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Summer Edition - 2012 Issue 18, Volume 2
Page 1 of 17
WATERFOWL
Bantams, Heavy and Light Breeds
M Holmes, Wangarratta, VIC
Geese, Turkeys, Trios, Pairs and Eggs
The Official Newsletter of South East Queensland Waterfowl Association, Inc
The Legal Eagles tell me this…“Let’s Get Quacking” is the Newsletter for South East Queensland Waterfowl
Association, Inc. Any correspondence, letters of comment from subscribers (either being members of non-members of this Association) to this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions or attitudes of this Association. Further and in addition, the material contained in this Newsletter is of the nature of general comment only and neither purports nor is intended to be held as reflecting the opinion, attitudes and or policies of the Association or its’ members. No subscriber or other member should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without considering, and if necessary, taking appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances. Neither the Editor, Association nor members of the Association are to be held liable for any loss or damage, suits, actions or demands arising out of this publication. The Editor and the authors, expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or part of the contents of this publication.
Let’s Get Quacking!
In this Issue:-
Notice of AGM
Ekka 2012 – Our Winners
Show & Tell Day
Stress
Drakes Kickin’ Back
Duck Rescue 101
First Ducks on Mars
Summer Edition - 2012 Issue 18, Volume 2
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Yearly Membership
SEQWA year runs from 1st January to 31st December
$30.00 for Individuals $35 for Family
Plus $5.00 late fee for renewals received after 31st March
Benefits of Joining
You get to talk with like minded people
A young Bird Show to show off your babies
Entry into a SEQWA Breeders’ Directory
An Annual Show
Share ideas
You receive SEQWA Newsletter at least three times a year
You get to advertise, free of charge, in the Newsletter and on the website
Editorial Our first “Show and Tell”! What can I say? Numbers weren’t large, but enthusiasm was huge. .. huge enough to be organising another in April next year...and another in September! Feed-back from attendees has been very encouraging. The morning went well with Senior Judge Keith Reimers sharing his extreme knowledge of the three breeds that were being exhibited. Many thanks go to the Hutt family and, of course, Jimmy Innes who pulled it all together on the day. If you would like to be listed on the SEQWA website, please let me know. The Breeders’ Directory listing would be available to paid up members of SEQWA. A hard copy could also be produced yearly and would take the form of a small booklet. If you wish to be entered into our “on-line” register, please fill out the enclosed form and return to me. Also in this issue a belated, brief summary of SEQWA’s Ekka winners and images. Again, Ray Mathiesen has contributed hundreds of photos of the winning birds. I can only imagine the work involved, from taking birds from pens to the photo pen, taking the photos and then all the work in labelling each photo with the pen number. It would be a boring old Newsletter without Ray’s continue support.
Summer Edition - 2012 Issue 18, Volume 2
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South East Queensland Waterfowl Association, Inc
Notice of Annual General Meeting Sunday, 2
nd December, 2012
NOTICE IS GIVEN that an Annual General Meeting of the members of SEQWA,
Inc will be held on Sunday, 2nd December, 2012
To be held at
Burpengary Hotel – Phone 3888 1044 262 Bruce Highway, Eastern Service Road
Burpengary Q 4505
Commencing: 10.30 AM
Agenda
President’s Report Treasurer’s Report
General Business from 2012 Proxy Votes
Election of Office Bearers New Business (“Show and Tell” Shows, Breeders Directory
For SEQWA Members etc)
Memberships for the year 2013 are now due
We look forward to your attendance at the meeting, but if you are unable to attend, I am happy to act as proxy. A proxy form is included on the last page of
this newsletter
Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated!
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CHAMPION MUSCOVY - BLUE AND WHITE 1574 First
CHAMPION MUSCOVY - PIED 1581 First
RESERVE CHAMPION WATERFOWL OF SHOW 1574 First
CHAMPION WATERFOWL TRIO OF SHOW 1721 First
CHAMPION WATERFOWL PAIR OF FEMALES 1722 First
CHAMPION CALL - BROWN 1671 First
CHAMPION CRESTED AC - BANTAM WATERFOWL 1679 First
CHAMPION CRESTED - AC WATERFOWL 1627 First
CHAMPION CRESTED WATERFOWL OF SHOW 1627 First
Ekka 2012 – Our Winners!
