VARIOUSVARIOUSNEWS AND

MISCELLANEOUS

Part 1June 2011

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We always like to know what you think about “Aviculture Europe”, as well as what you think about our articles and our site. As we are well aware of the fact that criticism also means progress, we would like you to share with us whatever opinion(s) you might have regarding the topics, quality and adequacy of our articles. Our primary goal is to offer you, our readers, thoroughly documented information and novelties from the poultry – and pigeon-world, so your feedback will always be welcome and converted into a perpetual renewal and improvement of “Aviculture Europe” magazine.

We equally enjoy being complimented for the things you like and being oriented, through your advice, towards your particular areas of interest in this fascinating hobby. So, if you have anything you want to share with us, good or bad, laudatory or critical, please don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail, and we will surely reply, and your suggestions will be taken into consideration. We will publish a regularly updated selection of e-mails in our Guestbook section. So do send us your reactions or general thoughts. We want to know what the public really thinks and invite you to show us.Please note:• We reserve the right to decline publishing a letter for whatever reason. • We also reserve the right to edit a letter in respect to length or appropriateness. • An e-mail should include your name and your e-mail address.• You can e-mail us at redactie@aviculture-europe.nl

With thanks to all contributors and advertisers,on behalf of the team of Aviculture Europe,

Nico van Benten

A word from the editor…Dear reader,

In this June update we present you a tour around the pigeon houses of the Midi Pyrénées region in France. It is a large file and it may take some time to download, but it is certainly worthwhile! For those of you who are planning a holiday in France, it might be a good idea to do the tour.

Welcome at Koudijs webstore Products for Pigeon-chickens-waterfowl-birds-rabbits

-pesticide-disinfectants and also your supplier for Klaus products

Biosil Liquid: The Solution to Aphidbirds in poultry and ornamental birds.

Features:Biosil liquid is a liquid for use against mites in poultry and ornamental birds. The product the product is based on hydrofobe silica's and can be used while animals reside in the loft. Biosil liquid remains active until the product is present on the treated surfaces.

Instructions for use:Application of Biofree liquid can be carried out by using either a mist blower or a knapsack sprayer. Removal of all nozzle and lance filters from the sprayer prior to application is essential. All surfaces around poultry cages, feed troughs, egg conveyors and nesting boxes should be treated. It can also be brushed in the cracks and crevices.

Biosil 1 liter is sufficient for 15-20 m2

www.koudijskleindiersport.nl/

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DESPERATELY SEEKING…..

SUSAN, of the Marans Club UK, is looking for the book: The Marans fowl: its characteristics, market possibilities and its development in this country, by Lord Greenway, 1929-1945. Publisher Stanbridge Earls.

As far as we know, it is a small book of 23 pages only, so if you own it and don’t want to sell, maybe you would consider copying the text for her and the Club?Please serach your book shelves!All information is welcome.

You can contact Susan at ssc@cmail.co.ukOr you can contact the editor of Aviculture Europe at redactie@aviculture-europe.nl

CHICKEN FEATHERS suggested as basis for plasticsThe millions of tonnes of chicken feathers discarded each year could be used in plastics, researchers say.A study reported at the American Chemical Society meeting in the US suggests feathers could lead to more environment-friendly, lighter plastics.The chemical recipe requires significantly less petroleum-derived material.Such ‘biowaste’ materials have been proposed as components of plastic formulations before.Feathers, like hair and fingernails, are made up principally of the tough and chemically stable protein keratin, and can lend strength while reducing weight in the mixtures of plastics chemicals known as composites.Researchers at the US agricultural authority have even published research into the possibility of incorporating chicken feathers into plastics, as an additive in composites that are made largely of a chemical polymer. But the work presented by Yiqi Yang, from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, takes this idea further and uses the chicken feather fibres themselves as a principal ingredient - making up 50% of the mass of the composite.As a result, the plastics require less of the materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene that are derived from petroleum products."[Prior] technology uses keratin as an 'additive' to polyethylene and polypropylene. Our work turns feathers into something like polyethylene and polypropylene," Professor Yang said. "If used as composite materials, no polyethylene or polypropylene are needed. Therefore the plastics will be more degradable and more sustainable.“Professor Yang's team processed chicken feathers and added a chemical known as methyl acrylate to turn them into a plastic, from which they made thin films. These films were tougher than comparable formulations using other biowaste materials, and Professor Yang said that a crucial advantage of the team's approach was that their plastics are much more resistant to water.

