(ABN ) VOLUME 22: ISSUE 9 OCTOBER 2016 PRICE $2.50 PATRONS MIKE ANDERSON MIKE CANNON

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(ABN 28 078 663 867) VOLUME 22: ISSUE 9 OCTOBER 2016 PRICE $2.50 PATRONS MIKE ANDERSON MIKE CANNON QLD NSW THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF: THE NATIVE COCKATIEL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA INC. PO BOX 8391, GLENMORE PARK. NSW. 2745

2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE COMMITTEE & CONTACTS PAGE 3 PRESIDENTS REPORT PAGE 4 BREEDERS PAGE PAGE 5 ALL COCKATIEL TABLE SHOW SCHEDULE PAGES 6-7 OLIVE COCKATIEL PAGE 10 BUY SWAP & SELL PAGE 12 CLUB SHIRT ORDER FORM PAGE 13 BURKES BACKYARD ROAD TEST PAGES 14-15 LEG RING INFORMATION PAGE 16 NCSA SHOW S POINT SCORE TALLY PAGE 17 COMMON INJURIES & FIRST AID PAGE 18 INTRODUCED BIRDS, THE SPARROW PAGE 19 BLAST FROM THE PAST PAGE 20 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION PAGE 20 TENTATIVE CALENDAR 2015 PAGE 22

3 The Native Cockatiel Society of Australia Inc. President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Editor Committee Ring Steward Show Manager MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Federation Informant PATRICK WAITE PETER GALEA RON LYNN RON LYNN PATRICK WAITE JUDIT PRESTIDGE BRIAN WATERS MELISSA GALEA DAVID MORTON BRIAN WATERS JOHN BOSTROVAS ROB HARROD VAL NEWMAN VAL NEWMAN KEITH GALLAGHER The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Society, its Members or the Management Committee. The Native Cockatiel Society of Australia Inc. cannot endorse any advertisers product/s or services. All letters sent to the Editor or Secretary become the property of the Native Cockatiel Society of Australia Inc. and are subject to editing and publication unless specific exemption is requested. The Native Cockatiel Society of Australia Inc. reserves all rights in N.C.S.A. NEWS. No matter shall be reprinted without the permission of the Society. NEXT GENERAL MEETING 10th of OCTOBER 2016 @ Melrose Hall Corner of Great Western Hwy & Park Street, Emu Plains NSW 7.30 pm NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING (4 th Tuesday of the Month) Unless changed to suit 25th of OCTOBER 2016 @ Unit 15/19-21 Seton Road Moorebank NSW 7.30pm CONTACT NUMBERS PATRICK WAITE 0467 20 30 40 PETER GALEA 0420 771 676 RON LYNN 0418 696 583 BRIAN WATERS 02 9822 8840 EMAIL ADDRESSES : secretary@cockatiel.org.au editor@cockatiel.org.au WEBSITE: www.cockatiel.org.au

4 Presidents Report Dear Members, At our next meeting we ll be holding the final Table Show for 2016, The All Cockatiel Table Show. Exhibiters are encouraged to bring along all types of cockatiels, as there is no restriction on mutations. The Show Schedule is in this issue of NCSA News. John Bostrovas has been somewhat ill as of late, he had a small stint in hospital and we wish John a speedy recovery. Keep in mind that Membership renewals commence next month, payment can be made anytime from now. Tarred and Feathered : Patrick Waite Left is NCSA club Committee Person, Melissa Galea, presenting Patrick Waite, The Peoples Choice Award, from the Whiteface Table Show held Monday 8/8/2016. Patrick won this award for his Whiteface Olive Cock bird. The Pet Directory Proudly supporting the NCSA. Find all your bird needs as well as avian bird vets, bird minders, bird articles, bird transport and more. Visit now!