Tony Stallwood
Ray Mathiesen
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RESERVE CHAMPION PEKIN WATERFOWL OF SHOW 1588 First
GRAND CHAMPION WATERFOWL OF SHOW 1560 First
CHAMPION INDIAN RUNNER - WHITE 1643 First
CHAMPION MUSCOVY - WHITE 1560 First
CHAMPION WATERFOWL HEAVY 1560 First
CHAMPION WATERFOWL LIGHT 1643 First
BEST LIGHT BREED WATERFOWL OF SHOW 1643 First
CHAMPION WATERFOWL - OLD FEMALE 1560 First
Ekka 2012 – Our Winners! Charlie Green
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Mini Tuna, Corn and Sweet Potato Frittatas
Ekka 2012 – Our Winners!
The Hutt girls did very well at the Ekka. Michelle winning Champion Khaki Campbell, Belle took out Champion Junior and AJ did well her Wyandotte chickens!
Ekka Judging Day – 9th August, 2012
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The role of senior judge for the day was capably performed by Keith Reimers who did an excellent job and fully embraced the concept of passing on his considerable experience. Valuable contributions were also made by some of the other experienced breeders in attendance. Questions from the audience helped facilitate some useful discussion about several aspects of the breeds, and even some interesting discussion regarding feeding, nutrition and incubation. The show was reasonably well attended for our first attempt at such an event, and everyone felt it was a very useful learning experience and expressed a great enthusiasm for more events such as this to be held. SEQWA intend on making this a regular event, possibly annually or biannually, and will select four new breeds for discussion each time. Hopefully we can better advertise the next event and give people more notice and achieve an even better attendance. We are considering making a few tweaks to improve the format of the novice judging competition. We hope that others will join us in attending these ‘Show and Tell’ events to take advantage of a great opportunity to learn about the waterfowl breeds. We also hope that other clubs and associations will undertake similar initiatives to promote the sharing of knowledge about all forms of poultry in their local regions. Passing our knowledge on to newcomers to the fancy is essential to keeping our hobby strong.
The next SEQWA ‘Show and Tell’ event will be held on Sunday 7th of April 2013 at the Rosewood Showground.
Our first “Show & Tell”! ...Breed Knowledge
& Sharing Day. A short extract from an Article by Jim Innes.
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Serious symptoms include: lethargy, weakness, sudden lameness (rare), loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, listlessness, depression, disinterest in normal routines and feathers that remain ruffled open. Mild symptoms include: reduced egg production as well as slight and harmless behavioural changes. Some birds will suddenly collapse to a “sit down” position during times of stress and will remain still for a few minutes (This in geese more frequently than in ducks). Provided the bird stands up again within a few minutes they should be fine provided you remove the stressor. Symptoms of stress can be identical to symptoms of a *serious illness. However, if something could have recently stressed your duck or goose and brought about the changes, you will need to try to remedy it. For example, if you have put something new into your duck or goose’s pen and they’re not eating, remove that thing from their pen (if you can). If you have introduced a new flock mate, perhaps a dividing fence between them is in order. *Severe or ongoing symptoms should be monitored very closely especially since ducks and geese will try to hide their illnesses for as long as they can as part of their natural defence against predators. Often, by the time you see symptoms, whatever is ailing them has already escalated.
Causes of Stress Environmental Changes When asked the difference between having pet ducks and pet geese, we always have the same answer. Put something new in a duck pen and the ducks will avoid it for at least three days. Put something new in a goose pen and they will almost immediately come over to investigate. What does this mean in terms of stress? It means don’t make any grand overnight changes to your duck pen. Instead, changes should be made gradually. Fast and large scale change can bring on more stress for your ducks.
Stress! A duck or goose that is stressed can exhibit mild to serious symptoms.
