National Finch & Softbill Society

Journal of the

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No. 903 No. National Finch & Topeka, KS Topeka, Permit Permit First Class Mail Class First U.S. Postage Postage U.S.

Softbill Society Vol. 26, No. 3 May / June 2009 21 Oakcrest Rd S. Weymouth, MA 02190 MA Weymouth, S.

May / June 2009

www.nfss.org 1 May / June 2009

NFSS Mission Statement The National Finch & Softbill Society is dedicated to the introduction of the enjoyment of keeping and breeding Finches and Softbills to all interested parties, enhance the knowledge of our members in keeping and care of these birds, encourage breeding programs, and cooperate with organizations for the preservation of aviculture in this country.

Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society

Publisher: The National Finch & Softbill Society - www.nfss.org Issue Editor: Tom Keegan Designer: J. M. Tavenner NFSS Principal Address: 918 Georgia Avenue Etowah, TN 37331

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society is published bimonthly by NFSS.

Submitting Materials for Publication: All materials should be submitted to 2nd Vice President Tom Keegan, 21 Oakcrest Rd., S. Weymouth, MA 02190, (781) 335-3927, [email protected]. NFSS members are encouraged to submit articles, drawings, and photographs. NFSS reserves the right to edit and/or reject all written, photographic, and advertising materials submitted for publication to the Journal. Deadline for time- sensitive submissions: 15th day of Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, & Oct for following issue.

Editorial Policy/Disclaimer: NFSS-affiliated clubs have permission to reprint all articles and photographs with the following exceptions: All articles and photos labeled “All Rights Reserved” require the copyright owner’s permission and all “Reprinted by Per- mission of” articles require written permission from the originating source. Opinions expressed or facts reported in articles and published in the Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, NFSS, or its Board of Directors. Publishing of advertise- ments in the Journal does not imply endorsement by NFSS. NFSS assumes no responsibility for advertisers’ claims or the quality of their products or services.

Journal and NFSS Dues: New memberships and late renewals (expired membership) received after the fifteenth of the first month of Journal publication will receive six issues beginning with the following Journal. Cutoff dates are as follows: January 15, March 15, May 15, July 15, September 15, November 15.

Cover: Lavender Waxbill fledglings. Photo courtesy of Tom Keegan.

Advertising Rates Covers (color – inside & out) $90.00/Issue or $450.00/Year; Full Page (B&W) 60.00/Issue or $306.00/Year; Half-Page (B&W) $40.00/Issue or $204.00/Year; Quarter-Page (B&W) $20.00/Issue or $102.00/Year. Ms. Gail Benson, – 144 N. Clyde Ave., Palatine, IL 60067, (847) 963-1926, or Email [email protected]

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 2 May / June 2009 In Memoriam - Ian Hinze (1953 - 2008)

It was with great sadness that I learned of the articles detailed his experience in breeding passing of my friend Ian Hinze on Decem- finches and other small seed-eaters indoors. ber 18, 2008, due to the complications from Many of his articles focused on the lighting, pneumonia. It was only a few days before plants and other husbandry details that he that we had exchanged emails concerning successfully used. Ian was particularly fasci- the care of Crimson Seedcrackers (Pyrenes- nated by the fire finch family, and was the tes sanguineusis) for the new waxbill book he first person in the UK to breed the Mali or was planning to publish this year. Kulikoro (Lagonsticta virata) in 2001.

While I never had the good fortune to visit Ian will be greatly missed by all of us who the UK and meet Ian personally, we frequent- are fascinated by aviculture, and our sincere ly corresponded by e-mail, and became fast condolences go to his family. friends. Ian was a prolific author, whose articles were featured in various publications throughout the world (including the NFSS Harry Bryant Journal).

He wrote mostly about waxbills and related species of the family Estrildidae, and his

Table of Contents President’s Message Page 4

2008 Show Reports Page 7

2009 NFSS General Election Page 18

Writing Your Biography When Running for NFSS Office Page 28

Breeding and Showing Finches in Puerto Rico Page 29 by Orlando Rivera

The 2008 National Cage Bird Show Page 33 by Cecil Gunby

Aviculture’s Future is Now: Page 36 Establishing Estrildid Finches in Captivity by Scott Golden May / June 2009 President’s Message

Legislation

correspondences from members like you in NFSS and other similar organizations, the legislative committee has agreed to look at amending the bill, but ecently the House of Repre- it is not dead yet. If you become aware sentative Bill HR 669 was in- of legislation that has the potential to af- troduced to committee and a fect our hobby, please contact Roland hearing was held to receive or myself or any member of the board input from interested par- of directors and we will help to spread ties.R This bill, called the “The Nonna- the word. Use the NFSS forums to edu- tive Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act,” cate other members because alone we would in effect ban the importation, have little influence but together we can interstate movement and procession of accomplish much. most birds, fish, reptiles and small animals, other than cats, dogs and farm This year is an election year and I en- animals. If one were to move out of courage all to consider running for a state you would not be able to take your position on the Board of Directors. We birds with you. You could not breed are a volunteer organization and it your birds and you could not take them takes many people donating their time to a show out of state. This bill would and talent to keep the Society running. also be devastating to the billion dollar Fresh ideas and motivated individuals industry that supports pets in the United are always welcome. If you would like States with food and other supplies. If to lend some assistance in other than our organization and hobby and others an election office, you can contact Tom like it are to survive, we must remain Keegan (Email: [email protected]). We constantly vigilant for legislation that are often seeking volunteers to help threatens to eliminate what we have in areas that do not require a full time come to love. Our Legislative Liaison Ro- elected commitment. land Cristo (Email: [email protected]) does Again I would like to thank all those an exceptional job of keeping us aware that have taken the time to contact their of pending legislation that impacts our legislators on the behalf of aviculture Society and I thank him. Cecile Aguil- and ask that we all continue to do so. era (Email: [email protected]), our Webmaster, is outstanding at keeping the NFSS website current. Check it out Respectfully, at www.NFSS.org . It is very informa- tive and includes all the information you Bob Peers need to contact representatives to voice President your opinions. Thanks to thousands of National Finch and Softbill Society

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The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 6 May / June 2009 2008 Show Reports Cecil Gunby, 4th VP Judges Panel Chair

Following this brief introduction is the 2008 show reports and points awards. There were 31 shows this year, down from previous years. But given the effects of the economy and fund raising activity on the local level, it wasn’t a bad year.

Softbills were very popular on the show bench this year due to their great condition, and their beauty and uniqueness didn’t hurt a thing, and hopefully in 2009 we will see more participation in the show circuit. Congratulations to all the winners as several of our usual champion exhibitors did well again this year. Several noticeable points to me this year were Dennis Burhans winning the National show with a very nice Zebra Cock and a young novice exhibitor from Canada had two gouldians on the top bench. Shows what dedication to the hobby can do. K.J. Brown had an exceptional year with great birds and active participation, and many others did well and participated for the first time. We have voted on the board to award double points to all regional shows this year, so those of you in clubs that you might think would like to host the regional in your area please contact our Awards and Affilia- tions director and apply for the show.

Recently on the NFSS Yahoo! forum the talk has been about the survivability of our organization, and speaking from longevity as long as NFSS has been around there have always been ups and downs and comings and goings within NFSS but the core has always held. All need to keep perspective and remember that the reason we all are here is for the love of our hobby and we must remember that it is sup- posed to be FUN.

In closing, let me mention a few items. There is a new Zebra Standard approved for this coming show season and the new edition of the Judge’s Handbook will soon be available on the web site along with the listing of affiliates and their show dates, so please check it out and plan to attend a few shows close to you, and some further away if you are so inclined. You will find that you meet a lot of other members and can have some time to share your hobby experiences with them and share your opinions about NFSS with some of the board members. After all, the success of NFSS depends one each of you individually not your elected representatives.

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ANNOUNCING!! 2009 NFSS General Election

NFSS Bylaws specify that an election length of the meetings will depend on will be held every two years to elect the the number of items on the agenda and officers of the Society. All elected and the amount of discussion. Internet acces- appointed offices are open to current sibility on a daily basis is necessary for members who are encouraged to seek each candidate for NFSS office. an office. Board members are strongly encour- Serving on the NFSS Board of Directors aged to participate in discussions and is an honor, a responsibility, and a com- respond to questions from other board mitment of time in addition to the respon- members in a timely manner. Elected offi- sibilities of your office. Board meetings cers should vote during the official meet- are held four times yearly. Three are ings. Between meetings, the Officers Fo- held online and the 4th quarter Board rum online Yahoo! group is also active. meeting will be conducted prior to the annual membership meeting held at Board members whose departments the NCBS (it may be necessary to con- have a budget present annual budgets clude the 4th qtr. meeting online). The to the board for consideration, and are

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 18 May / June 2009 required to submit a detailed account NFSS ELECTED OFFICERS of their expenditures and income to the The first paragraph for each officer treasurer on a monthly basis. In addition, below is the NFSS bylaws description officers must prepare quarterly reports to of the responsibilities of that office. It the Board of Directors. Knowledge of the is followed by the amount of time re- most current NFSS Bylaws is essential quired. The second paragraph is a and a basic understanding of Roberts practical application/description of Rules of Order is extremely helpful. these responsibilities.