5 BREEDER S PAGE Penrith NSW Dean 0411 578 996 Hassall Grove NSW Colin 0410 652 786 Colyton NSW Adam 0490 130 794 Mt. Warrigal NSW Enid 02 4296 5099 Armidale NSW Matt 0457 527 591 Moorebank NSW Brian 02 9822 8840 Wattle Grove NSW Patrick 0467 20 30 40 Orange NSW Tricia 02 6361 4872 Orange NSW Mick 02 6362 0030 Orange NSW Anthony 0432 882 838 Shepparton VIC Teagan 03 5826 7211 Grafton NSW Kim 0416 062 947 Kingswood NSW David 0412 815 129 Glenhaven NSW Judit 0402 566 678 Lurnea NSW John 0401 456 197 Lurnea NSW Danielle 0416 511 747 Use this Page to find other Breeder s in your area or List your name to let others know where you are. Contact Patrick Waite on 0467 20 30 40 Or email.. editor@cockatiel.org.au to have your name listed here

THE ALL COCKATIEL TABLE SHOW WILL BE HELD AT OUR MEETING 10 TH OCTOBER 2016 AT EMU PLAINS SHOW SCHEDULE CLASS 1. NORMAL COCK 2. NORMAL HEN 3. PIED AC-AV 4. PEARL AC-AV 5. PEARL PIED AC-AV 6. COCK AOC-AOV 7. HEN AOC-AOV 8. WHITEFACE NORMAL COCK 9. WHITEFACE NORMAL HEN 10. WHITEFACE PIED AC-AV 11. WHITEFACE PEARL AC-AV 12. WHITEFACE PEARL PIED AC-AV 13. WHITEFACE COCK AOC-AOV 14. WHITEFACE HEN AOC-AOV 6 PRIZES CHAMPION: CERTIFICATE RESERVE CHAMPION: CERIFICATE CLASSES 1 14: $5 PER CLASS. PLACE CARDS WILL ALSO BE AWARDED. PEOPLE S CHOICE AWARD: CERTIFICATE (if time permits) REQUIREMENTS Standard Cockatiel Show boxes are not required, although recommended. Each show box/cage is to be clean, complete with a standard feeder (LHS) and drinker (RHS), and A4 white paper is to cover the floor. No seed or water in the feeder or drinker please. Judges = Margaret & Keith Gallagher

Example Mutations Class Normal Cock 1 Normal Hen 2 Lutino 6 (cock or unknown sex) or 7 (hen) Lutino Cinnamon 6 (cock or unknown sex) or 7 (hen) Lutino Pied 3 Lutino Pearl 4 Cinnamon Cock 6 Cinnamon Hen 7 Cinnamon Pied 3 Cinnamon Pearl 4 Pied 3 Pearl 4 Pearl Pied 5 Platinum Hen 7 Platinum Pied 3 Pastel Silver Cock 6 Pastel Silver Pearl 4 West Coast Silver Hen 7 Silver Spangle Cock 6 Pastelface Cock 6 Pastelface Cinnamon hen 7 Pastelface Platinum Pearl 4 Whiteface Cock 8 Whiteface Hen 9 Whiteface Cinnamon Hen 14 Whiteface Cinnamon Pearl Pied 12 Whiteface Lutino (Albino) 13 (cock or unknown sex) or 14 (hen) Whiteface Lutino Cinnamon 13 (cock or unknown sex) or 14 (hen) Whiteface Pied 10 Whiteface Platinum Hen 14 Whiteface Platinum Pearl Pied 12 Whiteface Silver Spangle Cock 13 Whiteface Pastel Silver Cock 13 Whiteface Pastel Silver Pied Cock 10 Note: If the sex of the cockatiel is unknown and there is a cock class for that mutation (i.e. classes 1, 6, 8 and 13), then the bird must be put in the cock class 7

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10 REPRINTED COURTESY OF www.justcockatiels.net

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12 Sell Judit 0402 566 678 Cockatiels: 2x Normal Split Olive & Pastelface Cocks $40 Each. 1 Young Olive Cock $70. 1 Mature Whiteface Pearl Split Pastel Silver & Pied $50. 1 Young Whiteface Pastel Silver Platinum Pearl Pied Hen $70. 1 Young Whiteface Cinnamon Pied Hen Possible Split To Pastel Silver $50. For Further Information Contact Judit on 0402 566 678 (Hills District) (201610) Sell Tricia 0400 321 808 Cockatiels: Young Pastelfaces as well as other colours and different aged cockatiels. $30 Each Negotiable. Will Not Freight. Pick Up Only. For Further Information Contact Tricia on 0400 321 808 (Orange) (201609) Wanted Fabio 0411 303 795 Cockatiels: Looking For A Hen, Pastel Silver or Split Pastel Silver, Can Be Normal, Pearl or Pied, Whiteface or Pastelface. Also a Mature Cock, Lutino or Whiteface Lutino, may be Split Pearl or Pied, no Cinnamon Please. For Further Information Contact Fabio on 0411 303 795 (Wollongong) (201610) Sell Patrick 0467 20 30 40 Cockatiel Show Boxes : I have some good used show boxes for sale. $35 each For Further Information Contact Patrick on 0467 20 30 40 (Wattle Grove) (201610)

