The Transition Period

Pet Canaries feed their chicks largely upon sprouts, soaked seeds and Egg Food or hard boiled eggs.  Once the young fledge, which usually occurs at age 16-20 days, they will be fed by their parents for an additional 2 -3 weeks.  During this time, they will also begin to pick at food and eventually learn to eat on their own.  Fledglings benefit from watching their parents and siblings…chicks that are hand-reared are at a disadvantage in this respect, but will also respond to the ideas and foods mentioned below.

Hard seeds are a novel food for young Canaries, and acquiring the skill needed to open them takes practice.  A high protein diet remains important right through the first molt (which usually begins within 2 months of fledging), but eventually seeds should replace egg-based foods as their staple. 

Caution: Stress and Weight Loss

While it is important to encourage youngsters to accept hard seeds, bear in mind that dietary switches, and the loss of parental care, are very stressful events.  Stress can depress the immune system…if the birds are also losing weight, serious health problems can quickly take hold.  So it’s important to keep them feeding, even if this means that the transition to adult foods will be slow.  Continue to supply young birds with their favorites, such as egg food and sprouts, especially if they appear to be losing weight and slowing down.  Canaries have little in the way of food reserves, so be sure to seek veterinary advice quickly if your birds decline in condition.

Make all introductions gradually…even healthy foods may cause digestive upset if suddenly taken in large quantities.  And, as most parents will tell you, mixing with favorite foods, and other trickery, is critical if any young “creature” is to accept a new diet!

Useful Weaning Foods and Techniques

Couscous soaked in hot water is used by many breeders as a transition food.  I use soaked, crushed seeds in place of couscous, but several of my former coworkers at the Bronx Zoo report that Canaries eat it readily, and remain in good weight while adjusting to a seed-based diet.  If you opt for couscous, I suggest that you offer soaked, ground seeds as well.

Crushed softbill pellets (i.e. Softbill Select) can be mixed into the foods that the youngsters are accustomed to (typically Egg Food or a similar product).  This will provide additional nutrients and introduce new tastes.

Seeds that are just beginning to sprout (please see photo, and article below for sprouting info) are one of the best foods to introduce.  Most young Canaries relish sprouts; while pecking at the sprout the birds invariably hit the seed itself, and in time will begin to consume it as well. 

Mix some soaked seeds from your adult canary diet in among the sprouts to encourage further experimentation.  Once your birds are eating softened seeds, add crushed or ground hard seeds.  Coffee grinders or pestles can be used to break up seeds and render them easier to consume.

Please check out my posts on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/findiviglio and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000972624553.  Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable.  I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

Sprouting Seeds for Birds

Caring for Fledgling Canaries

Video: Canary fledgling being fed by parent

Canary Nesting image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Fir0002
Juvenile Canary image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Juan Emilio
Mixed Bean Sprouts image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Atelier Joly

Post from: That Bird Blog


Weaning Canaries – Encouraging Fledglings to Accept the Adult Diet

American Singer History

The breed known as the American Singer Canary was developed in the 1930’s. Canary enthusiasts seeking a good songster with a calm personality searched for breeds that might be crossed to produce a bird with both qualities. The German Roller was chosen for its singing abilities while the Border Canary was selected due to its good nature and suitability as a pet. Cross-breeding Rollers with Borders produced the American Singer Canary, which has become one of the most popular of all breeds.

Older breeds noted for their songs, including Timbrados, Rollers and Waterslagers, are judged according to strict standards (specific notes must be produced, etc.). However, American Singer Canaries are noted for producing unique songs – variety and “freedom” are valued above all else. Judges apply set criteria, but not in the same manner as with other breeds.

Judging Song Quality

American Singer Canaries are judged on a 100 point basis, with 70 points being allotted to the actual song, and 30 applied towards the bird’s appearance and condition. Talent is definitely valued over “surface beauty”!

Canary songs are evaluated over a 20 minute period, which is divided into two 10 minute segments. In the first, or “Freedom” segment, the Canary is awarded 1 point (to a maximum of 10) for each complete song produced. Song quality is not considered, although I imagine an impression is being formed in the judges’ minds at this time.

