIEL BREEDERS & EXHIBITORS Wendy LaBanca 140 Almy Street Warwick, RI 02886 401-732-0693 lovetiels@gmail.com www.necbe.com NORTH TEXAS COCKATIEL CLUB Royce Irwin 817-572-6262 royceandbarbirwin1973@netzero.com TEXAS BIRD BREEDERS & FANCIERS ASSOCIATION Page 8 April/May/June 2014 The Evolution of the Exhibition Cockatiel by: Pat Tucker/Feathering Crest Aviary Cockatiels are regal and elegant members of the parrot family who are widely sought after by aviculturists to breed toward a standard of excellence. But it was not always so. In my experience in breeding cockatiels over more than three decades, the evolution of the species has been remarkable. In the 1960’s and most of the 1970’s, the cockatiel bred in captivity was an inferior flighty bird, smaller than its original wild counterpart with poor cheek patches and thin, short crests. In 1983, the National Cockatiel Society was founded and developed a Standard of Excellence to encourage the breeding of a healthy, robust, and beautiful cockatiel. Below is an example. It was just prior to this, in 1981 that I bred my first cockatiel. By the early 1990’s, the temperament of the cockatiel began to change to a calmer and more pet-friendly bird due to the selective breeding of responsible aviculturists. It became clear that personality and other emotional traits were inheritated along with desireable and undesireable visual traits. The National Cockatiel Society has continually stressed responsible breeding in both categories. By the late 1990’s, the change in temperament of our cockatiel continued to evolve, and the visual appearance of the cockatiel boasted a good size bird with a large blocky head, a more pronounced cheek patch, a long, full crest, and straight back line. As we entered the 2000’s, it became evident that too much weight was being added to our cockatiels. We realized that bigger was not better as the size of our cockatiels was being determined mostly by weight. It became evident that a longer, larger skeletal structure was the next step in the evolution of our captive-bred cockatiels to maintain optimum health. Once this was accomplished by a few dedicated aviculturists, it was recognized by NCS Judges that this new style bird was closer to the visual standard and easily won heavily on the show bench. This is where exhibition is instrumental in guiding captive-breeding in the direction that is best for the species. Our cockatiel has since evolved into the streamlined bird we see today, which is more consistant with the cockatiel in the wild. Our captive-bred cockatiel is now longer with a larger skeletal body structure which doesn’t carry more weight than is healthy for the bird. Longevity has increased and egg laying is more successful. These stunning birds are still winning on the show bench today. This is all due to the efforts of many dedicated breeders in the National Cockatiel Society as they educate newcomers to breed healthy, stunning, show winning birds. I encourage the budding cockatiel breeders out there to attend local shows to learn more about breeding exhibition quality cockatiels. National Cockatiel Society Page 9 CONSIDER SHOWING YOUR PET BIRD by Linda Greeson Rice Fall and early winter are my favorite times of the year, and not just because of the delightful weather. Most weekends in these months find me driving long distances and flying even longer distances to attend just as many bird shows as I can possibly manage. There is a great deal of work, time, and expense involved in all these activities. I desert my family and my beloved birds and work incredibly hard at loading and unloading cages of birds, show cages, and all the bird necessities. Packing for myself is a minor consideration. "What to show" is far more important than "What to wear." I have many reasons for all this activity. Although I have enjoyed a great deal of success, winning those ribbons and plaques is not my primary objective. Experience has proved to me that attending even a small, local show is a good opportunity to add to my knowledge about birds. As a breeder, being completely familiar with the fine points of what constitutes the ideal of the species is important to my breeding program. Developing a knowledgeable and critical eye gives me the ability to pick up minor defects in my own stock and work toward eliminating them in making breeding choices. At bird shows, almost always the judges make constructive comments, offering their reasons for choosing one bird over another. There is no better opportunity available than that of listening attentively, trying to see what they see in each bird, and thereby adding to your own judgement and knowledge. I not only learn from judges, but so much from friends I meet at the shows. We freely share little hints, ways of handling problems, and sympathize with each others' frustrations. Just socializing with other bird lovers makes a show weekend a fun experience. The major bird magazines list bird clubs, bird shows scheduled, and the person to contact for information. Your local bird club will be glad to come to your assistance. You will find the show catalogue