The board’s duty is to lead the organi- President: zation in its mission and to keep it finan- cially and legally viable. It is extremely The President of NFSS shall preside important that each board candidate over all Board of Directors meetings, understand fully the responsibilities of annual membership meetings, and at- the office they intend to fill, the mini- tend to the day to day operations of mum time spent per week for that office, the Society. He/she shall abide by the and the time spent in general with the bylaws of the Society, coordinate and Board of Directors. delegate the activities of the other officers of NFSS All candidates should contact the current officer (listed within the Journal) Time requirements: 4 to 12 hours a week. and discuss the position with them. Upon election, each new officer will Practical application: As leader of be given a document containing infor- NFSS, the President must be cognizant mation related to their position to help at all times of the issues facing avicul- them assume their responsibilities. ture and relay this information to the NFSS Board of Directors. He/she repre- Every person who intends to become a sents NFSS in the avicultural community candidate for any office will be required and must conduct himself/herself in a to submit a bio/resume to the chairman proper manner. In addition he/she must of the nominating committee, stating their be available to members of the Board background and experience, in 300 of Directors and monitor internet NFSS words or less by June 15. Submit the bio Forums and make statements when nec- to Bill Parlee at [email protected]. essary. The President must be familiar with the avian community and issues Time required for all directors: Four pertaining to it’s welfare. quarterly Board of Directors meetings are conducted, each lasting approxi- 1st Vice President mately a month and require a minimum (Regional VPs, Education): of an hour daily to monitor and respond First Vice-President (Education) - Shall fill to posts. This is in addition to the time the position of the President in absentia. required to perform the duties of your Shall be first in succession to fill the po- office. Officers are also encouraged to sition of the President should the Presi- monitor and participate in the NFSS Ya- dent be unable to fulfill his/her term. hoo! group forums. The First Vice-President coordinates the activities of, and is responsible for all Regional Vice-Presidents and will

www.nfss.org 19 May / June 2009 coordinate the educational programs of do not renew memberships. They are the Society. The First Vice-President also to encourage members within their re- approves any checks made payable to gions to submit questions and opinions the President. for discussions on the Board of Direc- tors quarterly meetings. As members of Time requirements: 7 hours a week the Education Committee the Regional VPs assist in developing education pro- Practical application: The 1st VP must grams for the society. work closely with the President, submit a budget for and develop an education 2nd Vice President (Publications): program for NFSS, supervise the activi- Second Vice-President (Publications) - ties of the Regional Vice Presidents and Shall be second in succession to fill the assist them as they represent the mem- position of President. The Second Vice- bership in their regions. President shall chair the publishing committee and is responsible for all publica- Regional Vice Presidents: tions produced by the Society both in Regional Vice-Presidents- Shall be reprint and electronic media. This officer sponsible for encouraging membership also supervises the NFSS website. and club affiliation in the Society within the region in which he/she resides. Re- Time Required: 6 hours per week gional Vice Presidents are responsible to the First Vice-President and will serve Practical application: The 2nd VP shall as part of the Education Committee. Re- chair the Publishing Committee, to in- gional Vice Presidents are encouraged clude the Editor of the NFSS Journal, to attend the Regional Show of their to produce the publications of the So- area and hold at least one membership ciety. This committee will be charged meeting annually within their region. with generating content and providing general assistance in the production of Time Required: 4-6 hours per week the Journal. He/she shall be available to give guidance to the Journal Editor Practical application: Regional Vice in securing articles and the Advertising Presidents represent their region on the Manager in securing ads. In addition Board of Directors. They are to be very he/she will supervise the research for proactive within their regions by con- print and mailing services to maintain tacting existing bird clubs, discussing the high quality of the NFSS Journal at with them the advantages of being an competitive pricing. The 2nd VP also affiliated club such as: Journals, judges, supervises and is responsible for the award system, bands, and an informa- NFSS website and domain. tive website. Each Regional VP should encourage clubs to establish education Third Vice President (FSS and Census): programs, hold NFSS affiliated shows, Third Vice-President (NFSS Finch/Softblll and conduct seminars. Regional VPs Save) - The Finch and Softbill Save Direc- should also have available NFSS bro- tor coordinates the activities of the NFSS chures to distribute while being a vis- Captive Breeding Program. He/she ible representative of the NFSS. He/she compiles and assists in publishing the may be asked to assist the membership yearly census as well as collecting data, director by contacting members that

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www.nfss.org 21 May / June 2009 maintaining records and producing the Time required: 6 – 10 hours per week. FSS Newsletter for FSS participants. More hours during the fall show season.

Time Required: 30 minutes per new FSS Practical application: In addition to applicant and 30 minutes per partici- serving as the Judges Panel Director, pant in the annual census. More time is the 4th VP shall also chair the Research spent publishing a newsletter. and Standards Committee and be in charge of Species Classifications, and Practical application: The 3rd VP/FSS be responsible for shows or exhibi- Director oversees the day-to-day run- tions of the Society and compiling and ning of the FSS program which includes recording member points arising from working closely with the FSS committee, these. The Fourth VP also acts in sup- Group Managers, and Species Cap- port of NFSS’ annual National Show tains to develop species profiles on all as liaison with the National Cage Bird FSS registered species, obtaining con- Show Board in obtaining award spon- tent and producing the FSS newsletter. sorships, coordinating judge selections, Other duties include review and accep- and other NCBS business as required. tance of individual applications to the FSS program and maintaining species Treasurer records. Other responsibilities include Treasurer - The calendar year for the adhering to a strict policy of preserving Society shall be from January 1st to privacy and confidentiality of informa- December 31st. The Treasurer shall tion involving the annual census and the prepare and submit to the Board at the Finch and Softbill Save Program. The 4th Quarter Board meeting, a budget to 3rd VP will be in charge of overseeing be approved by the Board, indicating and gathering data for the society’s an- proposed income and expenditures for nual census and publishing those statis- the upcoming year. He/she is respon- tics for publication in the NFSS Journal sible for establishing and maintaining on a yearly basis. Society financial accounts and filing tax returns. All funds, records, receipts, 4th Vice President and expenditures for the previous year (Judges Panel/Standards/Research): or shorter period upon relief of the Trea- Fourth Vice President (Judges Panel/ surer, will be reviewed by two members Standards/Research) - This officer must of the Board of Directors, not to include be a NFSS Panel Judge as he/she will the current Treasurer, as appointed by serve as the Judges Panel Director. He/ the Board of Directors. The results of the she shall also chair the Research and review will be included with the annual Standards Committee and be in charge budget or present to the Board upon re- of Species Classifications, be respon- lief of the Treasurer. sible for shows or exhibitions of the Society and maintain the records points Time Required: 8-10 hours per week. earned by members and birds from these exhibitions. In addition, the Fourth Practical application: Candidates for Vice-President represents the NFSS as li- this position should have business ex- aison with both the National Cage Bird perience in general accounting, estab- Show Board and the Great American lishing and maintaining multiple bank Cage Bird Show. accounts, skills to document and file all

