FSS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Finch and Softbill Save (FSS) benefit conservation?
FSS benefits conservation by keeping studbooks of domestically bred birds in the program. Pedigree information can be generated from the studbook data, helping participants find unrelated stock for their breeding programs.

Whenever you enter information about the clutches produced in your breeding program, that data can be analyzed at the end of the year to try to determine what breeding conditions may lead to success with each species. FSS can also analyze the numbers of birds being bred of each species to help determine the current state of these species, as well as their state in aviculture over time.

FSS also provides a hub for networking - for finding others working with the same species for bloodline exchange as well as for providing advice and assistance when working with the species.

Can I participate in FSS privately?
Yes. When you create an account, you can decide what, if any, information you would like to share with others. Your data will still be used for analysis, but you can keep your identifying information private. (Note that there may be some exceptions for protected species - for example, the Red Siskin Project may require reporting to government agencies regarding bird transfers - your identifying information cannot be withheld from these reporting functions. Please check with the Species Coordinator if you are participating in any such regulated programs).

What is required of me if I would like to participate?
You must be an NFSS member in good standing. You are required to enter your bird and clutch data into the database and keep it up to date as birds fledge, are transferred to others in and out of the program, and die. FSS will run analyses once a year and you are required to make sure your data is up-to-date at that time. Some information collected is optional. In these cases, you may enter as little or as much information as you like. The more information you provide, the better the data provided by FSS will be. Failure to comply with FSS requirements may lead to removal from the program.

Is banding of birds required?
All birds entered in the program must be banded with numbered bands for identification purposes. Closed bands are recommended, but FSS understands that this is not possible in all situations and that imported birds cannot be closed banded. When closed bands are not practical, open numbered bands may be used instead. Data provided for closed banded birds is taken to be more reliable than data collected for open banded birds as closed banded birds will always have a permanent unique identifier associated with them.

Does bird information travel with the bird when it changes hands?
Yes. When you acquire a bird from another member of FSS, the bird record can be transferred from the previous owner to you, with all of its current information intact. If you acquire a bird of unknown origins, you can search for that bird by its band number and claim the record if it is found in the system. If you sell a bird, you can transfer the record to the new owner if they are participating in FSS, or you can transfer the bird record out of the program. It can be reclaimed later if acquired by another FSS member.

Do I need to keep my own copy of my records?
Yes! Data collected by FSS is for FSS analysis only and not intended to replace your private records. You should always keep your own records or print out your data for your files. NFSS is not responsible for lost or stolen data and may discontinue the FSS program at any time.

TIP: Do not use the Browser's Back button to navigate pages in the application. Using the Back button may cause unsaved changes to a form to be lost and may return you to a location in the program you did not intend. Always use the controls provided by the web page's interface to move from one area of the program to another. Always save a form before navigating away using the menu. Data is not saved until you click on the Save button.

DISCLAIMER: The data collected by Finch and Softbill Save is the property of the NFSS and will be used to guide the Conservation effort. The NFSS and its volunteers are not responsible for lost or stolen data. Participants should keep their own copy of their breeding data (either by printing out relevant data or by maintaining their own record system locally). The NFSS reserves the right to shut down the program at any time.