Remko Akkerman, technical director of the Thermoplastic Composite Research Centre in the Netherlands, said that, depending on the application, feather-derived composites could be a strong addition to the palette of plastics. "Whenever you can use waste for a functional product, I'd say that's a good idea. So using biomaterials, whether it's for commodity products or even structural applications, that's worth pursuing," he explained. However, he said that only by making larger amounts of the composite - and assessing the energy costs of production - could a full assessment of the idea be made."For each material you can do things at a very minor scale, but making the transition to mass production is a large one and only then can you truly grade the performance in terms of economics, carbon footprint, and so on."Despite all that we should pursue things like these, try and use biomaterials - certainly if it's waste otherwise - and make something useful.“

In the meantime, also Dr. Richard Wool, a chemical engineer at the University of Delaware is using plant oils and waste products to develop the world’s cheapest composites and resins. He used the chicken feathers to produce circuit board material. Already in 2002, he filed a patent to use chicken feathers to replace silicon in computer chips. Professor Wool used the material to design a circuit board he said is a lighter, stronger, cheaper product with high-speed electronic properties. In short, the feathers allow extra air flow and do not expand like plastic when heated, so the hotter temperatures that come with higher speeds are less problematic. His chicken feather circuit board material has already attracted the interest of Intel.

So, if chickens are going to be mass produced for food anyway, perhaps an eco-friendly use of all parts of the chicken is not such a bad thing.

SourcesJournal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry - http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf1039519Agricultural Research Service - A Process for Improving Plastic Using Poultry Feathers –http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/patents/patents.htm?s erialnum=11249794New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/19/science/19 poly.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=wool+delaware&st=nyt &oref=slogin

Pigeon keeping is a wonderful hobby, which can bring you much joy. It does not matter whether you participate in races (carrier pigeons), or you try through selective mating (on characteristics) to breed the best fancy pigeon, or you just keep a few pigeons for pure fun.

Every pigeon fancier is striving for progress, but first you have to have a good pigeon. A top pigeon can only show its qualities if health, nutrition and care and attention are in balance. Over the years we have been able to find out which products are most appreciated by the pigeon fanciers and those products can be found in our range.

On our website you will find an overview of our brands. The products, which can be found among the different brands are the so called ‘runners’. This does not mean that we exclude other products. If you are looking for a product that you can not find in our assortment, do not hesitate to contact us so we can order that product for you from our supplier.

De Groene Luifel has been a family business in Sluis (Zeeland) for more than 40 years. In our

pharmacy department you can buy self-medication and nutritional supplements legally

intended for free sale (without prescription).www.degroeneluifel.nl/

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NEEDLES AND PINSBy: Aviculture Europe

Last year we published some photos of a pair of collared doves that had made a nest in our Monkey puzzle tree, inspite of the thick, triangular, ‘leaves’ with their sharp edges and tip. This year they again built a nest, with success; the two young are already ready to leave the nest.

I cannot think of a good reason, why these collared doves choose our Monkey puzzle tree as their ideal nesting place. They are hardly sheltered and fully visible to crows, magpies, and other birds of prey. Or maybe those birds just don’t like to land between the tough, pricky scale-like needles and pins of the tree?

Photo:The two young of the collared doves in the Monkey puzzle tree or Chilean pine, Araucaria araucana.

THE ROOSTER IN THE BELL TOWER OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MESSINA

By: Elio Corti (Italy)

The current astronomical Campanile of the Cathedral of Messina (Sicily) was newly built after the original bell tower was demolished in 1863 because it was unsafe. The same tower already had been rebuilt after the earthquake of 1783 and at that time it had already been greatly reduced in height. In 1930 Archbishop Monsignor Angelo Paino exerted himself for the reconstruction of the bell tower planned by architect Francesco Valenti and made to elaborate a plan for building a mechanical astronomical clock. The task was given to the company Ungerer, Strasbourg, and it took three years to complete the work. The clock, which was designed to give representation of the civil and religious history of Messina in seven scenes, was inaugurated on August 13, 1933. The event is commemorated by a plaque on the south side of the bell tower. The bell tower of the cathedral is 60 meters high (the tower was originally 90 meters high) and houses world's largest astronomical and mechanical clock, with its 45 meters height and 54 mechanically animated statues.