13 The Native Cockatiel Society of Australia Inc. Club Shirt Order Form NAME SIZES : MENS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL 1/2 CHEST CM 53 55.5 58 60 63 65.5 68 70.5 WOMENS 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 1/2 BUST CM 43.5 46 48 51 53.5 56 58.5 61 63.5 CHILDS 4 6 8 10 12 14 1/2 CHEST CM 38.5 41 43.5 45 48 51 QUANTITY NAME AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON SHIRT AMOUNT INCLUDED @ $40 PER SHIRT We have organised new club shirts to be made. The one below is a new one. Your name will appear on the opposite side to the logo. The back will be plain. Please fill in the order form below and give to Peter or Melissa Galea or one of the committee. Payment must be included with your order.

14 Burkes Backyard Cockatiel Road Test Breed: Cockatiel Temperament: usually affectionate, individuals can vary Cost: from $20 plus for pets, more for show quality Lifespan: 15 years Recommended for: beginners and families Maintenance: medium Appearance Cockatiels are small to medium sized native parrots (slightly larger than a budgerigar) weighing around 90-120 grams and measuring about 300-330mm in length. Cockatiels in the wild are grey in colour. They are dimorphic (the adult hen and cock can be visually sexed according to colour and patterns). The cock has a bright yellow head and crest with an orange ear patch whilst the hen is a duller grey in colour, although she does have areas of orange on the head. As a result of captive breeding efforts Cockatiels are now available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and combinations. These include Pied, Lutino, Albino, Pearl, Cinnamon, Silver, Platinum, Fallow, Whiteface, Yellowface and Lacewing Temperament Cockatiels enjoy human contact and can be petted. However, their personalities vary greatly and not all birds make good pets. Hand-reared birds are the best choice. They are intelligent birds, and unless they receive regular attention and companionship they can get frustrated and develop behavioural problems such as shrieking for attention, and feather plucking. History The Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is the smallest member of the cockatoo family. It is also known as the Quarrion or the Weero. It was first recorded in 1781 during Captain Cook s voyage to Australia. Dr John Latham, one of Cook s officers, described it as a Crested Parakeet. This Australian native bird is generally recognised as a nomadic (wandering) species, which can still be found in the wild in most parts of Australia (particularly in inland regions). The French are said to have started breeding Cockatiels in captivity sometime prior to 1850. Health and lifespancockatiels are hardy birds with few health problems, providing they are properly looked after. They must have access to fresh water and their cage should be kept out of draughts, as they catch colds easily. Ideally birds should be let out of the cage for regular exercise but they should be caged at night for their own protection. They live for about 15 years. Feeding Cockatiels should be fed a good, small parrot seed mix and receive a regular supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. They love corn on the cob, which is high in Vitamin A. Celery, pumpkin, carrots, beans, apples and peas are all suitable. Native foods such as eucalyptus, wattle, casuarina, bottlebrush and melaleuca are also enjoyed by Cockatiels. They should have access to water, as well as cuttlefish and/or calcium and iodine bells at all times. Care should be taken to locate food and water away from perches to avoid fouling.