a valuable source of information. There is rarely an admission charge and the fee for entry of a bird is never more than a dollar or two. The most important preparation for a novice entering a bird in a show for the first time is to have the bird in perfect feather condition. Daily baths or misting for weeks before the show will assure beautiful plumage to attract the admiration of the judge. Whatever the requirements for the cage (usually quite lenient in the Novice Page 10 April/May/June 2014 Although you will be entering your bird in the Novice Division, you will not be denied the opportunity to compete with more experienced exhibitors. The Best Novice competes with the Best in all other divisions for the coveted Best In Show award. Many times the first time exhibitor has walked away with this prize. Your pet bird could be an unrecognized champion. At the smaller, local shows, the entries in many classes are quite limited. Your bird may be competing with only one or two others of the same species, or even be the only entrant in the class. Regardless of the number of birds entered in your classification, and even if yours is the only one, you may have a lovely blue ribbon rosette, appropriately marked in gold lettering, to take home as a souvenir of your first show. There is no need to give details of your winning to your admiring friends. Even if you are not entering your bird in competition do try attending a show as a spectator. You will find warm, friendly people, anxious to talk and exchange experiences. You will have the opportunity to view collections of lovely birds, often species you have never seen before. Once bitten by "the show bug" you will National Cockatiel Society Page 11 JUDGES Julia Allen Judges Panel Chair 35920 Lake Unity Nursery Rd. Fruitland Park, FL 34731 (352) 360-1035 ncsjulie@aol.com Clarence Culwell-NAPS,NFSS 250 Horseshoe Drive Springtown, TX 76082 (817) 220-5568 coculwell@verizon.net Al Decoteau - NFSS, SPBE P.O. Box 546 Hollis, NH 03049 (603) 672-4568 spbe1@aol.com Deb Dollar - SPBE P.O. Box 12058 Brookville, FL 34603 (352) 799-7294 spbe3@aol.com Roland Dubuc,- ALBS, NAPS Panel Secretary P.O. Box 1651 Fallbrook, CA 92088 (760) 731-6188 lbinterntl@aol.com Philip Feret- SPBE 742 W. Garner Rd., #206A Garner, NC (919) 270-5911 calicocockatiels@gmail.com Page 12 Jim Heffernan - SPBE 780 Fairwood Inkster, MI 48141 (313) 247-5900 tielnmore@aol.com Frank Horan - ALBS 111 Abbot Street Staten Island, NY 10305 (718) 816-9689 horans111@aol.com Leslie Huegerich - NAPS 611 Quest Ridge Drive Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 klaviary@showtiels.com Sabrina Frizzell 1701 Rainey Road Temple, GA 30179 (770) 294-2782 Brilynmalts@gmail.com Royce Irwin - NAPS 4211 Kelley Elliot Road Arlington, TX 76106 (817) 572-6262 Royceandbarbirwin-1973@netzero.com Sherri Lewis Palmyra, VA tametiels@gmail.com Wendy Lomas 145 153rd Pl SE Bellevue, WA 98007 (352) 238-5148 clockatiel@gmail.com April/May/June 2014 PANEL Scott Mackey P.O. Box 610683 Port Huron, MI (810) 367-7483 smmackey@aol.com Josh Maple - ALBS, NAPS 1308 Kelly Road Garner, NC 27529 jam91j@yahoo.com Gary Morgan - ALBS, NAPS 15341 Kingston Street Brighton, CO 80602 (303) 659-9544 burdmn@aol.com Jeff Robinson - NAPS 5700 Monterrey Fort Worth, TX 76112 (817) 709-9041 jeff@revolutionconsulting.net Pat Tucker - SPBE 80 Lincoln Road Sudbury, MA 01776 (978) 443-5218 tuckerstiels@verizon.net National Cockatiel Society, Inc. JUDGES EMERITUS Charlie Anchor (deceased) Lloyd Bailey (deceased) Harold Bowles (deceased) Henry Castle Don Dunn (deceased) Dominic Franzo Carl Helton (deceased) Ray Johnson Charlie Kruger (deceased) Keith Reimer (deceased) Dale Theeke (deceased) Paul Williams Auggie Murray-Young Jose Bernardy Lee Horton Barbara Theeke Conrad Meinert Inactive Linda Arnett Judges– send show reports here: Show Reports Editor Chris Orowitz 1776 Walter Boone Road Rineyville, KY 40162 ncsshowreports@gmail.com Page 13 HANDFEEDING By: Pat Tucker (All Rights Reserved) . . Hand-rearing is a demanding, time-consuming process which is undertaken by the aviculturist: * to raise offspring hatched from artificial incubation * to save sick or abandoned young * to reduce the burden of parental care on compromised parents. * to encourage production of a second clutch * to prevent transmission of disease (0ther than transovarian) from the parents Neonatal Development & Problems in the Nest: Upon hatching, a cockatiel chick is not capable of thermo-regulation and must be brooded constantly by the parent for the first two weeks to ensure survival. As a result, nest inspection often reveals an aggravated, fluffy parent who refuses to budge off eggs and babies. Oftentimes, hatching must be determined by the presence of begging and feeding sounds emulating from the nest. To avoid injuries, further interference is not recommended unless problems are suspected. A new hatchling may not be fed until the yoke sac is thoroughly absorbed, which may take up to 12 hours, however, it is most common to hear feeding sounds within an eight hour period. Constant begging which is not followed by the usual feeding