The apex of the tower is composed of a quadrangular spire surrounded by four lower spires, containing the four quadrants of the hours, one on each side. The dial plates, having a diameter of 2.4 m, are placed in an area where is a recess of the bell tower, so that around them there is a lookout balcony, which is open to the public.

Under the dial plates are positioned the following seven descending scenes: the Lion; the Cock with Dina and Clarenza and the bells of the quarters and hours; the Virgin della Lettere with the angel, Saint Paul and four Messinian ambassadors; the biblical scenes (worship of the shepherds, adoration of the Magi, Christ's resurrection, descent of the Holy Spirit); the Church of Madonna di Montalto; the course of human life and the days of the week. Five of the seven scenes are set in motion every day after the clock strikes 12 o'clock, while the other two scenes are in motion throughout the day. On the south side of the bell tower, facing the front of the Cathedral, the moon phases, the planetarium and the perpetual calendar are represented.

The LionJust below the lookout there is a lion, 4 meters high, gilt- bronze as all the other mechanically animated statues. It symbolizes strength and the province of Messina. At noon, after the ringing of the bells, it begins the movements with waving the flag 6.3 m high and moving the tail. Then it turns its head toward the piazza and while raising the head it roars three times in succession. The movements of the lion are secured by vertical and horizontal planks, but the movement of the flag is due to a turntable. The flag is not the original one, since in the late 1960s it was stolen by Tuscan goliards as retaliation to a similar action of Messina goliards. On the same floor of the Lion there are eight bells.

The Rooster - Dina and ClarenzaThe Rooster, Dina and Clarenza are on the same floor. The rooster is in the middle and is 2.3 m tall. It symbolizes the awakening of the conscience. When the roaring of the lion ends, the cock begins to flap its wings, lifts its head and crows three times in succession. Dina and Clarenza are two female statues 3.1 m high, they are also on the same floor with two large bells. They have a raised hand which is tied to a belt that moves a fake clapper in synchrony with a hammer which instead hits the bell. Dina and Clarenza are two heroines who in 1282, during the Sicilian Vespers, saved the city from the nightly assault of the Angevins by rolling stones from the city walls and alarming with the sound of the bells. On the left is Dina and she starts moving, rotating the chest for 75°, for the tolling of the quarter hours on the left bell, which dates back to 1590. Clarenza is on the right and, with a movement similar to that of Dina, at each hour activates the right bell, dated 1679.

Hear the sound of the lion and the rooster:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o4kW7E_tMMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogEjtRt3r5M&feat ure=relatedAnd another one:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td3- W7CmRe0&feature=related

See the tower and all animated figures at http://www.webalice.it/colapisci/Cola- Ricerca/Luoghi/campanile.htm

We specialize in fancy pigeons and homing pigeons, and also sell all products needed for your pets, including tropical birds, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and mice.

Also lofts, bird cages, rabbit hutches etc.

In our pet store in The Hague, you can also buy the highest quality food for fancy pigeons, specially made from our own mixing.

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De Zwarte Vogel Schalk Burgerstraat 274-284 2572 TE Den Haag tel. 0031-70-3807777

For DUMO pigeon lofts :www.dumonederland.nl/

Top products for the Pigeon Fancy:Lofts, pigeon baskets, feed, and pigeon medicines from Comed Science and Vitaminsol-Multi.

All can be ordered in the web shop http://www.dezwartevogel.nl/

Mr. Luc Kerkhofs, President of the ‘The European Short Face Owl Club' informed us that:

“As President of the European Owl Club, on behalf of the Club and it's members, I insisted that these historic and colourful names should be indicated in brackets, after the given correct genetic name.

Because a Standard Committe e member, Jean-Louis Frindel, is also a member of our Specialty Club, our proposal was more easily accepted ”.

Editor's note:

In the Dutch standards it is still customary to indicate the traditional colour names between brackets.