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 22 May / June 2009 associated paperwork, computer skills capabilities. He/she takes minutes at that would enable him/her to deposit all BOD meetings, compiles the minutes and transfer funds electronically into and submits them for Board approval and from various accounts, and use and eventual publication in the NFSS business software provided by NFSS Journal. The Executive Secretary pro- for maintaining up to date records. vides administrative support, as need- The Treasurer requests budgets from all ed, to other Board officers. departments and prepares the annual budget for the Society, receives, depos- Membership Director its and documents payments weekly to Membership Director - Shall be respon- the proper account after all invoices sible for receipt and processing of new and receipts have been verified, pro- and renewal memberships in the Soci- vides the President a weekly report and ety and for the maintenance of NFSS requests approval for all expenditures Membership confidentiality. prior to payment. He/she also receives monthly reports from each department, Time Required: at least 20 minutes for verifies them for accuracy and tracks each new member in addition to at them on a computer and paper ledger. least 7-8 hours weekly. Makes payments for debts incurred by the Society, prepares the yearly tax re- Practical application: The Membership turns, and provides financial advice to Director requires a person dedicated the Society as needed. to maintaining current membership da- tabases. Time is dedicated to maintain- Executive Secretary ing membership and financial records, Executive Secretary - This officer takes sending membership materials to new minutes during all board meetings, in- and renewing members, approving cluding those conducted electronically memberships to the NFSS Yahoo! fo- on the internet. The Executive Secretary, rums, inviting non-members to join the or designated representative, will have NFSS, responding to emails and phone available at each meeting the most re- calls from members, and preparing cent issue of Robert’s Rules of Order. membership lists to approved NFSS He/she shall maintain an archive of all officers. He/she must be familiar with minutes and the Society’s official docu- computer database management since ments and assist other board members membership rolls must be provided to with correspondence as necessary. a number of officers in different forms. He/s he must be able to monitor the Time Required: 25-30 hours minimum computer daily for communication from per quarterly Board of Directors meet- the Forum Moderator and Band Secre- ing (four) and 2-4 hours per month to tary. Labels must also be supplied to the perform administrative support respon- Editor of the Journal six times a year. sibilities for other BOD officers. Band Secretary Practical application: The person in this Band Secretary- Shall be responsible position should have good verbal and for the ordering and issuance of official written communication skills, experi- numbered closed bands in accordance ence in taking minutes, experience with with the policy of the Society, and word processing software, and internet

www.nfss.org 23 May / June 2009 maintaining the NFSS Band Secretary’s printed, and sent to all current clubs in permanent band records. December of each year. As these are returned, they must be entered in a da- Time Required: 5 hrs. weekly Dec-Feb tabase and information on them con- 7-10 hours weekly cerning delegate, contact information, and show/ fair information sent to the Practical application: This office re- Awards Manager, NFSS Journal Editor, quires computer knowledge- specifi- NFSS Website Manager, and President cally internet expertise, and secretarial for the use of the Society. Each check and accounting skills. He/she will be must be entered in a log, marked with negotiating purchases with foreign sup- the club name, and sent to the NFSS pliers of bands, and will be required Treasurer monthly. A monthly financial to convert foreign currency. The Band report must be sent to the treasurer. Club Secretary maintains the NFSS yearly affiliation information also needs to be permanent records pertaining to band sent to the Membership Director for in- sales. This involves ordering all bands clusion in the membership database. It from the supplier, receiving all band is extremely important that a current list orders, verifying membership status, of affiliated clubs, shows, and fairs be processing the orders which includes maintained at all times. This officer re- packaging and shipping, and conduct- ceives many emails, phone calls, and ing and reporting inventories. In addi- letters requesting information on the for- tion, he/she must compile and provide mation of new clubs, re-affiliations, and a quarterly activity report of sales to the general information needed by finch Board of Directors and a monthly item- hobbyists. It has become the contact ized report mailed to the treasurer. The position for NFSS so replies must be treasurer’s report consists of monthly made in a timely fashion. The Liaison itemized expenses and payments both Officer must maintain close communica- by USPS and internet PayPal. This position with the Awards Manager. tion requires regular internet mail moni- toring for posts regarding verification Finchshop Director of issued numbers of banded birds and Finchshop Director – Shall be respon- answering members’ questions. sible for the inventory and sales of merchandise offered to the general public. Liaison Officer He/she must receive and process cus- Liaison/Awards Director - Shall be re- tomer orders, order from vendors, and sponsible for club affiliations, selection work with the NFSS Journal editor and of clubs hosting Regional Shows and the webmaster to update the FinchShop for the processing of awards for NFSS Catalog as needed. New products must sanctioned shows and annual awards also be sought and recommended to for the Society. the Board of Directors for approval.

Time Required: Oct-April 8 hours per Time Required: 5-8 hours per week week. May-Sept. 4 hours per week. Practical application: The FinchShop Di- Practical Application: The Liaison Officer rector oversees the inventory and sales is responsible for club affiliations. Re- of merchandise offered to the general affiliation packets must be composed, public. This merchandise excludes leg

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 24 May / June 2009 bands and memberships. The manager rosettes which the Awards Manager works within financial guidelines ap- designs and produces. Affiliated clubs proved by the Board. Specific duties: return them to the Liaison Officer who prepares and submits an annual bud- then forwards these to the Awards Man- get; establishes and maintains contacts ager to order. Once award orders are with vendors; receives and processes received, the Awards Manager will con- customer orders; resolves customer in- tact the vendor concerning the plaques quiries and complaints; receives and and assemble any ordered rosettes and verifies vendor invoices; forwards in- ribbons from the inventory. Both are voices and customer payments to the then forwarded to the affiliated club. Treasurer; works with the webmaster It is the his/her responsibility to order to update the FinchShop portion of rosettes and ribbons from a vendor and the website as needed; works with the maintain an inventory adequate for a Journal Editor to update the FinchShop show season. Catalog, as needed; seeks out and rec- ommends to the Board new products; NFSS Journal Editor provides to the Board periodic reports NFSS Journal Editor (responsible to of FinchShop activity; and may, at his/ the Second Vice-President and the her discretion, represent NFSS at bird President). He/she is responsible for marts and bird shows for the purpose of all activities related to the production promoting NFSS and selling FinchShop of the bimonthly NFSS JOURNAL. items and NFSS memberships. These include procuring articles and photographs, maintaining communica- APPOINTED NFSS OFFICERS tion with all NFSS Board members to The following officers are appointed insure accuracy of NFSS information by the President of NFSS. If you feel and forms to be included in each issue, you could serve in one of these offices, create/edit each NFSS Journal issue, submit a resume to be given to the new deliver it to the printer in a timely man- President upon election. ner and approve payment of printer invoice for each issue. In addition, the Awards Manager supervision of the Advertising and Pro- motion Manager is the responsibility of Awards Manager - Shall be responsi- the NFSS Journal Editor. ble for processing of awards for NFSS sanctioned shows and annual awards Time Required: A minimum of 15 hours for the Society. per issue for digital construction of the journal. Additional daily work soliciting Time Required: Jan-May, 2 hours per publication materials, and working with week; June-Dec, 8 hours per week the printer. Practical Application: The Awards Man- Practical application: The Editor is re- ager works closely with the Liaison Of- sponsible for all activities related to ficer. In Dec. of each year, the Liaison the production of NFSS Journal. These Officer sends re-affiliation packets to all include creating and editing each Jour- affiliated clubs. Within these packets nal, verifying the accuracy of informa- are catalogs for awards such as NFSS tion, occasional development of ad engraved logo plaques and NFSS copy, and working with the printer to

www.nfss.org 25 May / June 2009

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The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 26 May / June 2009 insure deadlines can be met and qual- NFSS Website Manager ity issues solved, and approve payment Web Site Manager is responsible for of printer invoice for each issue. The maintaining and keeping the NFSS NFSS Journal Editor reports to the 2nd website up-to-date. Works under the di- VP of publications, and works with and rection of the 2nd VP. supervises the Advertising and Promo- tions Manager. Skills needed: Basic Time Required: 7-10 hours per week grammar and spelling. Computer skills including knowledge of graphic lay- Moderator of NFSS Finch/Softbill Forum out, and publishing programs such as Quark, InDesign, Photoshop or others Acts as moderator of the NFSS Listserv, are necessary as well as a knowledge determines eligibility and approves sub- of file types and how to utilize or con- scribers in conjunction with the member- vert them for use in the Journal. ship director. He/she writes and distrib- utes list rules, and enforces a civil forum through thoughtful correspondence with Advertising and Promotion Manager: subscribers and unsubscription of those Advertising and Promotion Manager whose contributions prevent a civil fo- (responsible to the NFSS Journal editor rum. (Responsible to the President). and the Second Vice-President). This officer shall design and arrange for ads Time Required: 3-10 hours per week to be placed in major show catalogs throughout the year and promote, de- Legislative Liaison termine prices, design, format, and arrange for payment for ads placed in the Shall be responsible for the interrelation- NFSS JOURNAL. In addition, this per- ships between NFSS and other national son cooperates with Regional Vice-Pres- and local avicultural organizations, in- idents in promoting Regional Shows. vestigate and report to the NFSS Board any current or proposed legislation that Time Required: 10 hours per week would affect bird owners/breeders and notify the membership of any bird re- Practical Application: The Manager lated developments within other orga- will solicit Journal Display and Classi- nizations through the NFSS JOURNAL, fied Advertising, manage advertising NFSS website and electronic media. accounts including tracking of runs, (Responsible to the President). and receiving payment which is docu- mented and sent to the treasurer. He/ American Federation of she will coordinate with the editor the Aviculture Representative placement of ads in the NFSS Journal Shall be responsible for keeping the and with the NFSS Webmaster place- NFSS membership informed as to ac- ment of ads on the website. This officer tivities of the AFA through the NFSS is responsible for designing and plac- JOURNAL and electronic media. (Re- ing ads for NFSS in the NCBS catalog. sponsible to the President). In addition, he/she will work with other officers in providing promotional mate- Respectfully submitted, rial for NFSS. A monthly report shall Bill Parlee, 2009 be made to the NFSS Treasurer and a quarterly report to the NFSS BOD. Election committee Chair.

