When I decided to become a breeder and exhibitor of cockatiels, my first dilemma was which organization or club should I join. This was not an easy decision, as most of these organizations had what I was looking for (i.e., traceable bands, wealth of information, organized bird shows). However, the American Cockatiel Society had one thing in particular that helped me make up my mind: Some of the healthiest looking competitive cockatiels I've ever seen. Whether or not I exhibited my cockatiels was irrelevant, as my number one goal as a breeder was to produce quality birds, and that's the main reason why I chose to become a member.

Additionally, I find ACS members more than willing and quite excited about sharing their knowledge with other cockatiel enthusiasts. Immediately numerous Judges, Regional Directors, and State Representatives took me under their wings. Their knowledge of cockatiels from breeding to showing has been an invaluable resource to me. Most importantly, I have made many new friends who have the same fascination with cockatiels as I do.

The American Cockatiel Society was established in 1976 as an international non-profit organization, dedicated to the improvement and standardization of the Cockatiel and its mutations. ACS covers the complete field of cockatiels, from the pet owner to the champion breeder.

Every ACS member receives the bi-monthly magazine. Included in the magazine are articles from a panel of expert advisors who are on staff to answer questions from members on genetics, pet care, and breeding and management. This magazine also features articles on the genetic expectation of mutations and cross mutations, hand feeding baby birds, care and diet, building and establishing a suitable environment for a successful aviary, building nest boxes, and much, much more.

A single membership is $18.00 per year and a dual membership (two individuals) is $20.00 per year. Junior membership (under 18) is $15.00 a year. New members receive a complementary copy of the "Basic Cockatiel Information Booklet."

I suggest all cockatiel enthusiasts visit the web site at www.acstiels.com. On the web site, you will find membership forms, a message from the president, articles on cockatiels, color mutation photos, upcoming show dates, information for your bird club, grant information, sales store, bird sale advertisement, members homepages, plus much, much more.