sounds is a clear warning sign and should never be ignored. To assist the parents with the strenuous feeding schedule, nestling foods such as warm cooked vegetables, rice, beans, and egg foods should be offered during the early weeks of chick development in addition to the regular diet. The parents swallow food, partially digest it using enzymes in their crop and regurgitate the food to the chicks. During this process, gram-positive bacteria is also transferred to the chick to promote proper functioning of the gut, protect against infection, and help synthesize certain nutrients. As a result, it is best to leave the chicks with their parents for at least a week (preferably 2-3 weeks) before pulling them for hand-feeding. Problem areas during the nestling stage include insufficient feeding, rejection, quill-pulling, and mutilation. Fostering is usually successful to a nest of the same species whose chicks are in the same developmental stage. In the cases of rejection or mutilation, pulling the chick immediately for hand feeding is recommended. However, in a large brood where the youngest chicks are not being fed adequately, supplementary feedings in the nest usually Page 14 April/May/June 2014 Formulas & Feeding Methods: There is a distinct advantage to allowing the natural parents to rear their own young for the first 7 days. Species-specific normal flora is regurgitated in the crop milk and established in the alimentary tract which ensure a strong immune system and a healthy chick. No human foster-parent, even with the scientifically-formulated handfeeding diets available on the market today, can match this normal flora. Chicks pulled for hand-feeding at 7-10 days, however, and given a lactobacillus product in their hand-feeding formula rarely experience health complications traced to the absence of normal flora. . There are two basic methods of handfeeding: "Adlibitum" and Gavage. "Adlibitum" is Latin meaning "to the desire" and utilizes the chicks natural feeding response by depositing only the amount of formula desired by the chick. The spoon, syringe, eye dropper or pipette is recommended for this feeding technique, and is preferred to gavage feeding since it simulates the natural feeding method of the parent bird. During this method of feeding, the instrument is inserted into the left side of the beak angled toward the esophagus (which is located on the right) and the formula is released slowly as the bird's head 'chugs' back and forth using the chick's natural feeding response. To stimulate the feeding response, the thumb and fore-finger should be placed on the pads located on either side of the upper mandible just below the cere. Gavage feeding, on the other hand, deposits the formula into the crop using a feeding needle or a catheter tube without initiating the feeding response. Because of the possible dangers associated with this technique, this method of feeding is not recommended for an inexperienced feeder since the feeding tube or needle is actually inserted into the mouth of the esophagus and down into the crop so that the formula can be released quickly. National Cockatiel Society, Inc. Page 15 Housing & Management Techniques in the Nursery: The age of the nestling and amount of quilling will determine the environmental conditions required in the nursery. During the early weeks, electric brooders which are thermostatically controlled with circulating air and humidity regulators are preferable. The temperature should be set at 85-90 degrees F. during the early quilling stage. This can be accomplished in an electric brooder or a fish tank with a heating pad placed underneath. Wrap the heating pad in a towel to prevent potentially lethal burns should the baby burrow through the bedding and come in direct contact with the bottom of the tank. If a make-shift brooder is used, place a room thermometer inside and regulate the temperature for at least 24 hours before pulling chicks from the nest. (Note: If a chick pants, reduce the temperature immediately.) As the chick begins to feather out, the temperature can be gradually reduced. Relative humidity should be kept at 50% or slightly above for chicks under 4 weeks. When chicks are completely feathered, a temperature of 75-80 degrees F. is sufficient and weaning foods should be offered. Once the chicks are fledged and are actively weaning, the chicks can be transferred to a cage and solid food and water offered. Hygiene: Since har mful bacter ial, vir al and fungal agents ar e pr esent in our bird's environment, and as aviculturists, one of our main responsibilities to our captive flocks is to keep these hazards to a minimum through strict hygienic controls. Handfeeding utensils and formula mixing containers should be cleaned vigorously and soaked in Virkon-S, or other appropriate non-toxic solution between feedings. Clutches should be housed individually and a separate batch of formula and a separate feeding utensil should be used for each clutch. In addition, hands should be disinfected between clutches. Chick Development: Since cockatiels are altricial birds born naked and helpless, chick