In the second 10 minute period, known as the “Rendition” segment, the judge evaluates the songs based on specific but somewhat subjective criteria. Sixty points are at stake. The following factors are considered:

Volume

Variety – how the various tunes and notes are spread about

Tone – pitch, strength; how the song “sounds” to the ear

Melodiousness – how the various notes and song bits flow into one another

Showmanship – how the bird “conducts himself” during the song; an upright posture and a bold, “proud” demeanor is valued

Evaluating Physical Appearance

The 20 minute song evaluation accounts for 70 points.  The remaining 30 possible points are awarded based upon physical attributes.  “Condition” (10 points) refers to the canary’s grooming (nail length, feather condition), activity level or vigor and overall health.  The cleanliness and set-up of the cage (there are specific rules as to perch placement, etc.) are also considered.

The “Conformation” evaluation (20 points) accesses how well the Canary meets the physical standards that have been established for plumage, size, body and head shape and other such characteristics; color is not considered.

The Ideal Canary

If you enjoy Canary songs, I suggest that you stop in at a competition and perhaps consider becoming involved.  Due to the flexible standards that have been established, it is easiest to begin competing American Singers.  As a bonus, American Singer Canaries are available in a wide variety of colors and make very trusting pets…and even the “least gifted” usually sing beautifully!

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook.  Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable.  I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

Video: Song of an American Singer Canary

National Organization for the American Singer Canary

Border Canary Information

Canary image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by 4028mdk09
Canary in a cage image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Freegiampi

Post from: That Bird Blog


Canary Shows – Rating the Songs of American Singer Canaries

Insects in Finch Diets

Reader Tom commented (see Insects for Birds: Zoo Med’s Anole Food) that his Bronze-Winged Mannikins enjoyed freeze-dried flies, and were breeding well.  In the wild, he discovered, this species times reproduction to the swarming of termites.  Not wishing to establish a termite colony in his home (there are options, however, please see below!), Tom found that his finches readily accepted the dried flies in Zoo Med’s Anole Food as a replacement. 

Many popularly-kept finches breed at a time when they can best take advantage of an abundance of certain insects.  We are learning that their abilities to “predict” events such as invertebrate breeding assemblages are quite sophisticated.  A shorebird known as the Red Knot, for example, which undergoes a nearly pole-to-pole migration, somehow arrives at the Delaware Bay just as Horseshoe Crabs are laying eggs (the eggs fuel the rest of the Red Knot’s trip).  That such fine-tuning has evolved shows, I believe, the importance of these foods. 

Finches might get by without them, but their enthusiastic response to live and processed insects will leave you with no doubt as to their value.  On the other hand, it’s virtually impossible to keep, much less breed, many softbills if a steady supply of insects is not available.  Included among these are Shama Thrushes, Superb Starlings, Indian Hill Tits, Pittas and others. 

In many cases, the provision of increased amounts of insect food (at the right time of year) can help to bring birds into breeding condition.

Procuring Live Insects

During my years working with the Bronx Zoo’s bird collection, I always maintained insect traps as a means of providing dietary variety.  The ZooMed Bug Zapper is a light-based trap that is modeled on those used in zoos.  Assuming that you employ it in an area where pesticides are not a concern, this trap provides an excellent means of collecting insects for your birds.

There are quite a few other ways to provide your birds with nutritious live insects.  I enjoy collecting my own, utilizing a number of home-made traps and insect nets.  Raising mealworms, earthworms, sowbugs, roaches and others is enjoyable, relatively simple, and provides a variety of differently-sized individuals year-round. 

Processed Insects

A number of products marketed for pet reptiles, such as canned crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars and shrimps (shrimp are an old-timer’s favorite for bringing out the feather color) can be put to good use by bird-keepers. 

I’ve written about insect collecting and processed insects in greater detail elsewhere…please see the articles below to learn more about these often over-looked bird-feeding opportunities.

Other Protein-Rich Foods

Egg Food is a unique and very useful product that should be part of nearly all finch diets.  You can also use hard boiled eggs and cottage cheese rolled in a bit of ground Softbill Select both have been long favored by zookeepers and professional breeders.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook.  Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable.  I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments here…I’ll be sure to respond quickly. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

Collecting Live Food: an Entomologist’s Technique  

Diets of Free-Living Waxbills and Grassfinches  

Building a Termite Trap  

Breeding Mealworms

Red-billed Firefinch image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Tom Tarrant

Post from: That Bird Blog


Breeding Canaries, Waxbills and Other Finches – The Importance of Insects

Why won’t my male Canary sing?

Males that are not in the peak of good health will usually forgo singing.  A singing male is advertising his vigor, suitability as a mate and ability to defend his territory – instinct will compel a sick male remain silent.