15 Breeding These birds are prolific breeders and will breed at just about any time of year. Hens over twelve months old are mature enough to breed, but only a maximum of two clutches per year should be allowed and breeding in the heat of summer should be avoided. Cockatiels lay between five to seven eggs, usually on alternate days. Both the hen and cock share the incubation, which lasts from 18 to 21 days. After hatching the chicks grow rapidly. They fledge at around five weeks of age, and can generally feed themselves by the time they are seven to eight weeks of age. Cost Enid Robinson, Secretary of the NSW Cockatiel Club, says that the cost of a Cockatiel is determined by the colour, the age of the bird (breeding aged hens cost more than younger birds) and whether it has been hand reared or not. Grey cockatiels are the least popular and are therefore the cheapest. Prices start around $20 and go up to $100 for the more popular colours. Some common colours today were rare and very expensive a decade or so ago (for example a whiteface cock a male until recently could cost $1000). The rare mutations (such as the green, blue or pastel faced) can still fetch up to $1000 amongst enthusiasts. Housepet potential Tame birds can be released to fly inside the house after the necessary precautions have been taken. These include turning ceiling fans and heaters off, removing hot pans from the stove, closing laundry and bathroom doors and putting other pets out. Cockatiels moult and drop feathers in Autumn. When they groom themselves they produce a soft down and a white powder. Some people may be allergic to this powder. Space and exercise Cockatiels can be housed in single pairs, in large colonies or with mixed collections of parrots and other birds. They live in flocks in the wild, so a solitary bird is not usually very happy. The tall, narrow cages which are sold in pet shops are not suitable, because birds fly horizontally. Cages around 80cm x 60cm x 60cm with horizontal rather than vertical bars are recommended. These can be homemade from aviary weldmesh. If possible pet Cockatiels should be allowed out of their cages regularly for exercise. If this is not possible, the size of the cage is more important and should be larger than those of birds who get regular exercise. Ideal owner Cockatiels are usually affectionate and enjoy the company of people. They make suitable pets for just about anyone, and are well suited to people who live in flats or nursing homes where space is limited. Trainability Cockatiels whistle rather than talk. Cocks are usually easier to teach to talk, although the ability to talk and mimic varies from bird to bird. Having two birds will not affect their ability to learn to talk. Further Information: The Australian National Cockatiel Society Web: www.cockatielsociety.org.au The Native Cockatiel Society of Australia Inc. Enid Robinson Mob: 1412 696 777 Web: www.cockatiel.org.au

16 2016 LEG RING Prices CLOSED CLUB RINGS (NCSA-NUMBERED) $60.00 per 100 SPLIT RINGS (Assorted Colours) $60.00 per 100 Postage & Handling $3.00 PAYMENT CAN BE CASH, CHEQUE OR DIRECT DEPOSIT TO : NCSA BSB No : 802058 Account No : 22976 Minimum order quantity 10 Rings can be ordered from VAL NEWMAN Phone: (02) 9602-2242 or PATRICK WAITE Phone: 0467 20 30 40 AUSTRALIAN BIRD LEG RING COLOUR SEQUENCE 2015 VIOLET 2016 ORANGE 2017 DARK BLUE 2018 RED 2019 BLACK 2020 GREEN 2021 VIOLET 2022 ORANGE 2023 DARK BLUE 2024 RED

17 NCSA CLUB SHOW S POINT SCORE 2016 Show points will be accumulated to the end of the year. The winner will receive the perpetual Cockatiel Challenge Trophy and Replica. Points are awarded as follows: 3 Points, 1st in Class 6 Points, Champion Cockatiel 2 Points, 2nd in Class 4 Points, Reserve Champion 1 Point, 3rd in Class Juvenile Non W/F Whiteface Cockatiel 14.3.16 11.4.16 8.8.16 10.10.16 John Bostrovas: 17 24 23 Judit Prestidge: 27 19 16 Rob Harrod: 19 - - Patrick Waite - 5 6

18 Common Bird Injuries & First Aid Dr. Race Foster holding a bird In the ideal world, you would start with a healthy bird and then maintain its environment and diet in such a way as to keep it healthy. In the real world, it does not always work that way. By familiarizing oneself with what is normal, one can determine what is abnormal. The owner is in the best position to determine that the bird is not right. You may not know what is wrong (that is what your veterinarian spent years at school learning), but you know something is wrong. Some basic information will give you a starting point for determining when your pet bird needs to see the veterinarian. If you have any doubt about your bird's health, consult with your veterinarian who can help diagnose and treat the problem. Birds can hide illness for a long time. In the wild, they would become someone's lunch if they showed signs of weakness or illness. In our homes, birds still hide their illness. One of the easiest ways to monitor the bird's health is to weigh the bird on a monthly basis. If the bird is losing weight and you don't have it on a diet, it is probably ill. Some of the most common injuries or illnesses are listed below with at-home care instructions which buy time to get the bird to the veterinarian. Broken blood feather Broken blood feathers can cause what appears to be a lot of blood loss. They are relatively easy to treat. At home, pack the broken shaft with styptic powder or flour. Apply minimal pressure with a gauze or telfa pad while traveling to the veterinarian. At the clinic, the veterinarian will probably pull out the bleeding shaft. If you have been shown how to do this, it is something you can do at home. The bleeding stops after the shaft has been removed. Small wounds or abrasions If bite wounds are small, superficial, and not bleeding, clean with betadine or hydrogen peroxide. Use a tweezers to remove any dirt or feathers. Then apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment. It should heal within a couple of days. Do not allow the bird to pick at it. In case of deeper cuts or wounds, seek veterinary advise as further treatment may be necessary. By Dr. Jennifer Prince, DVM Drs. Foster & Smith's Veterinary Staff

