HISTORY OF

THE AMERICAN COCKATIEL SOCIETY

 The American Cockatiel Society was organized in 1977.  The first 100 members representing 15 states were designated Charter Members.   The desire in 1977, as it is today, was for the American Cockatiel Society to be a true “national” organization.  It was, it is, and it shall remain one.

The purposes for founding the American Cockatiel Society were:

• To encourage an interest and understanding of the cockatiel as a pet, breeder, or exhibition bird.

• To maintain an official standard of perfection for judging the ideal.  The A.C.S. show standard was completed in 1979 by Nancy A. Reed; with input from Earnest A. Hart, noted writer; and several members of the society. The visual standard was drawn by Dr. Walter J. Lavoy).

• To maintain a panel of qualified judges, so that judging will be of uniform quality, governed by the A.C.S. standard.

• To encourage closed banding, selective breeding, and record keeping. (In 1978, A.C.S. began offering its members coded, traceable, colored bands.  Select breeding and record keeping has helped to improve on mutations and produce cross mutations.)

•  To increase interest in mutations through study pertaining to the genetics of the cockatiel.

•  To exchange ideas and inform all members throughout the world by the medium of the ACS Magazine, (the magazine covers every aspect of cockatiels.  One will find articles on pet birds, breeding double and triple cross mutations, how to condition and prepare for a show and much, much more.)

•  To support research pertaining to the nutrition and ailments of the cockatiel.

•  To hold, support and exhibit at the American Cockatiel Specialty Show each year.

The above history is just a short synopsis.  The original purposes of the American Cockatiel Society remain our foundation.  Today we are still growing and expanding on those purposes.  In 1989, the American Cockatiel Society developed a slide show to be used for educational presentations and published a Basic Cockatiel Information booklet that is sold throughout the country. Members continue to contribute articles, suggestions and new ideas to be included in the ACS Magazine.  Our future is filled with excitement and expectancy as we continue to make plans and establish goals in our unceasing dedication to the Cockatiel.