development is a slow, progressive process requiring specialized care. Chicks are hatched with an over-developed hatching muscle at the neck, an egg tooth located at the tip of the upper mandible and a sparse hair-like down, either white or yellow in color. During the first two weeks of development, the hatching muscle atrophies, the egg tooth gradually disappears, but the thermo-regulation by the chick remains poor. As the chick develops, eyes open, quills appear at the head, wing and tail area and thermo- Page 16 April/May/June 2014 By the beginning of the third week, uncoordinated preening activity is observed. Quilling fills in on the back and underside, with the exception of the crop area. There is an increased awareness of external events, and exercise such as walking and stretching are observed. Active preening results in removal of the feather sheaths revealing the beautiful feathers of a healthy baby cockatiel, and thermoregulation is good at this stage of development. Feathers eventually cover the crop area and personality begins to emerge. Once the chick has grown enough to be able to fly, it generally leaves the nest. This is called fledging and the fledged bird is called a 'fledgling'. This occurs as early as 4 1/2 weeks in some individuals. Cockatiels experience a "pre-fledging shut-off period" between the ages of 4-5 weeks. This is a normal occurrence and is essentially a slimming down process which precedes the act of fledging. During this time, the normal quantity of formula is refused and regurgitation may be observed. The number of feedings should be reduced until the regurgitation ceases. Once fledging is accomplished, normal food consumption usually returns until the weaning process begins Weaning: Cockatiel chicks will wean when they are developmentally ready and not before. Because of this, weaning can be a stressful time for both the chick and the handfeeder. Offer soft foods like soaked pellets, egg foods, rice as well as fresh water and small seeds. As the chick begins to refuse feedings, eliminate the mid-day feeding, followed by the morning and finally the evening meal. This will happen gradually between the ages of 6 weeks and weaning (approx 8 weeks). Stress and changes in the diet may cause temporary weight loss, and weight monitoring is recommended during this stage of development. Crops should be checked before the late night feeding and once food is felt in the crop, the weight charts will reveal if the chick is actually sustaining or gaining weight on its own. Once weight is maintained for 5 days without formula supplementation, the chick is weaned, which is approximately between 8 and 9 weeks in cockatiels. However, yeast buildup in the crop of excessive gram-negative bacteria often retards the weaning process and any individual refusing to wean should be checked by an Avian Veterinarian. Socialization of Babies: The par ent bir ds in my aviar y, when allowed to r aise their babies to maturity, teach them many things. How much of their behavior is inate and how much is learned still remains a mystery to me. If left with a parent, they do learn to perch, preen, play, eat on their own, related to other birds and, unfortunately, the fear humans. If they are parent-raised and weaned, they can be taught to accept humans, but usually on their terms, and fear can definitely be detected in the early stages of training. However, if they are pulled for hand-feeding, they learn to accept humans as "birds" and there is virtually no fear. In fact, hand-fed birds will many times assert themselves with their human if things don't go their way. Based upon this knowledge, it is clear to me that at least social relatonships are learned, and I suspect that a good deal of the rest is as well. When we handfeed, we become the parent and it is our responsibility to teach our babies the things they don't pick up on their own or from their clutch-mates, such as eating National Cockatiel Society Page 17 THE CHICK WHO CAN'T STAND UP By: Linda Greeson Rice The development of a condition called spraddle -leg in one or more of a clutch of otherwise thriving and healthy nestlings is an experience that most bird breeders undergo sooner or later. Until the babies reach the weight bearing stage all seems to be going well. They are being well fed and growing at an amazing rate of speed. The breeder then observes that one or more of the babies is not standing up to beg for food, but remaining at the bottom of the nest box with one leg stretched out to its right, and the other stretched out to its left. This deviation from the normal at the hip joint is the condition we call spraddle legs. The sad part of this discovery is that the effected chick is otherwise fat and healthy. The parent birds reach down through the bobbing heads of its clutchmates to fill its open mouth. In the wild, where rescue by a concerned breeder does not happen, the spraddle legged bird would not survive the fledgling stage. Unable to roost on a perch, the first flight would probably end in disaster. The bird's dilemma would be comparable to an airplane landing without its