19 INTRODUCED BIRDS in BACKYARDS House Sparrow Scientific Name: Passer domesticus Featured bird groups: Introduced birds What does it look like? Description: House Sparrows are actually large finches.they are usually seen in small to medium-sized groups, but may occur in huge numbers. The male has a conspicuous grey crown, black face and throat, and dark black and brown upperparts. The remainder of the under parts are pale grey-brown. When breeding, the black of the throat extends to the chest and upper belly. The bill also changes from brown to black. The female is slightly paler than the male and lacks the grey crown and black face, instead having a pale buff eye stripe. Young House Sparrows are similar to the adult female, but are duller with some mottling on the crown, and have a darker bill. Similar species: Another similar, related species is the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, which is found only in southern New South Wales and central Victoria. Both the male and female Tree Sparrow are similar in appearance to the male House Sparrow, but have an all-brown crown and black cheek patch. These are both introduced species, being 'Old World Sparrows'. Distribution: The House Sparrow was introduced from Britain between 1863 and 1870. Firstly in Victoria, but later into other areas including Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart. It quickly established itself in urban areas throughout eastern Australia. Habitat: House Sparrows occur in and around human habitation, as well as cultivated areas and some wooded country. Seasonal movements: Usually stay in the same region all year round, but may be partially migratory in some areas. Feeding: One reason for the successful establishment of the House Sparrow in Australia and, indeed, all over the world, is its ability to feed on a wide range of foodstuffs. Birds eat insects, spiders, berries, seeds, flower buds and scraps of food discarded by humans. There are many reports of birds entering canteens in buildings to feed, with birds even learning to activate automatic doors in order to gain entry. Breeding: Male and female House Sparrows form permanent pair bonds. Both sexes build the nest and care for the young, though the female alone incubates the eggs. The nest is a large, untidy ball of grass, wool and feathers, lined with feathers and finer plant material. It is usually located in suitable areas in buildings, such as roof voids and crevices in walls, but may be placed under bridges, in thick bushes or in tree hollows. Several broods may be produced in the extended breeding season

20 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION PAGE THE $50 MEMBERS DRAW FOR AUGUST WAS WON by REG CROSS * RAFFLE RESULTS PAIR OF BUDGIES : PATRICK WAITE $25 PETFOOD & WIRE VOUCHER : COLIN LEVINGE BAG OF PELLETS : COLIN LEVINGE * COME ALONG FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE PRIZE OF $10 AT OUR OCTOBER MEETING... * YOU MUST BE A FINANCIAL MEMBER, BE IN ATTENDANCE AND HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD AT THE MEETING WITH YOU TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN * AT EACH MEETING YOU CAN PICK UP & LEAVE YOUR CARD WITH THE SECRETARY RON LYNN, WHO WILL BRING IT ALONG TO EACH MEETING. BLAST FROM THE PAST 2001

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22 THE NATIVE COCKATIEL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA INC. MEETINGS. DATE 2016 LOCATION 10th OCTOBER: ALL COCKATIEL TABLE SHOW EMU PLAINS 14th NOVEMBER: AUCTION AND CENT SALE EMU PLAINS 12th DECEMBER: CHRISTMAS PARTY & AGM ST MARY S BAND CLUB Anyone with stories or photograph s that would be suitable for our magazine, please forward to the editor at: editor@cockatiel.org.au MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS COMMENCE NEXT MONTH

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