www.nfss.org 27 May / June 2009 WRITING YOUR BIOGRAPHY WHEN RUNNING FOR NFSS OFFICE: Information & Suggestions for Candidates

lease provide information that Relevant work history or skills: It is you feel would be helpful for useful to list any work background or NFSS members in making skills you have acquired that are rel- their voting decisions. You evant to the position you are running may write whatever you like, for. For instance, some positions may butP you must limit your bio to 300 benefit from experience managing da- words. You may wish to use the outline tabases or balancing budgets (refer to below to structure your bio. Please be position descriptions). You may wish to very brief and submit to Billhtfdct@aol. describe your skills in detail and how com by June 15th. they would help you carry out your duties as an officer. Personal Information: Use this section to state your name, where you are Vision for the position: What do you from, and any other information from see yourself accomplishing if you win the “non-bird” part of your life that you this election? It is helpful to point out would like to share (family information, anything in particular you would like to education, occupation, etc.). You may do in your position if you should win, wish to list any personal attributes that ways you would like to see the position you would bring to the position as well. change or grow, or how you would like to see NFSS benefit from having you in History in the hobby: People usually this position. want to hear about your history and experience with birds, focusing on finches and softbills, of course. You may point out how long you have owned birds or what kinds of birds interest you. What do you keep now? Are you involved in showing or breeding? Is there anything about your experiences with birds that would be of special interest to members?

Interest in the position: It is helpful to briefly state why you are running for the position, what interests you about it, why you have chosen to get involved as an officer at this time, etc.

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 28 May / June 2009 Breeding and Showing Finches in Puerto Rico by Orlando Rivera

This article was written to share some birds. These laws identify a specific list information related to the breeding of of birds that can be bred on the island. finches in the island of Puerto Rico and This list has the intention to protect the the finch shows that our club (Asocia- natural birds of the island, because in cion de Criadores de Finches Inc.) cel- theory some exotic birds that escape ebrates every year. In comparison with can affect the habitat of some species of the breeding of finches in the United the island. The list of birds that we may States, we have some big differences: legally breed is limited to only the fol- like the weather, laws that control the lowing species of finches: Society Finch, breeding of finches and close physical Zebra Finch, Lady Gouldian, Cutthroat, location between breeders. Green Singing, Brazilian Red Crested Cardinal and Cordon Blue. This is a The first big difference is the weather. negative point for the breeders that like During the whole year we have nice to breed a variety of species because weather to breed birds. The lowest av- we are limited to only these species. erage temperature in the island during The positive point is that we improve the the winter is near the 60’s ˚F and the quality because we must concentrate on highest are during the summer at about only this limited number of species. 96’s ˚F. This means that we can breed outside without any concerns about The third big difference is that, as an controlling the environmental condi- island, all the breeders who share the tions like temperature and humidity. hobby are close to one another. We Specifically for the Australian and Af- have the good opportunity to visit any rican finches this is a positive point be- aviary in the island. Actually we have cause these are excellent environmental about 60 active breeders in the club, conditions for breeding. and it is easy to find a location for the shows for everybody to compete. The second big difference is the Puerto Rican law related to the breeding of

www.nfss.org 29 May / June 2009

Exhibitors chat in the show room

Our club was founded in 2001 and we hold two shows during the year. The first show is held during the summer by June and the second one is the National show held by late November or December. Usually about 30 breeders compete in the shows (only for legal finches) and near 300 finches compete on each show. The judge for the shows is a member of the judge panel of the NFSS. The club does some bird exhibition activities during the year in the big shopping centers in order to collect money to be used later for the expenses of the competitions. The main prizes are for the birds banded the same year, and it is an honor for the breeder to win prizes with birds that they raised and banded themselves. We also compete in open sections for older birds, but these prizes have a minor category. A lot of progress in terms of bird quality for each of the species is observed in the shows every year. As a club we have the mission to “breed until excellence.” We can observe a lot of “passion” among the breeders to improve the quality of their birds and to prepare the birds for the next show. The environment between the club members is one in which cordiality and cooperation are observed continually.

As a club we want to share our experiences with other breeders of the NFSS located

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 30 May / June 2009

Judge Martha Wigmore with top bench exhibitor Adalberto Ocasio outside of Puerto Rico and to invite everybody to compete in our shows. If you are a breeder and you want to compete in our shows you can combine the competi- tion with a wonderful vacation on the island and visit our beaches and mountains. For additional information please contact club President Rurico Vidal at ruricovm@ hotmail.com.

www.nfss.org 31 May / June 2009

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 32 May / June 2009 The 2008 National Cage Bird Show Notes of Cecil Gunby, NFSS 4th VP & Judges Panel Chair

Hello to all. I promised a follow up to days and weeks of preparation and my last post after the Nationals so here pain. Once a year this show gives me it is. many opportunities, one is to put faces and personalities to the names I see As to the statistics of winners and birds typed on the NFSS Husbandry Forum. the unofficial results posted to the NFSS This year I had the pleasure of meeting web site were basically correct, and I and visiting with Nancy Cryder and Bill would like to thank Rebecca Mikel, our Fiorini and admiring their lovely Javas. Executive Secretary, and our webmas- Also I get to see and visit with people ter Cecile for the almost live stream of that I only see once a year. And last but information during the show to bring all not least I have the opportunity to visit who were not there the opportunity to with wonderful friends to laugh, stay up feel as if they were. Great job, guys. late, lose sleep and in general have a blast. I would like to send a shout-out Of all the statistics, these are the things to Ken and Yavitry Rampersaud, two that stand out in my mind. Our best in of our wonderful members who didn’t division, the normal Zebra exhibited by even bring a bird to the show but only Dennis Burhans, was an excellent speci- came to visit with other NFSS members. men. The scary part to me was that I re- Folks like these are the backbone of our member Dennis the first time I met him, hobby and without them my joy of birds and he was just a teenager in Missouri would be diminished. and was a great hobbyist back then. Guess it shows what persistence can I am sure that some will want to know lead to. Next was we had two Goul- more about the Nationals and I’m sure dians on the top bench and they both some will add other thoughts. But, from were exhibited by a novice exhibitor my view, if you want to really know from Canada. You go girl! Several oth- more, plan now to come to Tulsa, OK ers placed on the top bench, such as next year on the same weekend and our awards director Robert Mehl and experience it yourself. After all, some of Vince Moase, our regional VP from what happens at the Nationals stays at Canada. And yes even our past Presi- the Nationals. dent was in the hunt. Though some are, I am not particularly into the winners and losers but more into the participation and sharing of all our members who attended. I’ll let the i-dotting and the t-crossing go until the official results are posted.

Now to the show, I always refer to Judges Panel Director Cecil Gunby at the NCBS the nationals as three days of fun and friendship surrounded on both sides by

www.nfss.org 33 May / June 2009

2008 National Cage Bird Society Results for Finch & Softbill Division Judge: Laura Bewley Number of birds exhibited: 177 Number of exhibitors: 25

Some White-Eyes await the final judging. Judge Laura Bewley at the Bench.

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 34 May / June 2009

Above are the results for each section that had birds entered in it. For details on the overall top birds shown in the Finch & Softbill division at NCBS, see the 2008 show results published in this issue. There you will find information on species and exhibitors for the top ten finches & softbills shown at the national show in 2008.