landing gear in place. It is fortunate that in the breeding situation most of the causes for this condition can be eliminated and frequently home treatment is effective. The most common cause is a slippery surface on the floor of the nest box or brooder, providing insufficient traction for the small feet. Regardless of what nesting material is provided, some hens vigorously clear out their nest boxes, insisting on setting on the bare floor. When we discovered nest boxes lined with Formica we were delighted with the ease of cleaning but soon learned that even with an adequate supply of shavings the slippery surface of the Formica did not supply sufficient traction. The problem was solved by adding false wooden bottoms to the boxes, at least for the birds who did not promptly gnaw them to bits. Sometimes, even with an ideal nest box situation, the over zealous hen sits too tightly, causing too much pressure on the delicate nestlings' legs. This most commonly occurs in the cold weather. When an unusual cold snap occurs, the experienced breeder knows that nestling's legs need to be checked carefully. The condition can also develop early in the hand feeding stage. At a local bird shop the proprietor devised an attractive display of groups of chicks being hand fed, for observation by her customers. The babies were housed in small glass aquariums and lined up before a large glass window. They attracted a great deal of attention. Unfortunately she selected a light sprinkling of ground corn cobs for lining the bottom of her glass containers. A large number of her previously active chicks rapidly developed spraddle legs. She changed her procedure to covering the bottom with folded paper towels covered with a larger amount of corn cobs and eliminated her problem. We routinely line the plastic boxes which we use for the babies being hand fed with paper towels and a generous supply of shavings. Page 18 April/May/June 2014 In chicks hatched in an incubator, maintaining too high a temperature has been offered as a cause for this condition. I had one experience that bore out this theory. Some years ago I incubated fifty Button Quail eggs successfully, only to discover that most of the chicks were badly spraddle legged. Since these little birds spend most of their life on the ground, the effected ones had to be destroyed. I tried again, taking care to keep the temperature in the incubator lower. I was rewarded by a flock of little Quail well able to run about on the floor of the aviary, a valuable little clean up crew. Dietary factors can also contribute to this condition. Sufficient calcium in a well balanced diet is needed for the feeding parents to produce strong bones in their offspring. If the condition is noted early enough, preferably in the first three weeks of life, it usually can be corrected. I have had excellent results by simply placing an identification band on each leg, rather than on one leg as is usual. I tie a small length of string through each band, drawing the legs into the normal parallel position, leaving a small space between the legs. On the very young birds, when the legs are too small to retain the bands, I tie the legs together with a narrow strip of gauze bandage in much the same manner. In the small birds, many bones are only a little thicker than an egg shell. The leg bones do have internal reinforcing struts, but still require gentle and careful handling to prevent further damage. Some Veterinarians, in addition to positioning the legs, prescribe injectable Vitamin E and Selenium. I leave the bird's legs tied together for about two weeks, making sure that the brooder is lined with at least two inches of shavings to provide comfortable rest for my "hobbled" chick. I then cut the tie and observe the chick's behavior for a few hours. If weight bearing seems normal, as is usually the case, I clip off the extra band, taking care to correctly register the band numbers in my breeding records. If the chick is still unable to stand normally, often another week of this treatment will suffice. It is well to keep in mind, however, that in unusual cases the same spraddle leg position is assumed when more serious deformities exist. Congenital hip deformities in which the ball and socket joint is underdeveloped or sometimes dislocated do occur. These conditions are out of the range of home treatment and require the attention of a skilled Avian Veterinarian. Rickets, a far more serious condition, usually discovered at the weight bearing stage, is not to be confused with simple spraddle legs. When Rickets is present the chick cannot stand on its feet to beg for food, but the legs give the appearance of folding up underneath its body rather than stretching out on each side. Again, the services of a skilled Avian Veterinarian are needed. The rewards for the effort involved are great. When you see your formerly crippled bird standing tall on strong legs you can not but help feeling a great sense of accomplishment. You have saved a little bird from certain doom by your own skills. National Cockatiel Society, Inc. Page 19 The Spoiled Cockatiel By Pat Tucker Baby