Photo: Archives Aviculture Europe.

ORIENTAL OWLS KEEP THEIR CLASSIC COLOUR NAMES

Welcom on the website of www.watervogelbond.nl the online encyclopedia for all waterfowl lovers!

This website is dedicated to: Everyone in Europe who cares about waterfowl, keepers and breeders as well as parks, zoos, biologists and scientists who want to share their knowledge with others. You do not need to become a member to use the forum, the shop and marketplace. Of course we invite you to join so you can get in contact with other enthusiasts and also contribute to future projects and take advantage of the many benefits that are and will come.

Which birds do we look after? - Wild ducks, geese, swans species and their mutants - Domestic waterfowl

You can also contact the Watervogelbond with all your questions about waterfowl that reside in your area. The Watervogelbond regards each waterfowl in its value, with emphasis on identification, ecology, reproduction, etc. and to recognize self-esteem and natural disposition of birds. Hence, any water bird also gets the same approach! That is why our slogan is: Keeping Waterfowl in a Responsible Way!

HEARTILY RECOMMENDED BY AVICULTURE EUROPE!

Keeping Waterfowl in a Responsible Way!

NEW! Book Serama COLOURSShipping costs EU Є3,16Bubble envelop 1 euro. EU total: Є28,66Order? When you are in Europe send me an email. For US breeders, this book is available via Jerry Schexnayder SCNA. Can be payed with Paypal and via bank.

€ 24,50

The Serama Colours

In Europe also typical Serama colours are accepted by the European Standard commission but not everybody knows which rooster and hen match in order to breed them true to colour.

It’s a venture, this early stage of Serama colour breeding. But, it has been done for several generations. Serama are bred to type, size and character, their colours seem to be a mystery, but they aren’t. In this 116 page book (A5 oblong) over 360 colour photos show you how to identify them and that is where selection starts. Since the Serama is entering the conventional poultry world, there is a need amongst some breeders to breed them for cage judging according to standardized colours.

Read more info on this book on http://www.tuinvee.nl/pagina72a.html

Book: A5 oblong, 116 pages, full colour, over 350 photos, soft cover. Unique book, stuffed with knowledge by 2,5 - 3 years (4/5 generations) colour breeding Serama in The Netherlands and USA. Test breeding to standardized colours. Also the Cocoapop colour is revealed. You want to make more birds in your favorite colour? Then you can use this!

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AGAIN THE GOOLEE PIGEON….In reply to our article on the Goolee in April, we received the following reaction:“Goolee is a breed still present in India and is used in flying competitions. I will try to get photos of the Goolee and Khal and will send them to you soon”. Regards, Tanveer.

So, it is good news to hear this so special coloured pigeon breed is not extinct!

Even better is that we received a series of photos of several of the typical Indian Pigeon breeds.

In our August update we will present them to you.

Meanwhile we give you the photos of the Goolee, with our sincere thanks to Tanveer and the breeder, K. Senthil Arasu.

DON’T MISS IT!

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Dipo products originated from the combination of health care / pigeons, but there is also experience with breeding chickens, rabbits and cats. Meanwhile, research has irrevocably shown that these products have proven their operation, especially in the contraceptive area.

The following products can be ordered through the webshop http://www.dipoproducten.nl/Dipoproducten.php

Dipobac probiotica contains 5 different good lactic acid bacteria and thus regulates a healthy intestinal flora. It also increases the overall resistance and expels the pathogenic bacteria and pathogens in the feces from the body. Quick visible results. Dipobac is "the right alternative”.

Dipo protector contains Thyme oil, Oregano oil and Eucalyptus oil and works especially well in pigeons against Trichomoniasis, worms and Coccidiosis. Prevents infection via drinking water.

Garlic oil plus is an oil with garlic, plus the three above oils. The addition of chlorophyll in this oil provides some extra vitamins. Expels micro organisms, works as a blood purifier, improves overall fitness and increases resistance.

Dipo propolis is one of the few substances to which a natural antibiotic activity is attributed. Regular benefits give a peak and the highest degree of resistance. Dipo Propolis keeps the airway clean and inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria. It also protects the drinking water against bacterial growth, even at higher temperatures.