Gleeful Winners: Lisa Murphy, Robert Mehl, and Vonda Zwick. Andrew Green and Rebecca Mikel living large at the nationals.

www.nfss.org 35 May / June 2009 Aviculture’s Future Is Now: Establishing Estrildid Finches in Captivity by Scott Golden

Forward: In the early 1990’s, the Afri- In the United States, due to a change in can country of Ghana placed every bird Ghanaian politics, 2007 brought the lift- that was endemic or migratory through ing of the ban on many birds caused by its lands on Appendix III of CITES (Con- Ghana’s use of Appendix III of CITES. vention on International Trade in En- This has meant the sudden availability dangered Species of Wild Flora and of finches that we have not seen in this Fauna). Appendix III species are listed country for at least 14 years! Western after one member country has asked Bluebills, Goldbreasted Waxbills, Red- other CITES Parties for assistance in Cheeked Cordon Blues, Pytilia, Green, controlling trade in a species. The listed Brown and Rosy Twinspots, Senegal, species are not necessarily threatened Kulikoro and Black-Faced Fire Finches, with extinction globally. In all member as well as many other species are now countries, trade in these species is only available in the US. Soon, without ques- permitted with an appropriate export tion, imports of wild-caught birds will permit and a certificate of origin. In cease. But it just takes one case of bird North America, the Ghana Appendix flu, and imports are done. Pressure on meant the virtually complete shutdown airlines from animal rights groups al- of importation of wild-caught African ready makes it almost impossible to fly finches. By 1995, almost all African birds out of Africa. finches had disappeared in the United States, with the exception of perhaps Some wise man (or woman) once said, a few blue caps, fire finches and gold “A people who do not know their his- breasted waxbills, which occasionally tory are doomed to repeat it”...or some- were still brought in via quarantine sta- thing like that. If we have not learned tions or through Canadian importers. to employ other avicultural techniques to propagate these short-lived birds, we During these years, 1993-2006, many will lose them again (and probably for European aviculturists, who were still the final time). While parent-rearing is receiving the finches that had been a fantastic goal, we must first get the banned in the United States under numbers of domestically reared finches CITES Appendix III, worked hard to- WAY up before really allowing our- ward establishing many African estril- selves to squander eggs or chicks in the did species. However, with the advent effort to develop parent-rearing strains. of widespread outbreaks of bird flu during the last few years, Europe now has The time to establish these finches is a complete ban on the importation of now! In short, we must look at the vari- birds. Yet, because of the work of seri- ous species with which we are work- ous breeders, they still retain many Afri- ing as endangered, at least in terms of can finch species in Europe. their status in US aviculture. Other organizations that work with endangered

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 36 May / June 2009 animals (i.e. zoos and species recov- the successful cage breeding of many ery efforts) employ every imaginable estrildids. Europeans tend to cage technique to produce the next genera- breed 1 pair per flight, foster the first tion of offspring and preserve genetic couple of generations and they have diversity. Giant pandas are artificially made monumental progress in estab- inseminated. Orangutans are pulled lishing many species. We even have from their mothers and human-raised these same people to thank for most of when there is a problem with the natu- the established Australian species and ral mother’s parenting skills. California most certainly their mutations. It was the condor eggs are systematically pulled, Europeans who did the tough work. We hatches are human-assisted and chicks just imported them from Holland and are human-raised from day 1. The goal Belgium after they were established of these organizations is, in the short there. Have you tried getting birds out term, to get the numbers of these spe- of Europe lately? It is almost impossible. cies up. Secondly, every effort is made We must turn to our own abilities if we to keep the genetic diversity of these are to continue growing this hobby. species by getting offspring from every available individual. The long-term So I ask many of you who have been goal is to see a future where many of content to see clutch after clutch of these animals remain present. Perhaps chicks tossed to begin thinking outside there will be enough natural habitat of the box. We must use other tech- restored for reintroductions. However, niques, such as fostering, to get our with the exponential growth of humans F1 and F2 generations. IMPORTS WILL and the concomitant increase in natural STOP, either tomorrow or sometime resource use/destruction, the real hope down the road. What we do NOW for many species lies in the hands of will determine what types of finches we humans who are willing to propagate have in the future. Personally, I want them for the long-haul. to still have Western Bluebills, Rosy, Brown, Green and Dybowski Twin- Our situation with finches is very simi- spots. What do you want? lar to that of zoos. We have a limited amount of wild-caught birds that have a Quarantine and Acclimatization of New Birds: great deal of genetic diversity. We have If you are wise, you will quarantine new the ability to establish them in captiv- birds for 30 days or longer. Every new ity if we are willing to take some ex- bird brought into your aviaries repre- ceptional measures to reproduce them. sents a possible source of contagion Once we get offspring that are used to that could wipe out every bird that you captive conditions and foods, we have have. Ideally, new birds should be iso- a greater chance of parent rearing. Life lated in a separate building from your in the cage is normal for them. A tray current collection. Feed these new birds of egg food is perfectly acceptable as last and change your clothing before re- food for chicks. It is all that they have entering your already existing location. ever known, unlike their wild-caught Bacteria, but most worrisome, viruses, parents or grandparents. can be moved from location to location via clothing or hands. The Europeans (Belgians, Dutch and Germans) provide a good example of

www.nfss.org 37 May / June 2009

If any kind of illness develops, a vet- the first 4 days, then mix 1ml to a quart erinarian may be consulted. However, of drinking water for the remaining 6 most vets have little experience dealing to 10 days. The medication of choice with bird-related diseases. Plus, due to for Paratyphoid, E-Coli, Ornithosis, and the small size of finches, they have little Respiratory infections. ability to resist disease for long. There- fore, it is important to have an arsenal Amphotericin-B: Megabac-S is a unique of medications on hand. water soluble formulation of amphotericin-B. Megabac-S has proven effective- Recommended Medications/Supplements ness against Megabacteria (avian gas- tric yeast) in cage and aviary birds. Fifteen years ago, there was very little in the way of medications for cage Medistatin: Contains nystatin 400 000 birds. Time has changed this situation! i.u./g. The only nystatin powder spe- With some advanced preparation, cifically for birds. Ideal for crop dosing many finches can be saved that would baby birds, for prevention and treat- otherwise have died in previous years. ment of Candida in birds. Nystatin is the choice for most fungal problems. Ronivet-S* (ronidazole): Treatment of Has been used with great results for choice for birds suffering from protozoal Stargazing /Twirling in birds. For treat- infections including canker, giardia, co- ment: mix 1g to 20ml of water give 1ml chlosoma, and hexamiter. Water-soluble per 100g bodyweight twice daily in and water stable, it has extremely high crop for 7 days. For prevention: mix 1g safety margins. It can safely be used at per 200g of soft food daily for as long any stage in the birds breeding cycle. as symptoms prevail. Amtyl* Proprietary formula of broad- Probotic* (probiotics): Nine strains of spectrum antibiotic, dissolves easily in probiotic work together to promote nor- water. Amoxicillin trihydrate(150mg mal gut flora and a healthy digestive / g) and tylosin tartrate (100 mg / system. Essential after times of stress or g) are combined to produce a highly antibiotic treatment. Can also be add- effective and safe antibiotic to treat a ed to hand feeding formula to improve wide range of bacterial infections. In- the chick’s immune system. Contains cludes directions for administering in 180CFU/gram Use just 1g per liter. the drinking water or directly into the crop. I recommend you follow up with SCATT* (moxidectin): A safe, effective probotic to reestablish the gut flora af- treatment for air sac mites and scaly ter antibiotic treatment. face mites Doxycycline: Doxycycline is a broad Avian Insect Liquidator: Safe for birds, spectrum antibiotic for birds with bacte- deadly to insects including mites and rial diseases, psittacosis, one-eye colds, ANTS! Safe enough to spray on even respiratory infections and chlamydia in- newly hatched chicks, AIL kills insects on fections (e.g., ornithosis). contact and the residual action guards against reinfestation for 6 weeks. Baytril (enrofloxacin): Treats a wide range of bacterial infections in birds. Worm-Out Gel*: Water soluble wormer Mix 2ml to a quart of drinking water for

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 38 May / June 2009 in a pump bottle. (Praziquate l20g/L and fridge, where it’s coldest. The sample Oxfendazole 20g/L) Can be adminis- will be (essentially) useless after 72 hrs. tered in drinking water or directly into The cooler the specimen and the quick- the crop. Two-day treatment is effective er the drop off, the better. against threadworm, tapeworm, round- worm, cecal worm and hookworm. “Now That My Birds Are Through With Quarantine, Now What?” (*= REALLY necessary) Set them up to breed!! The average finch has a reproductive lifespan that is, A course of antibiotic medication at most, only a few years. If we are to should last 7-10 days, followed by 7 establish new birds in captivity, we must days of antifungals. Antifungals should be able to produce a significant number then followed up by probiotics. Many of offspring from them and do it quickly. finches die of fungal infection (aspergil- The Dutch, Belgians and Germans are losis) after antibiotic treatment because true masters at this. If it were not for the fungi are often the first to recolonize a efforts of European aviculturists, most of bird’s digestive tract after medication. the finches established currently in the If not controlled, fungi can overwhelm United States would not exist here. The the bird’s system and lead to death of constant importation of European-bred the bird. Australian finches provided most of the foundation stock for the strains of these If a viral problem occurs, it is vital that birds currently in the US. your sick birds are separate from the rest of your collection. Many viruses The basic premise of breeding these are spread via fecal material or shed in birds is as follows (and I know, it goes feather dander. An air filter with a HEPA against what many of us are doing!): filter, small enough to trap viral particles, may be of help. Additionally, cleaning • Cage breeding, 1 pair per cage all surfaces with bleach water may • Pulling eggs from your wild caught lessen the chance of the viral disease birds and fostering them under so- spreading. With time, birds that survive cieties (or other potential foster a virus tend to develop an immune re- parents) sponse and may inactivate the virus. • Supplemental hand-feeding chicks to assure proper growth and fledg- If your bird(s) die, many county veteri- ing (It REALLY is not that hard!!) narians offer a full, low-cost necropsy • Retaining most, if not all of your F1, service that can give you very valuable or first generation offspring. These information as to what is affecting your birds are worth their weight in gold finches. The county vet here in San Di- towards establishing a strain of ego has an after hours/weekend drop birds. box (refrigerated, of course). DO NOT freeze dead specimens. It makes them If I haven’t completely overwhelmed you, useless by exploding the cells. The best read on! We can do this! Remember, in thing to do to preserve the specimen is the 1950’s and 1960’s, Lady Gouldian to wet the dead bird with clean (bottled) and Red-Headed Parrot Finches were water and place it in a sealed zip loc in almost impossible to keep alive in cap- the lowest and furthest back part of the tivity. They are now firmly established in