cockatiels need reassurance when they are young to feel safe and secure in their environment. However, this nurturing should be tempered with the understanding that any psychologically healthy cockatiel should have a clear sense of self. This means that each individual, as they mature into adulthood, has the same basic need: to be independent while still feeling safe, so they can enjoy many different relationships and levels of bonding during their lifetime. Observations: Dur ing the 1980s, I allowed my fir st cockatiels to be par ent raised in a colony enclosing 4 bonded & and eventually proven pairs. Through this process, the parents taught me a great many things. Cockatiel teach their offspring to fly, to eat, and to eventually to be independent. When a baby tried to fly unsuccessfully, the parents would swoop down, one on each side, and lift the baby into the air toward a perch. The parents would do this as many times as was necessary until the baby was successful. Soon the father of the babies, while still feeding the fledglings, would feed and then fly to the feeding station and begin to eat. The baby would follow and beg and beg. The father would continue eating and the baby would imitate the behavior. Once the baby was weaned, the father would push the baby away when it would try to follow the father around, continuing to do this until the baby went off on his own and ate, preened, or hung with his siblings. Setting Boundaries: All young bir ds need to know the ‘r ules of life’ so that they can live a happy, well-adjusted existence. This is also true of our children and other companion animals. It has been proven over the decades that individuals who understand and obey society’s laws are the most productive within that Society. Young cockatiels, who are allowed to manage their own life, end up on a path which is likely to result in over-dependence, one-person bonding, and other unsociable behaviors, such as biting. However, if a young bird is taught independence in a loving, nurturing way, it will soon experience opportunities for adventure, multiple relationships, and eventually become a productive, self-assured member of the flock, both human and avian. The Basket: The fir st step to developing independence in a newly-weaned baby cockatiel is to train the bird to a play stand, T-perch, or basket. I use unfinished baskets with a stable handle. They are inexpensive and safe and can be purchased at most craft stores. Bedding is placed inside the basket along with small hand-toys and edible items, such as spray millet and dried fruits. Initially, the baby(s) will instinctively hop off the basket and run to their ‘human parent’, but they should immediately be placed back on the basket rim repeatedly until they begin to investigate the toys and food provided there. Soon the baby(s) will learn to stay on the basket unless they are asked to step up. This teaches the baby (s) that they are safe a few feet away from their ‘human parent’. A bird is trained to the basket when as soon as it is placed in front of them, they run to it and start to chew and play. Page 20 April/May/June 2014 Verbal Commands: Allowing an untr ained cockatiel to have shoulder pr ivileges teaches the bird that they are ‘in charge’ of you. Clear signals should given to any cockatiel early on that you are the ‘flock leader’. Establish verbal commands such as ‘step up’, ‘step down’, ‘go play’, and if necessary ‘stop’. Begin with stepping up and down, using the basket or T-stand. When a baby insists on clinging to me, too often, I put the bird on the basket and say ‘go play’. Usually after a ‘cuddle session’, this is a good way to teach that there are limits to cuddling and it is now time to join the flock and eat, play, and preen. Occasionally, there will be an individual that will nip to get a ‘head rub’, or insist on climbing to the shoulder without being invited, and using the command ‘stop’ and putting the bird on the basket is recommended. This should be done until the baby accepts your decision. The Stubborn Baby: Occasionally, you will exper ience an individual that is particularly stubborn and insists on clinging to you no matter how consistent your training may be. In these cases, I work with the bird separately from the rest of the clutch and use an already trained ‘teacher bird’ for assistance. The baby sees the other bird following the commands and will begin to imitate the behavior, as long as the ‘flock leader’ repeatedly shows the baby how the trained cockatiel is responding. Retraining the spoiled cockatiel: Bad behaviors, such as allowing a young bird to run to your shoulder without being asked or allowing the bird to nip in order to get its head scratched, take a very short time to become established patterns. However, to retrain the bird to let go of the behavior takes much, much longer. Should you find yourself in this situation, you must immediately choose a ‘teacher bird’ to assist. Separate yourself from the bird by not allowing the bird to come to you. Re-establish training to the basket or T-stand and keep a distance between you. Before you can re-train