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When bringing home new birds, make sure they are enclosed in a “quarantine pen”. Let them settle; enter their pen to change out food and water and refresh hay and then quickly leave again. Again, unless there is a health issue, wait 48 hours to delouse, de-worm and put on their leg band. After this, for the next two weeks only enter the pen to change out food and water and to do daily pen upkeep. Keep it quick and simple. The birds will let you know when they are ready for a little more interaction. They decide how close they want to get. Do not attempt to pick them up or touch them or push them further than they’re ready to go. Slow but steady is the best way to earn a duck or goose's trust. At the end of quarantine the new birds can be moved to their next pen. Temperature Changes Ducks and geese also experience a stress increase when temperatures flux suddenly or reach extremes. During these times it is best to avoid any other stressors to prevent compiling. Timing is everything and it’s true for your ducks and geese as well. This being said, if your duck or goose is stressed and needs vet care, don’t hesitate to put them in the car and take them there—even if it might cause them some added stress. Parasites The presence of parasites in your duck or goose can definitely lead to increased stress levels. If there have not been any changes in your bird’s normal routine that could be causing their sudden stress, then parasites may be the problem. Illness & Infection Illness or infection can cause the stress levels you are seeing. If your duck or goose is running a temperature your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics for 7-14 days to help them get well. Improvement is commonly seen within 2-3 days. Other... If your duck or goose is running a normal temperature and faecal test does not reveal parasites, your vet will likely advise some blood work and x-rays to single out other stress-causing possibilities that range from mild to severe. Some possibilities are: injury, egg-binding, poisoning, disease and cancer (most of these tend to be accompanied by other symptoms).
Stress! Continued
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Keith Reimers and his Khaki Campbell - Reserve Champion
To a Waterfowl
BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT
Whither, 'midst falling dew, While glow the heavens with the last steps of day, Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue
Thy solitary way?
Vainly the fowler’s eye Might mark thy distant flight, to do thee wrong,
As, darkly seen against the crimson sky, Thy figure floats along.
Seek’st thou the plashy brink
Of weedy lake, or marge of river wide, Or where the rocking billows rise and sink
On the chaféd ocean side?
There is a Power, whose care Teaches thy way along that pathless coast,—
The desert and illimitable air Lone wandering, but not lost.
All day thy wings have fanned,
At that far height, the cold thin atmosphere; Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land,
Though the dark night is near.
And soon that toil shall end, Soon shalt thou find a summer home, and rest,
And scream among thy fellows; reeds shall bend, Soon, o’er thy sheltered nest.
Thou’rt gone, the abyss of heaven
Hath swallowed up thy form, yet, on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given,
And shall not soon depart.
He, who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight,
In the long way that I must trace alone, Will lead my steps aright.
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Think of ducks feet. They are not thick enough to have an insulating layer of fat, nor are they covered in feathers. Thus blood must flow close to the skin, cooling rapidly in the freezing water, or on the ice. Why don’t they get frostbite like humans do? Frostbite is caused by severely reduced blood flow to the extremities in cold weather. Over extended periods, tissues in the fingers and toes do not get warmth or nutrients from the blood and die, causing gangrene and other nasty problems. The secret for ducks is in the blood flow system. To maintain healthy tissue, and prevent frostbite, you need to provide nutrients to the tissue and keep it warm enough so that it doesn’t freeze. In ducks (and other cold-weather birds), this is done by a physiological set up called “countercurrent”. Think of venous blood, cold from exposure to the air, flowing back into the body from the feet. Too much cold blood will bring the core body temperature down, leading to hypothermia. Then think of warm, arterial blood rushing from the heart. In animals adapted to the cold, the veins and arteries run very close together. As cold blood runs up the leg from the foot and passes by the artery, it picks up most of the heat from the artery. Thus, by the time arterial blood reaches the foot, it is very cool, so does not lose too much heat in transfer with cold water. Blood flow is carefully regulated to maintain the delicate balance of providing blood but maintaining core body temperature. In this way, the blood in the foot of a duck remains very cool at all times, yet warm enough to keep the tissue healthy. By maintaining blood flow, nutrients required by the foot tissue are also provided. That being said, ducks can still get cold if they stay in the water too long.