www.nfss.org 39 May / June 2009 aviculture because of people like you, “I have fertile eggs. Now What?” who were not afraid to step to the plate Congratulations! You are halfway and take on the challenge. there! You must foster these first eggs to insure that the genetics of your wild- Recommended Breeding Set-Up: caught finches are not lost if something • 1 pair per flight or cage is ideal. happens to the original birds: • Indoor breeding is FAR preferable, even in sunny Southern California. (Murphy’s Law of Birds: The birds you Indoors, many variables can be can least afford to lose will be the first controlled (weather, predators, ro- ones you discover upside down, dan- dents, etc) gling from the tip of one toenail that got • Boxed cages work very well. In a caught on a wire). box cage, all sides of a cage, ex- cept the front, are blocked via cloth A bit on fostering: or solid panels. This greatly increas- • Many finch breeders feel that foster- es the wild-caught birds’ sense of ing is wrong or that birds that have security and increases the likelihood been reared by foster parents will of nesting. not rear their own young. This has • Provide a variety of nesting sites: no scientific basis! None. Zilch. whicker baskets with artificial foli- • Our failure to use the strongest tool age, traditional finch nest boxes, in our finch-breeding arsenal in the Christmas ‘evergreen’ type gar- 1990’s (FOSTERING) led to the al- lands, dried grasses and brush are most complete disappearance of all good examples of what should African finches in the US until the be offered. recent imports of 2007-2008 • Provide a variety of nesting ma- • Fostering fertile eggs enables us to terials: coconut fiber, soft dried get the first generations of domesti- grasses, sisal, jute, white feathers cally bred finches (F1 and F2) estab- from a pillow (very important for lished. These birds only know life in many African species). captivity and are MUCH more likely • Artificial lighting, on timers, should to rear their own young on the foods be on every cage. My birds’ you provide. lights go on at 6:00AM and off at • I use exclusively the old-fashioned, 10:40PM. American brown and white society finches for fostering. I have found If all goes well, your wild-caught finch- that the Euro societies, though very es will calm down and become ad- pretty, are vastly inferior when it justed to life in captivity. In most cases comes to fostering. they will lay fertile eggs, but rarely • Younger societies that have never raise the young to completion. These raised their own young are ideal for young represent the future success of new species. They eventually see these species in captivity and must be the new species as ‘what their own saved! (Think of the effort the San Di- chicks look like’ and do a fantastic ego Zoo made in establishing the Cali- job of raising them. fornia Condor or New Zealand with the Chatham Island Robin). How to Set Up Societies as Fosters

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 40 May / June 2009

Note: Societies are really worth their in the societies’ nest until you have a weight in gold. They are extremely clutch of 5 or so canary eggs. 99% dependable as foster parents for most of the time, the societies will begin species of estrildid finches. However, brooding these fake eggs. If they societies may harbor some bacteria or bury them in nesting material, dig protozoa to which they are completely them out and do it again! It works. immune and the fostered species chicks Trust me. By the way….interested in are susceptible. It may be wise to put some swampland in Florida? your societies on a thorough antibiotic- • When it is obvious the societies antifungal-probiotic regimen before are brooding, remove the nest box setting them up as fosters. To be very and fake eggs. Make a small mark careful against possible chick-killing on the eggs to be fostered using a pathogens, put your societies on a 10- Sharpie marker (just in case the so- day cycle of Amphotericin-B. Amphot- cieties start to lay their own clutch, ericin-B is a powerful anti-protazoal/ you can remove unmarked eggs). ameobal/fungal agent. Some Societ- • Use a plastic spoon to put the fos- ies harbor something called ‘mega- tered eggs in the nest …carefully! bacteria,’ which is a misnomer as • Put nest back in the society cage. megabacteria isn’t even a bacteria. The • Societies should begin brooding organism is actually a powerful and dif- new eggs promptly. ficult to eradicate yeast. Megabacteria • Often, I place a small utility towel causes few problems with Societies, on the bottom of the societies’ cage but many other species of finch, and as sometimes societies accidentally especially their chicks, have a difficult take an egg with them if they quick- time with it and often die upon expo- ly exit the nest. If a towel is on the sure through feeding by foster parents. bottom of the cage, most eggs land, As far as I know, the only effective way unbroken, and can be placed back to eradicate it is through the use of in the nest. Amphotericin-B. • On an index card, write the information about the parents of the • Small, divided breeding cages work eggs being fostered (i.e.: species, well for society finches which cage if you have more than • Wicker baskets or externally mount- one pair of that species, and hatch ed nest boxes (my new favorite) date-generally 14 days from the work well. start of incubation) • It doesn’t matter what sexes your societies are: 2 males, 2 females, “The eggs have hatched! Now what?” trios of males or females, or any • First, get excited! After you have combination of the 2 sexes are just done that, it is time for you to supple- fine! Really! (Personally, I prefer 2-3 mental hand-feed the chicks (Most males as fosters, as it is easier to societies will start feeding unfamiliar regulate their incubation.) chicks after a couple of days. your Synchronize your societies’ incuba- • job is to get them to live that long!! tion to match that of the eggs to be This is not hard. It just takes a bit of fostered by the use of the blue plas- extra time and TLC) tic canary eggs. Societies do not • I use the small banding tool that care about the color. Put one a day comes with split plastic bands as my

www.nfss.org 41 May / June 2009

hand feeding implement. It is per- species. This will assure that the chicks fect for the job. will adopt the songs and behavior of • In preparing your hand feeding for- their own species. Song assumption mula, float a smaller bowl in a larg- and even sexual attraction or bonding er bowl of relatively warm water. can occur towards the foster parent spe- Mix a very small batch of formula cies if young, independent fledglings (I use Exact Hand Feeding Formula) are not placed with their own kind in the floating bowl. The warm water in the larger bowl will keep this Now, my biggest bit of advice: hand feeding formula warm. DO NOT SELL OR GET RID OF THESE Remove the nest from the society • CHICKS. IF YOU DO, YOUR BREEDING cage. Remove chicks with a plastic PROGRAM WILL BE DOOMED TO FAIL spoon. Dip the end of the hand- WITHIN 2 YEARS. feeding tool in a very ‘liquidy’ part of the formula (i.e. not too thick). Yikes! I know it sounds kind of harsh, Gently insert tool into the mouth of but that is the most honest, heart-felt the begging chick, with the groove advice I can give you. This F1, or first (food-containing portion) facing the generation of chicks removed from wild- chick’s tongue. The chick will lick caught stock are going to be used to the food out of the groove and will your schedule, your food, your avicul- see the food in the crop along the tural techniques AND WILL BE MUCH chick’s neck. MORE LIKELY TO BREED WITHOUT Do not over-feed, as you can aspi- • THE NEED OF FOSTERS. That is the rate the chick by forcing food into true goal: to establish these birds in its lungs. captivity, where they will breed on their I feed new chicks before work (6:30 • own under domestic conditions. AM) and 2-3 times after the work day (4:30; 7:30; 10:30PM) Other Notes and Further Bits of Advice: • Within a couple of days, your societies should be feeding the new • Close band your chicks whenever chicks relatively well. possible. At the very least, color- • In subsequent clutches, try to give band family lines so you do not the societies the same type of fos- breed closely related birds together. tered eggs. Often, they will start Keep records of which young are feeding these chicks from day 1, produced by which pairs. recognizing them as their own. • Never buy just one pair of a spe- • I will continue to supplemental hand cies, particularly a rare species. Of- feed chicks to assure their proper ten, something beyond your control growth and fledging. happens to one of the birds. Whom- ever you got the birds from no lon- “I did it! My chicks Fledged!” ger has any available and there you are, with a beautiful bird that will With a little hard work and some time, never be bred. Buy as many pairs you will be saying these words. A as possible. Three pair, genetically very important caveat is to make sure speaking, is the minimum number of to remove your fledglings once they pairs you should first obtain. are independent and place them in • Work closely with other breeders in flights with adult members of their own