the bird to follow your rules, you must first recognize that the bird is overbonded to you. You don’t want to break your bond, but you do want to loosen it so that the bird is more independent. Once this has been done, you can begin the training again with your verbal commends. Over the years I have found that the happiest companion cockatiels are those that understand the boundaries set for them. This creates an environment of peaceful co-existence between the cockatiel and their ‘human companion’, and allows multiple relationships from various levels of bonding between avian and human flock members to a tight, respectful bond with the chosen mate. National Cockatiel Society, Inc. Page 21 East Coast Exhibitors Group ECEG - Charlotte Caged Bird Society, 300 6th Street Belmont, NC April 12 @ 8:00 am April 13 @ 5:00 pm NCS Triple Show Event Weekend ~ Judy McElveen Memorial Show Class B Show – Judge Jeff Robinson Class C Show – Judge Phil Feret Class B Show – Judge Deb Dollar *** 3 NCS SHOWS , 3 NAPS SHOWS *** For more info, contact: To find hotel information, exact street addresses, information on how to affiliate your own NCS show, etc., please visit: www.cockatiels.org Mid-American Exotic Bird Society Edwards Building, Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbus Street Hilliard, OH 43026 May 3 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Dual NCS Show Event Class A Show – Judge Gary Morgan Class A Show – Judge Frank Horan *** 2 NCS SHOWS, 2 ALBS SHOWS, 2 NAPS SHOWS *** For more info, contact: Susan Stieve @ smstieve@gmailcom Page 22 Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Breeders & Exhibitors Holiday Inn RDU, 930 Airport Blvd. Mooresville, NC 27560 May 24 @ 8:00 am - May 25 @ 5:00 pm NCS Triple Cockatiel Event Weekend (3) Class C Shows – Judges TBD $69/nt – Group Code: BRD Complimentary shuttle to/from the RDU Airport *** 3 NCS SHOWS, 3 ALBS SHOWS, 3 NAPS SHOWS *** For more info, contact: New England Cockatiel Breeders & Exhibitors JONAH Community Center, 830 Oakland Beach Avenue Warwick, RI 02889 May 24 @ 8:00 am - May 25 @ 5:00 pm Dual NCS Show Event Weekend Class C Show – Judge Dr. Al Decoteau Class C Show – Judge Pat Tucker *** 2 NCS SHOWS, 2 ACS SHOWS, 4 SPBE SHOWS *** For more info, contact: Wendy LaBanca @ lovetiels@gmail.com Visit us on the web April/May/June 2014 Appalachian Bird Breeders & Exhibitors, 1652 Pisgah State Road Shermans Dale, PA 17090 June 14 @ 8:00 am - June 15 NCS Triple Show Event Weekend, Including the Northeastern Regional Show Class A Show – Judge Julia Allen Class B Show – Judge Royce Irwin Class B Show – Judge Pat Tucker East Coast Exhibitors Group August 9 @ 8:00 am August 10 @ 5:00 pm Dual NCS Class A Shows, including the Southeastern Regional Show Judges: Sabrina Hull, 2nd Judge TBA Hotel: Doubletree Hotel Columbia 2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC. 29210 Dual NCS Shows ~ Dual ACS Shows ~ Quad Parrot Shows ACS Judges: Wendy LaBanca, 2nd Judge TBA Parrot Judges: Bert McAulay, Leslie Huegerich, Wendy Labanca, and Julie Mitchell For more info, contact: Leslie Huegerich at National Cockatiel Society, Inc. NCS 2014 Specialty Show August 29 - August 31 NCS QUAD Show Event Weekend, featuring the 2014 Specialty Show and the Double Points Show. (4) NCS Cockatiel Shows – including the Specialty Show, Double Points Show and a Baby Show and (4) NAPS Parrot Shows NCS Judges: Jeff Robinson (Specialty Show), Wendy Lomas Jendro (Double Points Show), Regular NCS Show Julia Allen, Deb Dollar (Baby Show) NAPS Judges: Jeff Robinson, Deb Dollar, Jim Heffernan, Leslie Huegerich Friday, 8/29/14: 6pm (check-in birds at 5:15pm) Baby Show and (1) Parrot Show Saturday: 8/30/14: 7:30am: check-in birds 9:30am – 5pm: Two NCS Shows (including the NCS Specialty Show); Two Parrot Shows Sunday: 8/31/14: 7:30am: check-in birds 9:30am – 2pm: NCS Double Points Show and (1) Parrot Show Page 23 NCS Specialty Show Brookside Resort, Gatlinburg, TN 463 East Parkway August 29 – 31, 2014 (4) NCS Shows: NCS Specialty Show ~ NCS Double Points Show ~ NCS Baby Show ~ NCS Show (4) NAPS Parrots Shows NCS Judges: Jeff Robinson (Specialty Show), Wendy Jendro (Double Points Show), Regular NCS Show Julia Allen, Deb Dollar (Baby Show) NAPS Judges: Jeff Robinson, Deb Dollar, Jim Heffernan, Leslie Huegerich Tentative Agenda (we will update as we finalize plans): Friday: 4pm: Board Meeting 5:15pm: check-in birds 6pm: NCS Baby Show & NAPS Parrot Show #1 Saturday: 7:30am: check-in birds 9:30am - 5pm: Two NCS Shows; Two Parrot Shows Sunday: 7:30am: check-in birds 9:30am – 2pm: 1 NCS Show; 1 Parrot Show For more information contact: Ellen O’Neill, ncsshows@gmail.com Page 24 April/May/June 2014 Show Rules NCS Shows: NCS Specialty Show ~ NCS Double Points Show ~ NCS Baby Show ~ NCS Show (4) NAPS Parrots Shows 1. Entry fees: $5 per tag per show, cap at 10 birds per Division. Pre-order: July 16 – August 21, 2014 for $4 per tag per show, cap at 10 birds per Division. Pre-ordered cage tags will be available starting Thursday, August 28, 2014 2. Separate entry forms are required for each Division (ie. Cockatiels, Parrots), as