The chairman, Lou Dall’Est, opened the Wednesday 24th June 2026 meeting
of the Society at 8:03 pm, welcoming the 40 members in attendance
Main Feature:
Our guest speaker for June, introduced to the members by Lou Dall’ Est, was
Tomas Strachota. Tomas is visiting Australia from the Czech Republic, eagerly visiting as many Aviaries and Bird Watching sites as he can find. He was lucky enough to see a flock of Gang Gangs recently, one of the birds featured in his logo.
Tomas started his avicultural journey at 12 years of age, keeping and breeding Lovebirds. He keeps a few parrot species as well as a variety of mutation Diamond Doves.
The main focus is now on the breeding of Show Zebra Finches. Given that the winters in the Czech Republic can range from -10 to -15C, the Zeb’s are all kept in internal bird rooms.
The birds are paired and housed separately in smaller type cages, this allows for selective breeding control. Diets are strictly controlled, the usual seeds are supplied, canary, millets and panicum, along with egg food, grit and calcium.
One thing that was a surprise, is that pellets for finches are also used, to
ensure the birds are getting vitamins and minerals.
The size and shape of the show zebra finches varies across European
countries, they are however generally a lot larger than the Zebra Finch in
Australia. The Czech Republic holds two national shows, that usually sees 600-700 exhibited birds. Tomas has many highlights and success as a Zebra Finch breeder and judge. He has won European Champion Zebra featuring over 2000 birds in the competition, as well as World Champion where over 20,000 birds are exhibited.
Tomas likes the Aviary style of bird keeping and is now taking up a new
challenge to breed Silverbills in an Aviary situation. Tomas was thanked by
Mark Cameron for taking the time out of his busy schedule to present us with an informative snapshot of his experiences of birdkeeping in Europe.
General Business:
A 20 kg Bag of seed donated by Dandenong Stockfeeds was the major prize ofthe night, won by David Whaley.
1: Raffles details:
A number of donations were made for the raffle, including prizes supplied by many of our members. As always, we are most grateful to the donors and
thank them for their contribution. Congratulations to the winners.
Some winners and donors wishing to be acknowledged include: Lee
Thornbury, Marie De Lima, Joe Bolyos, John Vella, Dianne Galea, Graeme
Smith, Kevin Ray
(Any errors remain the Secretary’s).
2: Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report was posted at the side of the room. Moved Joe Bolyos, Seconded Chris Farrell, Carried.
3: July Program: Vern Muir from DNA Solutions.
4: New members: Welcomed by Lou and invited to speak to members if they
require any help.
5: Lost and Found: Tom Hobbs reported that a Lilac Crowned Amazon was
lost in the Hallam area.
6: Service Items: Tom Hobbs was on hand to provide the members with
a number of service items available at the side of the meeting room, and
mentioned that he is selling down some items.
7: Other Business:
Lou thanked Dandenong Stock Feeds for our major prize of seed and thanked all our donors for their support.
Discussion was held regarding the need for members to assist in the holding of the Melbourne Bird Expo and the need for support to enable the event to continue into the future.
Lou also mentioned the recent passing of long time Aviculturists Rob Watson from Ballarat and Ray McGibbon from Geelong. He passed on the Society’s condolences to their family and friends.
Frank Prowse mentioned that he is going to shut down his Mealworm
production due to diminishing demand.
The audience was once again reminded to sign the petition to Protect Bird
Keeping in Victoria.
The audience was advised that there was no official declaration at the moment regarding the Bird Flu and that normal hygiene practices should be maintained at the moment, and that any change would be conveyed if circumstances change.
The meeting closed at 9:38 with supper prepared by Tas Graham, enjoyed, as members socialised.
Kevin Gadsden, Secretary
Avicultural Society of Australia,Inc.