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 42 May / June 2009

establishing the same species. This allows you to trade young or obtain other bloodlines. • Join other groups/clubs and educate yourself. Recommended groups: 1. National Finch and Softbill Soci- ety (www.nfss.org) 2. Yahoo! Groups has many finch groups, including one for NFSS, Af- rican Finches, Parrot Finches, Goul- dians and MANY others. Check them out! 3. Queensland Finch Society (Aus- tralia) (http://www.qfs.org.au/) 4. Waxbill Finch Society (England) (http://www.waxbillfinchsociety. org.uk/)

Please feel free to contact me at scot- [email protected] if you have Orange Cheek Waxbill Fledgling” Courtesy Tom Keegan. any questions!

With some current hard work, we can Biography of Scott Golden: firmly establish many of these rare species in American Aviculture. Are you Scott’s expertise comes from over 35 ready for the challenge? years of breeding many different species of birds. As a young boy growing up on a farm in Oregon, he raised many types of ornamental chickens, pheasants and pigeons. He was often seen riding a bike through his neighbor- NFSS Lapel Pin hood with a barred rock bantam hen Now Available! on the handlebars!

Scott has been breeding finches for 28 years. His finch passion started with a pair of zebra finches. He has bred some extremely rare and challenging species, such as bamboo, peales and pintail nonpareil parrot finches, painted finches, twinspots and western bluebills. He is currently concentrating his efforts on establishing many of the recently im- 1.25 inch copper pin ported African finches that have come gold overlay into the country in recent months $7 shipped See shopping at www.nfss.org

www.nfss.org 43 May / June 2009 NFSS Affiliated Clubs/Events Liaison Officer - Alfredo Brugueras 174 County Road | Mineola, TX 75773 [email protected]

Note: Events may be held in states other than the home state of the club. Regional affiliates are those with no steady location, but should be checked for events near you.

Alabama Central Alabama Aviculture Society, Montgomery, [email protected], www.caasociety.com, 256-892-3072. Events: Show & Bird Fair, September 5-6, 2009, Quality Inn & Suites, 2705 East South Blvd, Montgomery. Judge: TBA. Other Divisions: Two day NCS Cockatiel Show, Two day SPBE Show. Event Contact: Ted Sexton, [email protected], 256-892-3072.

California Central California Cage Bird Club, Modesto, [email protected], www.mycccbc.org, 209-838-2466. Events: 56th Annual Finch & Canary Show, October 31, 2009, S.O.S. Club, Modesto. Judge: Sally Huntington. Event Contact: Chryse Seeman, [email protected].

Finch Society of San Diego, [email protected], www.finchsocietysandiego.org, 858-452-9423.

Santa Clara Valley Canary & Exotic Bird Club, Santa Clara, [email protected], www.santaclarabirdclub.org, 408-716-7776. Events: 48th Annual Cage Bird Show, December 12, 2009, Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose. Judge: TBA. Other Divisions: Type, Colorbred, & Amercan Singer Canaries, ABS, NCS. Event Contact: Barry Cohen, [email protected].

Florida Tri State Avian Society, Tallahassee, [email protected], www.tristateaviansociety.org, 850-364-4666. Events: Spring Exotic Bird Fair, May 30-31, 2009, North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Rd.,Tallahassee. Event Contact: Barry Laster, [email protected], 850-364-4666.

Treasure Coast Exotic Bird Club, Stuart, FL, [email protected], 772-380-9882 www.tcexoticbirdclub.com. Events: TBA.

Illinois Finch & Softbill Breeders & Exhibitors Club, Palatine, [email protected], www.fsbec.finchfiles.com, 847-963-1926. Events: Annual Finch & Softbill Show, September 26, 2009. Location & Judge TBA. Event Contact: Gail Benson, [email protected], 847-963-1926.

Iowa Mid America Cage Bird Society, Des Moines, [email protected], www.MACBS.org, 239-851-8132, Events: Bird Fair, March 22, 2009, Des Moines Botanical Center. Event Contact: John Thielking, [email protected], 239-851-8132. Bird Fair, May 17, 2009, Des Moines Botanical Center. Bird Fair, August 23, 2009, Des Moines Botanical Center. MACBS Show, October 3, 2009, Best Western Airport Hotel, 1810 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, Martha Wigmore, Hookbills, Budgerigars, Type & Colorbred Canaries, Lovebirds, John Thielking, Thielking @Iowalink.com, 239-851-8132.

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 44 May / June 2009

Maryland Baltimore Bird Fanciers, Baltimore, [email protected], www.baltimorebirdfanciers.org, 443-834-3224. Events: Spring Mart, May 16, 2009, Tall Cedars Hall, Parkvile, MD. Event Contact: Robert Mehl, [email protected], 443-834-3224. Annual Fall Bird Show, October 17, 2009, Tall Cedars Hall, Parkville. Judge: TBA. Other divisions: Lovebirds, Cockateils, Hookbills. Event contact: Robert Mehl, [email protected], 443-834-3224.

Massachusetts Massachusetts Cage Bird Association, So. Foxboro, [email protected], www.masscagebird.org, 781-335-3927. Events: Annual Show, October 17, 2009, Weymouth Elks Club, Event Contact: Tom Keegan, [email protected], 781-335-3927.

Michigan Michigan Society of Canary & Finch Breeders, Detroit Area, [email protected], 313-247-5900. Events: Bird Fair, September 19, 2009, Quality Inn, Plymouth Rd, Livonia. Bird Show, October 17, 2009, Quality Inn, Plymouth Rd,, Livonia. Judge: TBA. Events Contact: Jim Heffernan, [email protected], 313-247-5900.

Missouri Greater Kansas City Avicultural Society, Grandview, [email protected], www.gkcas.org, 816-252-1120. Events: The GKCAS Fundraiser, April 19, 2009; GKCAS Spring Bird Fair & Bazaar, April 25, 2009; The GKCAS Summer Bird Fair & Bazaar, June 27, 2009; The GKCAS Spaghetti & Casino Fundraiser, August 9, 2009; The GKCAS All Bird Show (All Birds), October 17, 2009. Judge: Dr. Al Decoteau. Events Contact: Anthony or Shiela, [email protected], 816-252-4120 (for April Fundraiser, contact Maria 816-763-5935 or 816-803-1874, [email protected]). All events at Coronation of Our Lady Church, 13000 Bennington, Grandview.

New Hampshire Birds of a Feather Avicultural Society, Manchester, [email protected], www.boaf.com, 603-362-6106. Events: Spring Bird Mart, April 19. 2009, Nashua National Guard Armory; 22nd Annual Fall Bird Show & Mart, October 24, 2009, Nashua National Guard Amory, Nashua. Judge: TBA. Events Contact: Ray Schwartz, [email protected], 603-362-6106.

New York Empire Finch & Canary Club, West Hempstead, [email protected], 516-593-2841, Events: Empire Finch & Canary Club Show, November 14, 2009, St. Mark’s Church, 200 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Center. Judge: Manuel Popa. Other Divisions: Color-bred, Type, Gloster, Fife Fancy. Event Contact: John Lund, [email protected].

New York Finch & Type Canary Club, NYC, [email protected], 718-967-6899. Events: Feather Show, June 28, 2009, Averill Blvd Park Meeting Hall, Elmont (Long Island), Event Contact: Stan Kulak, [email protected], Annual Show, Sept. 26, 2009, St. Jude Church (Coyne Hall), 1677 Canarsie Rd, Brooklyn.

Oregon Columbia Canary Club. Events: Show, November 7 & 8, 2009, National Guard Armory, 500 NE Division St., Gresham. Judge: Ken Gunby. Other Divisions: Type & Colorbred Canaries Club/Event Contact: Linda Brown, [email protected], 503-266-7606.

Pennsylvania Chester County Bird Club, Frazer, [email protected], www.ccbirdclub.com, 610-647-4632, Events:

www.nfss.org 45 May / June 2009

21st Annual Show & Mart, October 31,2009, Church Farm School, Exton. Event Contact: Doris Rickards, [email protected]. Cockatiel, Lovebirds, Parrots Show TBA.