It turns out that birds are not the only creatures to use countercurrent to survive in the cold. Marine mammals such as whales, seals and dolphins have arteries surrounded by a web of veins. This makes heat transfer between arterial and venous blood even more efficient, protecting flippers which do not have a juicy layer of blubber to insulate them. People, too, have a rudimentary system for countercurrent. Deep in the arms and legs, arteries and veins run together. When cold, only these protected arteries and veins are used. This restricts blood to extremities and causes – yes, frostbite. However it protects our core body temperature so that we survive (minus a few appendages). The reason our system is less developed is that we just don’t need the system that often – we are more used to trying to dissipate excess heat (by sweating or running blood close to the skin). Back to ducks. Living in a winter climate is very costly, with an enormous amount of energy needed to reheat ducks after a cold swim or an icy meal. However ducks have adapted to gain advantages from the chill.
Cooling may allow ducks to dive deeper and swim further. By cooling the brain, less oxygen is required and thus a duck can stay underwater longer. In one study, ducks diving in 10 degree centigrade water could stay under 14% longer than those diving in 35 degree water.
Why don’t ducks get frostbite?
We may not get too many icy ponds in
Queensland, but you have to agree, our ducks are very clever when it comes to the
cold!
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At the tail end of a tough season on the breeding grounds, the appearance of small groups of drake mallards is a characteristic signal that the nesting season is winding down. Like most ducks, drake mallards find their mates in the fall or over winter, then follow their chosen
hen back to the area in which she was hatched, or where she nested the previous year. The hen sets up house-keeping usually in a familiar environment, although droughts, floods and other
events can influence where she may choose to settle. In early spring, the mallard drake’s role is to maintain a territory where his mate will feed to fuel the nesting effort. Most often, the nest is located nearby. The drake has a busy time in spring, fending off amorous single drakes, and
other mallard pairs that might try to settle in the area.
Staying alert for predators while his mate feeds, and watching out for intruding pairs, are two big responsibilities of a drake mallard during the egg-laying and the early incubation periods of
the nesting cycle. When incubation is in full-swing, drakes are torn between defending their hen from harassing drakes, who rove the countryside looking for re- nesting females, and checking
out any apparently re-nesting female neighbors, in need of his obviously superior genetic material. All of this leaves the average male mallard with too little time to eat and relax, when in the company of his favorite consort.
As the breeding season progresses, an interesting change overtakes the drake mallard. Anytime
his mate is out on the pond with him, away from the nest for a quick daily snack, he is a vigilant defender of her virtue, willing to take on any and all drakes that may stray into the area.
However, as soon as she returns to the nest, the drake immediately adopts a more tolerant attitude toward his erstwhile competitors, and falls easily into a period of loafing, sleeping and feeding in the company of neighboring drakes.
Associations of two drakes or more occur as the nesting season continues. With hens incubating eggs for longer and longer periods, the drake gradually loses interest in her and wanders further from home base. At the beginning of incubation, groups of two neighboring drakes, sharing the
same loafing area, are common. These are sexually active drakes, and should a female stray within view, they will try to force their attentions upon her. By the time incubation is well
underway, the number of loafing companions may reach five or more.
Drakes Kickin’ Back!
We can learn a lot about our domestic waterfowl behaviour by studying wild flocks. An interesting article by Dr. Rob Bailey.
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By this time, the drake’s sexual interest is waning rapidly. As the breeding season draws to a close, it’s time for the drakes to kick-back, and take life a little less seriously. The first signs of
molt appear in the flashy mallard breeding plumage, and in a short time, the drakes will leave for the summer molt and not return.
The drakes in the photo haven’t lost interest in hens yet, but their association is announcing to
all of the world, that the nesting season has reached at least the half-way point, their hens are incubating a clutch of eggs on a nest nearby, and for the short time being, well….life as a mallard drake is good.
Ingredients
black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 cups broccolini florets, blanched
5 eggs
60g block PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
80g bacon, finely chopped
Method
Sauté the bacon in a greased 20cm frying pan.
Whisk together the PHILLY, cheese and eggs until mixed. Stir in broccolini and pepper.
Pour the PHILLY mixture over the bacon in the pan. Cook over a gentle heat for 5-8 minutes or until
cooked through. (If necessary, top the frypan with a lid to aid cooking or place under a hot grill).