well as for the NCS Baby Show. 3. Entry forms must be completely filled out (electronic forms, print out 2 copies), and used as follows: Copy 1 or White: Submitted to the Show Secretaries by noon on Friday, August 29, 2014. Copy 2 or Yellow: Submitted to the Show Stewards with entries. Friday shows: Birds will be received in the show hall between 4:30pm-5:15pm Friday. Friday Judging will begin promptly at 6:00pm. Saturday/Sunday Shows: Birds will be received between 7am-7:30am (Saturday/Sunday). Saturday/Sunday Judging will begin promptly at 9:30am. 4. To compete in the Baby Show – birds must be bred and banded with this year’s band. 5. Show cage: Only one bird per show cage. The floor of the cage should be covered with a layer of seed. Avoid seed with colored dyes, which may stain light-colored feathers and detract from the bird's appearance. 6. Only the show team and appointed team members will be allowed behind the show benches, no exceptions! 7. All entries must be the property of the exhibitor at least thirty days prior to the show. Any bird purchased within one year from a judge cannot be shown in the NCS Division shows when that judge is officiating in that Division at the show. 8. The Show Managers or the Judges have the authority to reject any bird showing any signs of illness. Exhibitors accept all risk to their birds. Every possible attention will be given to the care of the birds, but the NCS and sponsoring clubs will not be held responsible for any accident, mistake, loss, theft or damage that may occur to any exhibit. 9. No animals will be permitted in the kitchen, no exceptions! NCS reserves the right to amend and add to these rules. Show Managers: Ellen O’Neil & Leslie Huegerich National Cockatiel Society, Inc. Page 25 NCS BAND ORDER REGULAR BANDS 25 for $17.25 50 for $28.75 75 for $40.75 100 for $53.00 200 for $103.50 LARGE BANDS 25 for $19.75 50 for $32.25 75 for $45.00 100 for $57.50 200 for $108.00 Band codes must include a two-digit number followed by a letter e.g. (77B). Please select three choices. If none of your choices are available an alternate code will be assigned to you. Bands are numbered 01-25, 26-50, etc. If your first order was 01-25, your second order for the same year would begin with the number 26. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. NCS Member #________________ Date: _____________ Name:_______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ City:_________________________ State: _______ Zip: _______ Email: _____________________________ Phone: ____________ Band Code Choices: 1st: ______ 2nd: _______ 3rd: _______ Band Size: _____________ Bands to begin with number: _____________ Year: _________ Total # of bands ordered: _____________ Amount Enclosed: ___________________ Please send all payments made out to the National Cockatiel Society to: NCS Membership c/o Deb Dollar, Treasurer Page 26 April/May/June 2014 NATIONAL COCKATIEL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Date: _____________ Name:_____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City: ____________________________________ State: ________________________ Zip Code: ________ Phone: _________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________ 1 Year Membership Single $21.00 _________ Family $26.00 _______ 3 Year Membership Single $55.00 _________ Family $70.00 ________ Internet Membership $9.95 Must apply online at www.cockatiels.org NCS REGISTERED AVIARY $20 includes your registered aviary listed on the NCS website. Advertise your aviary with the most popular cockatiel website on the internet with over 1.6 MILLION hits per month. Registered Aviary: $20.00 year ly Aviary Name: _______________________________________ Website: ___________________________________________ TOTAL ENCLOSED: _____________ National Cockatiel Society Page 27 ADVERTISE IN THE NCS JOURNAL Classified line ads: $.30 per word for one time insertion, $7.50 minimum. There is a 5% discount for 4 insertions when prepaid. Ad copy cannot change during this 4-insertion period. Ads MUST contain the owner or aviary name. Make checks payable to the NCS and mail payment to: Deb Dollar, P.O. Box 12058, Brooksville, FL 34603 Please e-mail your ads to: Julia Allen ncsjulie@aol.com (Note: NCS assumes no responsibility for the validity of any Advertiser’s Journal Advertising (Rates per issue subject to change) The Cover Photo and the inside Centerfold are not available to advertisers at this time. Inside Front Cover $150 (color) Inside Back Cover $150 (color) Outside Back Cover $200 (color) Full Page (4.5X7.5) $40 Half Page (4.5X3.75) $25 1/4 or Business Card $15 NCS Print specifications All copy, photos and ads submitted, including the “coverbird” are subject to the approval by the NCS Journal Editor and Ad Manager. NCS Coverbirds should be of exceptional professional quality. The NCS reserves the reprint rights of all photography including, but not limited to, the respective NCS Journal and NCS Online. NCS retains full copyrights on all articles written exclusively for the Page 28 April/May/June 2014
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