I have been raising and showing cockatiels since 1999.  I had the great fortune to live for 2 ½ years right between Phil Feret and Kathy Short in Washington…..and did I learn a lot from them!

I am originally a Kansas girl.  But with my husband’s job, we have moved all over the US.  I grew up with lots of animals and have done a lot of showing of different species.  Being involved in 4-H, I had rabbits and a pig and also learned how to show sheep.  In college at Kansas State, I entered the Little American Royal and showed an Angus bull.  When I was first married and before kids, I tried my hand at showing dogs.  Other animals we have had over the years include pygmy hedgehogs, sugar gliders, guinea pigs and hamsters along with dogs and cats.  With 3 boys, we have also had our share of lizards, turtles and snakes for pets.

While living in Washington, Phil got me interested in showing the birds that I was buying from him and Kathy.  After a few ribbons, I was hooked.  After moving to Southern California in 2001, I continued to breed and show my birds.  I started placing some of my novice birds on the top bench and it wasn’t long before they “kicked” me out of novice and I became an advanced exhibitor.  I now have 4 Grand Champions and 1 Champion that I have bred and banded.  I am now working on studying to take my judge’s test.

 I am a member of NCS and have served as the club secretary and a Board of Directors member.  It’s amazing what goes on behind the scenes of a national club! I have been able to attend 2 National shows and recommend these to everyone as a great chance to learn and see all the beautiful birds.

 I have been working on the Sex-linked Yellow Cheeks.  I have one Grand Champion SLYC, so far!  I just love the yellow color of the cheek patches. I have several new prospects coming along, and can’t wait to show them and see how they do!  I also work with the Fallows, Dominant Yellow Cheeks, Silvers and Suffused Yellows. 

My daughter, Jenna, has caught the cockatiel bug and is starting to collect her own flock..  She is showing as a novice with band # 93J.  Watch out for her!

 

A beautiful Pied pair at OCTiels Aviary