Cut in half and serve
Bacon and Broccolini Omelette
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cooking Time:20 minutes
Serves:2
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Duck Rescue 101 What should I do if I find an abandoned duck or goose
nest? This applies to domestic or wild waterfowl.
First, the nest might not actually be abandoned. There are a
number of reasons why you might not see a duck or goose
sitting on the nest, or leaving it. Ducks and geese don’t spend
much time sitting on their nest until all their eggs are laid. They
only lay one egg a day so this can take a few days (e.g. 8 –
12). After they start to incubate, they will take ‘recesses’ from the
nest to feed and rest. They also
might have seen you coming and flown off without you noticing them.
You should not touch the nest and leave the area completely, even if you have not seen a duck or goose around. Since ducks and geese are wary of predators, they won’t return
to the nest until they are sure you are out of sight.
Secondly, some-times ducks or geese will lay a few eggs and abandon the nest. If the
nest has been truly abandoned, artificial incubation is usually not successful. Egg embryos that have been chilled are no longer alive or are damaged.
We have a duck that has nested in an unsafe area.
Can we move the nest?
First, you can try to protect the nest if it is suitable, just
remember that the mother duck and ducklings that hatch have to be able to get out. If protecting the nest
is not possible and only a few eggs have been laid, it is kinder to remove the eggs and nest entirely. It is likely
the mother duck will leave and begin a new nest in a different (hopefully safer) spot. Moving the nest and
eggs to a new location is not helpful as the mother duck will not look around for her ‘new’ nest location.
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When we were out walking we found several ducklings huddled together. Has their mother abandoned them? Should we catch them?
Since ducklings are able to walk and feed themselves from the time they are hatched, their mother may not stay right with them all the time. It is likely that she is hiding
somewhere watching you and waiting for you to leave so she can return to them.
IMPORTANT:
Wild ducks and geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Act. It is illegal to gather
and keep their eggs or to capture ducks, geese, ducklings or goslings. If you are in a situation where you need to rescue a nest or capture ducklings, you should take them to
your closest wildlife carer as soon as possible. Ducks and geese can become imprinted on humans easily, meaning they will never be able to be released back in to the wild.
Your local wildlife carer will know how to feed and care for them properly to ensure they can be released in to the wild when they are old enough.
Office Bearers for 2012 President Jimmy Innes [email protected] Vice President Charlie Green Secretary Gloria Evans [email protected] Treasurer Glenys Passier [email protected] Newsletter & Website Editor Glenys Passier [email protected]
Have your Membership Details Changed?
Please advise any changes of your details to Glenys -
Contact - [email protected]
Your Address?
Email Contact?
Your Phone Number?
The Breeds you Keep?
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If you would like to be listed on the SEQWA website, please let me know. The Directory listing would be available to paid up members of SEQWA. A hard copy could also be produced yearly and would take the form of a small booklet. If you wish to be entered into our “on-line” register, please fill out the enclosed form and return to me.
Please complete the form below if you wish to be included in a SEQWA website
Breeders’ Directory. Only fill out the sections you want published. Please sign and
return to Glenys Passier, 74 Hayes Avenue, Camira Q 4300 or email:-
Name:………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Email contact:…………………………………………………………………………………………
Website:………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Phone Number:………………………………………………………………………………………..
Breeds & Colours Kept:………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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I give permission for SEQWA to publish my details as listed above on www.seqwa.net
Signature:………………………………………………………….Date………………………….
SEQWA Breeders Directory
Summer Edition - 2012 Issue 18, Volume 2
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South East Queensland Waterfowl Association, Incorporated
Proxy Form – AGM 2012
I........................................................................................................................ Of…………………………………………………………………………………… Being a Member of SEQWA, appoint……………………………...................... Of……………………………………………………………….. as my proxy to vote on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting, to be held on 2
nd
December, 2012, and at any adjournment of the meeting. Signed:……………………………………………………. Date:……………………………………………………….. I am happy to act as proxy for members unable to attend the AGM. Please complete the form and email to Glenys- [email protected] or alternatively post to SEQWA, Post Office Box 3277, Darra Q 4076. Proxies must be received by Friday, 30th November, 2012
DATE CLAIMER!