Males that are molting rarely sing.  As with all birds, molting individuals cannot fly as well as usual, and are using energy and calories to grow new feathers…it is not in their best interest to attract the attention of predators or competing males.

The presence of a dominant male in the same room, or sometimes even within hearing distance, may inhibit other males from singing.  Sometimes, however, the presence of another male may spark competitive singing; much depends upon the individual birds. 

A female housed in another cage, and Canary Training CD’s, can be very useful in encouraging reluctant males.

Why won’t my female Canary build a nest?

Young female Canaries and first time breeders often practice nest building before actually getting down to a serious try.  Provide her with ample nesting material and a cup nest and let nature take its course.  The nesting cup should be located high up in the cage, but at least 6 inches below the top, and positioned in a well-lit, draft-free area.

Some male Canaries may also attempt to “help” the female to build her nest, although more often than not their clumsy efforts do little good!

How can I tell if I have a pair of Canaries?

Determining the sex of Canaries is surprisingly difficult, and impossible before age 8-10 months.  Behavior (other than egg-laying, of course!) is not always a reliable guide, as both sexes may practice singing and nest-building.  Same-sex pairs may form, so mutual feeding does not always a mated pair.

Genetic feather testing is reliable, and quicker and less expensive than in years past…please write in if you would like to learn more about this option.

I have a male and female Canary, but they fight when put together; what can I do?

If you wish to breed Canaries, the sexes are best housed separately and introduced at the start of the spring breeding season.  However, if one is suddenly thrust into another’s cage, fighting will almost always ensue.

Even if they have been kept in the same room, a potential pair should be slowly introduced by moving their cages closer to one another over a period of several days.  Eventually, align the cages so that they are side by side (or invest in a breeding cage with a removable divider) and observe their behavior. 

If they are compatible, the male will feed the female and she may begin building a nest, or at least carrying bits of material about.  His singing should increase as well.  At this point you can open the doors between the cages, or remove the divider, and allow them access to one another. 

Always introduce your birds early in the day and when you will be home to observe them carefully, so that you can split them should a “domestic disturbance” arise.  If at all unsure, separate them and try again in a day or so.

Further Reading

Shipwrecks, Viscous Dogs and Escapees: the Odd History of Your Pet Canary

Video: Canary nest cam

Canary Breeding

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Post from: That Bird Blog


Canaries in the Spring – Frequently Asked Questions on Breeding and Nesting

Timing of the Molt

Canaries molt once each year, usually in late summer or early fall.  The process seems partially controlled by an “internal clock”, and usually occurs at the proper time, but external factors do have an influence.  Molting out-of-season can negatively affect a bird’s health. 

If your Canary is molting in winter or spring, try limiting its day to 8-10 hours of light, and keep the temperature at 68-70F.  Full spectrum light (please see article below) is also helpful in establishing normal cycles and supports immune system functioning.<!–more–>

Stressful situations can cause partial or complete out-of-season molts.  Fear (noise, another pet, moving), overly-warm temperatures, and too much light during the fall and winter are common causes of stress-induced molting.

Molting Behavior

Your Canary should complete its molt in 6-12 weeks.  During that time, the feathers will appear loose and disheveled (please see photo) and it may become listless and less active than usual; males often cease singing.  This is a normal response to the physical drain of growing so many new feathers; molting birds are also less capable of escaping predators, and so instinctively maintain a low profile.

Diet and Care

Despite being less active, your Canary’s need for protein and fat will soar during the molting season (feathers are 88-85% protein).  Egg Food, oil-rich seeds such as niger, flax and hemp and small live or canned crickets and mealworms are important additions to the diet throughout the molting period.

A bath should always be available and will get frequent use during molting; specially formulated feather-sprays are useful in dry homes or for Canaries that appear to be slow in finishing their molts.

Further Reading

Feather-related ailments can mimic bad molts and need to be addressed by a veterinarian.  Please see this article for info on French Molt.

Full Spectrum Lighting for Pet Birds

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

 
Domestic Canary image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by L.E. MacDonald

Post from: That Bird Blog


When Your Canary Molts – Care and Diet Tips

Note: “Wild Canary” as used here refers to the common pet trade Canary.

Gray Singing Finch (Serinus leucopygius)

Also known as the White-Rumped Serin or Layard’s Seedeater, the singing abilities of this bird are considered to be superior to those of the Wild Canary (please see video below).  Aviculturists in search of talented songsters sometimes cross Gray Singing Finches with Wild Canaries.