Puerto Rico Asociacion de Criadores de Finches del Este, Caguas, Puerto Rico, [email protected], 787-633-1215. Events: Summer National Show, June 5-7, 2009, Centro Comunal, Alturas de Villas del Rey, Caguas. Judge: Ken Gunby Event Contact: Orlando Rivera, [email protected], 787-485-1810; 2009 Winter Regional Show, Nov 6-8, 2009, Centro Comunal, Alturas de Villas del Rey, Caguas, Judge Cecil Gunby, Contact: Orlando Rivera 787-485-1810 [email protected]

Texas Canary & Finch Society, Houston, TX. [email protected], http://canaryfinchsociety.tripod.com, 281-576-0574. Events: 14th Annual Show, October 10, 2009, The Baymont Inn, Bush Intercontinental Airport, 500 N Sam Houston Parkway, Houston, TX 77060. Judge: Cecil Gunby. Contact: Lisa Holmes, lisashephol- [email protected], 281-576-0574.

Fort Worth Bird Club, Fort Worth, TX, www.fwbc.org, [email protected], 817-220-5568. Events: All Bird Show, October 4, 2013, Azle Community Center. Contact: Clarence Culwell, [email protected], 817-220-5568.

Foreign Canadian Finch & Softbill Society, Ontario, Canada. Events: 3rd Annual Canadian Finch and Softbill Society Show, November 7 & 8, 2009, Brampton Fairgrounds, 12942 Heart Lake Rd, Brampton Ontario. Judge: Rick Crook (England). Contact: Vince Moase, [email protected], 905-723-1978.

Essex-Kent Cage Bird Society, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, [email protected], www.essexkentcbs.com, 519-948-6398. Events: Young Feather Show, May 31, 2009, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven, Ontario, Event Contact: Julianne Mion, [email protected]; 34th Annual Eastern Canadian Classic, Sept. 26-27, 2009, Foglar Furlan Club, 1800 E. C. Row, North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario. Judge: Ken Gunby. Other divisions: Type Canaries, Colorbred, Hookbills, Budgerigars. Contact: Dave Sylvester, 519-727-3766, [email protected].

Regional/National American Dove Association, [email protected], www.doveline.com, 812-923-3483. Events: Nat’l Young Bird Show (pigeons & doves), October 31,2009, KY State Fairgrounds, Louisville. Event Contact: Denny Stapp, [email protected].

West Coast Zebra & Society Finch Show, [email protected], www.efinch.com/show, 209-838- 2466. Events: WCZSF Show, July 24 (mart & speaker) & 25 (show, mart, awards), 2009, La Quinta Downtown, Sacramento. Judge: Clarence Culwell, Event Contact: Chryse Seeman, [email protected]. For reservations, call the motel directly 916-448-8100 (specify “bird show” for special rate).

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 46 May / June 2009

NFSS Panel of Judges - 2008/2009

Nizam Ali Kenneth Gunby Marion (Miki) Sparzak 135-11 114th Street 3692 Mandarin Woods Dr. N 945 Rosedale Avenue South Ozone Pk, NY 11420 Jacksonville, FL 32223 Baltimore, MD 21237 Phone: 781-835-8590 Phone: 904-403-3078 Phone: 410-687-8915 [email protected] [email protected] Laura Bewley 3538 S. 65 W. Avenue Annette Howard Laura Tinker Tulsa, OK 74107 P.O. Box 404 31 Grape Hollow Road Phone: 918-446-3999 Salem, OH 44460 Holmes, NY 12531 [email protected] Phone: 330-337-7654 Phone: 845-855-2662 [email protected] [email protected] Alfredo M. Brugueras 174 CR 2317 Sally Huntington Patrick Vance Mineola, Texas 75773 5634 Carnegie Street 18175 Avilla Phone: 903-569-6979 San Diego, CA 92122 Lathrup Village, MI 48076 [email protected] Phone: 858-452-9423 Phone: 248-443-0643 [email protected] [email protected] Clarence Culwell 250 Horseshoe Drive Armando Lee Christine Voronovitch Springtown, TX 76082 2905 SW 38th Terrace 38 Liberty Street Phone: 817-220-5568 Cape Coral, FL 33914 Manchester, CT 06040 [email protected] Phone 239-242-7675 Phone: 860-649-8220 Fax: 239-242-0333 Dr. Al Decoteau [email protected] Jerri Wiesenfeld P.O. Box 546 2379 Water Bluff Drive Hollis, NH 03049 Dennis J. Lewis Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: (603) 878-3435 7446 Glasgow Road Phone: 904-714-2133 [email protected] Brooksville, FL 34613 [email protected] Phone: 352-596-3376 Julie R. Duimstra [email protected] Martha Wigmore 618 North Nesmith Ave. 18913 Boston Street NW Sioux Falls, SD 57103 Brian Mandarich Elk River, MN 55330 Phone: 605-332-5054 4743 E. Hedges Avenue Phone: 763-241-0071 Fresno, CA 93703 [email protected] Cecil Gunby Phone: 559-255-6508 8121 Route 1, Hwy. 54 Paul S. Williams Sharpsburg, GA 30277 Conrad Meinert 101 Linden Drive Phone/Fax: 770-254-1261 1212 E. 300 South Eufaula, AL 36027 [email protected] Warsaw, IN 46580 Phone: 334-687-1713 Phone: 574-269-2873 [email protected] Birdmanofwarsaw@ embarqmail.com

Are You Interested in Becoming an NFSS Judge? Contact Bob Peers for details at [email protected]

www.nfss.org 47 May / June 2009

The 2009 NFSS Board of Directors & Appointed Officers

President [email protected] FinchShop Manager Mr. Bob Peers President Emeritus Ms. Sharon Dvorak 535 W. 61st St. Apt. D Mr. William Parlee (919) 266-4935 Westmont, IL. 60559 860-569-0200 [email protected] (630) 740-7389 [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer Region 1 V.P. (Northeast) Ms. Lisa R. Murphy 1st Vice President Mr. Tom Keegan 918 Georgia Ave. Regional V.P.’s, Education 781-335-3927 Etowah, Tennessee 37331 Mr. John Wilson [email protected] [email protected] San Francisco, CA 94110 [email protected] Region 2 V.P. (Southeast) Advertising & Promotions Mr. Michael Gravely Manager 2nd Vice President, Publications [email protected] Ms. Gail Benson —Journal and Website 144 N. Clyde Avenue Mr. Tom Keegan Region 3 V.P. (Mid-Central) Palatine, Illinois 60067 21 Oakcrest Road Mr. Jason Crean 847-963-1926 Weymouth, MA 02190 [email protected] [email protected] 781-335-3927 [email protected] Region 4 V.P. (Midwest) Moderator, NFSS Forums Ms. Laura Bewley Mr. John Wilson 3rd Vice President (918) 446-3999 [email protected] NFSS Finch/Softbill Save [email protected] Program/Census Mgr. NFSS Webmaster Ms. Vonda Zwick Region 5 V.P. (Mountain) Ms. Cecile Aguilera 611 Hingham Lane (Pro Tem) Santa Clara, CA 95055 Schaumburg, IL 60193 Currently Vacant [email protected] [email protected] Region 6 V.P. (Pacific Coast) Membership Director 4th Vice President - Judges Mr. Doug White Ms. Cecile Aguilera Panel/Standards/Research [email protected] Santa Clara, CA 95055 VACANT phone/fax: (408) 716-7775 Contact President Bob Peers if Region 7 V.P. (Caribbean) [email protected] you are interested in filling this Mr. Ernesto Polidura position. [email protected] NFSS Journal Editor Currently Vacant Region 8 V.P. (Canada) Contact 2nd V.P. Tom Keegan Liaison/Awards Director Mr. Vince Moase about journal matters Mr. Alfredo Brugueras (905) 723-1978 [email protected] 174 County Road [email protected] Mineola, TX 75773 Legislative Liaison (903) 569-6979 Executive Secretary Mr. Roland Cristo [email protected] Ms. Rebecca Mikel [email protected] 13779 US 12 E Band Secretary Union, MI 49130 Ms. Paula Hansen Phone: (269) 641-7209 2234 Juneau Court South [email protected] Salem, Oregon 97302

The Journal of the National Finch & Softbill Society 48

Journal of the

PAID

No. 903 No. National Finch & Topeka, KS Topeka, Permit Permit First Class Mail Class First U.S. Postage Postage U.S.

Softbill Society Vol. 26, No. 3 May / June 2009 21 Oakcrest Rd S. Weymouth, MA 02190 MA Weymouth, S.