This bird’s plumage is a non-descript gray in color, but few who have heard the male’s song take exception to this!  Its range extends across North-Central Africa from Senegal to the Sudan, where it occupies overgrown scrub, parks and gardens.

Black-Throated Canary (Serinus atrogularis)

Also called the Yellow-Rumped Serin, this gray and yellow canary is a fine songster, although not quite on par with the Gray Singing Finch.  Like many canary relatives, females construct intricately woven nests…I was presented with one that was so tightly knit that it seemed to have been spun by machine.

The Black-Throated Canary occupies a huge range; the 7 or so subspecies may be found from southern Saudi Arabia and Yemen through much of Africa south of the Sahara.  Most populations favor open woodlands near water.

European Serin (Serinus serinus)

This popularly-kept canary (please see photo) sometimes occurs as far north as Great Britain, where it is strictly protected.  It is also found in southern Europe, western Asia and northwestern Africa. 

European Serins are attractively clad in bright to greenish-yellow and brown, and have been crossed with Wild Canaries by breeders seeking uniquely-colored birds.  They are known for their fluttering, “butterfly-like” mating displays, and are often kept in outdoor aviaries so that this behavior can be shown to its best advantage.

Black-Headed Canary (Serinus alario)

Also sold under the name “Alario Finch”, this strikingly-marked canary is, at 5.5 inches in length, the largest member of the group.  The black head, nape and throat contrast sharply with the cinnamon-red back and wings, as does the black stripe that marks the white breast. 

Black-Headed Canaries are a bit more aggressive than related birds, and do best in thickly-planted outdoor aviaries.  Mated pairs are not very tolerant of company, especially during the breeding season.  Cross breeding this species with Wild Canaries was common in the past.

In the wild, Black-Headed Canaries occupy open woodlands and brushy fields in southern Africa.

Red-Hooded Siskin (Carduelis cucullata)

This gorgeous Venezuelan native (please see photo) is of a different genus than the canaries, but can mate with Wild Canaries and produce young, at least some of which will be fertile.  Highly endangered in the wild, it is well-established in captivity and is the original source of the red coloring in “Red Factor” Wild Canaries.  Please see the article below for details.

Further Reading

European Society of Serinus Breeders – info on breeding and conserving many canary relatives; great photos.

Video illustrating the wonderful abilities of the Gray Singing Finch.

The Red Hooded Siskin

The Green Singing Finch

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

European Serin image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Armin Marz

Post from: That Bird Blog


The Canary’s Relatives – Lesser Known Canaries from Eurasia and Africa

Natural History

Red Hooded Siskins barely top 4 inches in length, but make up in color what they lack in size.  Males, clad in vermillion, red and black, are simply spectacular.  They are native only to northeastern Columbia, northern Venezuela and Trinidad, where they favor dry scrubland and semi-wooded savannahs. 

Long protected by the Venezuelan government and listed on Appendix I of Cites, Red Hooded Siskins have not recovered from earlier over-collection and habitat loss, and are no longer to be found over much of their former range.  They have been introduced to Puerto Rico and Cuba, and are well established in captivity.

Captive Care

Red Hooded Siskins are a great choice for experienced aviculturists…in addition to being an endangered species in need of further captive breeding efforts, they are among the most beautiful of all Neo-tropical birds.  Although in demand for Canary crossings, I feel they are best maintained with others of their kind, at least until larger captive stocks have been built up. 

Siskins are somewhat high strung when first moved to a new cage or aviary, and tend to be temperature sensitive until acclimatized (they are best held at 75-80 F when first received).  However, well-acclimated birds are very hardy and established pairs or even trios breed regularly.  Their husbandry is similar to that of the Canary, and they have a rather pleasant song as well.  Prices tend to be high, but dedicated finch keepers usually agree that they are well worth it!

Further Reading

You can read more about the care and natural history of this and related Siskins .

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Post from: That Bird Blog


The Reason We Have Red Factor Canaries – Meet the Red Hooded Siskin – Part 2

A Pairing of Different Species

New color phases of birds are produced by breeders all the time, but the story behind Red Factor Canaries has an odd twist.  Usually, species within the same genus are bred together during such experiments.  Canaries and Siskins, however, are not all that closely related, and are not even classified within the same genus. 

What About Color-Enhancing Foods?

Although natural foods containing carotene and commercial Color-Enhancing Diets can brighten the reds and oranges in Canary plumage, genes put the color there in the first place.  The same principle applies to other species as well – early on while working at the Bronx Zoo I learned that if I did not mix enough whole red shrimps into the Chilean Flamingo food, the birds took on a “bleached-out” appearance very quickly – which angered the zoo’s director, who had collected the birds himself!

Fertility Problems

Originally, male Siskins were mated to female Canaries, and the chicks exhibited characteristics of each.  These hybrids were then bred back to Canaries, and eventually a bird that looked just like a Canary, but sported the gorgeous plumage of the Siskin, was developed – and thus we came to have Red Factor Canaries.  The male offspring of a Siskin/Canary cross are only partially fertile, and females are usually infertile. 

Fertility among Red Factor Canaries is still not high; breeders usually find it necessary to utilize pure Red Hooded Siskins as breeding stock from time to time.

In Part II we’ll take a look at Siskin care and natural history.  Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

Hobbyists interested in Siskin breeding and conservation can join the AFA’s Black Hooded Red Siskin Project.

Please see my article on Canary Types for more on other interesting Canary strains.

A video showing a colony of breeding Siskins is posted here.

Post from: That Bird Blog


The Reason We Have Red Factor Canaries – Meet the Red Hooded Siskin – Part 1

Effect of Imperfect Song Tutors

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Ornithology exposed young male canaries to adult males that sang imperfect songs. The young males mimicked these songs to some extent, but by adulthood were singing near-perfect songs. This indicates that canaries likely have an internal “song template” that helps to correct deviations in the songs of their role models. The template seems to be activated when the youngsters hear an adult song, even if that song is imperfect.

Effect of Isolation

Canaries raised in complete isolation from adults do try to sing, but the sounds they produce bear little resemblance to a normal male’s song. Usually, birds do not modify their songs after reaching adulthood – what they learn as juveniles remains their song for life. However, when the canaries raised in isolation were exposed to a normal canary songs, they modified their own songs, despite having reached adulthood. In time, their songs improved greatly. So, unlike most birds, canaries remain able to change and improve their songs even after reaching maturity.

Human Language Development

Children raised in isolation have great difficulty in acquiring language skills later in life. It is hoped that the canary research will help us to understand human speech problems.

The Canary Song CD

As canaries seem able to learn throughout life, it’s never too late to try helping your pet to improve. A Feathered Phonics Canary Song CD may do the trick.

Further Reading

Please see my article Teaching Your Canary to Sing for tips on improving your pet’s singing abilities.

Most people are not aware of the dramatic story behind the canary’s entry into the pet trade. Please check out Shipwrecks, Vicious Dogs and Escaped Birds for details.

Please write in with your questions and comments.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by LC-de

Post from: That Bird Blog


Canaries Are Endowed With Unique Song-Learning Abilities

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.

Last time we discussed some finch training basics…getting your pet to calm down when near people and out of its cage. Please see Part I of this article for further details.

Returning to the Cage

As mentioned in Part I of this article, canaries and other finches are much easier to train when outside their cages. If your bird is to become truly tame, it is essential that it return to the cage on its own, and not be chased there. This may take a great deal of time, and will require you to be very patient.

Use treats to lure the bird inside. Canaries and finches often relish egg food, and may respond quickly when it is offered. Many finches cannot resist small insects. A convenient way to keep these handy is to utilize canned insects most silkworms are nearly always a big hit.

Your pet may also respond to fruit treats – freeze dried mango, coconut, papaya, blueberries and others work well for many species.

If you must net the bird, darken the room and try to be as quick and careful as possible.

Calling your Bird to Hand

The treats mentioned above may also be used to induce your pet to fly to your hand. If you call the bird each time food is presented, it may eventually fly to you when called, even if it does not see food in your hand. Continue to provide a treat each time it responds, but, as time goes on, hide the treat until your pet actually alights upon your hand (or head, as the case may be!).

Again, canaries are most apt to respond to this type of training, but I have also run across surprisingly responsive spice finches, Java rice birds, zebra finches, fire finches and others.

Further Reading

Although canaries are perceived to be natural songsters, a good deal of learning is involved…and you can help (no, you needn’t be a good whistler!). Learn more about improving your canary’s singing abilities in my article Teaching Your Canary to Sing.

Please write in with your comments and questions.

Thanks,
until next time,
Frank Indiviglio.

Post from: That Bird Blog


Taming and Training Canaries and Other Finches, Part 2