Canaries

Canaries, come in all different colors, shapes and sizes. Some are noted for their song while others are treasured for their body shape or color.

The most commonly recognized canary is of course the yellow or white. But the variation of color goes on from here. The original canary from the Canary Islands were green, though breeding we have established colors ranging from a White Recessive, (to some an albino) to dark reddish black seen in the Siskin.

The types of canaries are: Song, Type and Color.

Song Canaries are of course noted for their singing ability, these will include: American Singers, which is the only type of canary bred in the USA, Spanish Timbrado, Waterslager, Russian Roller and German Roller.

Each of these types have a distinctive song, some prefer the gentle and varied song of the American Singer. Whose song came from the Border and Roller canary. This bird is not only bred for his song but his appearance, making him one of the favored canary types. The American Singer can come in any color other than red and may not be crested. Colors range from Yellow, White, Green, Cinnamon/Fawn, Blue, Brown and variegated.

The Spanish Timbrado, is a newer type whose song is in my opinion too loud. His song sounds of more of a metallic sound with underlying bell tones. The common colors seen in this canary are green, yellow, white, Cinnamon and dark variegated.

The Waterslagers song sounds like more like water running into a pond or stream. Their colors are light and darker yellow. While some whites are seen in this variety they are not common.

The Russian Roller, whose song mimics wild outside song birds from their home region. Their brash song was toned down by using flutes, organs and bells to train the young singers.

The German Roller also referred to as the Hartz Roller song is from the throat, making his song one of the softest of the song birds and is more of a rolling sound as opposed to the mouth open, mouth closed song of the Hartz canary. To some this song is hard to hear.

There are many canaries classified as Type canaries, these canaries are bred for the appearance, some also have beautiful songs. Canaries that fall into the description of "Type" are: Border Fancy Canaries, Glosters, Hartz, Old Varieties, such as Frills, Fife Fancy, Lizards, Old Crested and Lanchashire. The most commonly seen are the Hartz and Glosters, both of these types come in crested and noncrested. Colors range from Yellow, whites, Cinnamon, fawn, green, blues, variegated. While prized for a body appearance some of these varieties have very nice songs.

Colorbred Canaries are the third type of canary are those bred for their color. The colors in this group is a very wide ranging variety. From the native Siskin who is dark red and black to the dominate and recessive white as seen in the photo below. Just a few colors within this group will include Red factors, Rose Ivories, Dimorphic (the only type of canary that can be sexed by its color), Bronze, Agates, Opals, Inos, Satinets, Pastels. Most of the canaries within this group will require color feeding to help the maintain their red hues, the exception being the yellow and white grounds.

Cages and Accessories:

Caging is very important to your canary's happiness. Remember, only a happy and healthy canary will sing! We recommend a cage that is at least 15 inches square. A rectangle cage will also work nicely; this cage should be at least 15 inches long by 12 inches deep and 12 inches tall. Round or cylindrical cages are not a wise choice for your bird. These types of cages have space that your canary can not use. The commonly found 12 inch "starter cage" is too small for any bird! Wire spacing is also important, 1/2 inch spacing is ideal, 1 inch spacing is not appropriate for canaries.

The cage should be furnished with at least two perches of different diameter; this will allow your bird to vary his grip on the perch, providing important foot exercise. We recommend that one perch be the diameter of a dime and the other the diameter of a nickel. Dowel Rod can be cut to the proper length for your cage or you can use natural tree branches, either makes an excellent choice for perches. Perches can be made from Oak, Maple or fruit trees. Any tree selected should not have been stemically fertilized, the branch should be washed with soapy water and rinsed well before use. One perch should be directly in front of the seed and water cups. Perches should be positioned so your birds' tail doesn't rub on the cage wires, as he moves about the perch.

NEVER use sand perch covers, this product can cause serious foot, beak and eye damage. Your birds' nails can be easily trimmed without the use of this product and the potential dangers. Think of this product as if you were standing with bare feet on pieces of glass. It is natural for birds to rub their beaks and faces on the perch, this product can cause cuts and abrasions of the face, eyes, beak and bottoms of the feet.

Mite protectors are a waste of money. If your bird should become infested with mites Hartz Mountain or LM Animal Farms makes a Mite and Lice spray. This is the only product that will kill mites or lice safely on your bird. Read the directions carefully before use. The cage, perches and cups must be cleaned as well as spraying the bird. Discard any cuttlebone or treat sticks that are in the cage. Birds contract mites from uncleaned greens, unclean cages, other birds or animals….."An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Cage placement:

The ideal cage height is at eye level. Do not place your cage on top of the refrigerator or on a low table where you would tower over your bird. Placing your bird near a sunny window, with enough space for you to walk between the cage and window is a nice location. Allowing this buffer space will prevent your bird from the chill of winter and the heat of summer that maybe conducted through the window glass. Keep your cage away from the main entry to the home or doors used for access to the home, especially during winter. The draft from the opening and closing of doors can make your bird ill. Other locations to consider are a corner away from air conditioner vents, heat registers and ceiling fans. Remember Teflon pans and skillets can release a toxic fume, keep your canary out of the kitchen and away from cooking areas. Do not move your birds' cage from room to room. Choose a permanent location for the cage. Your bird will feel more comfortable if one side of the cage is against a wall or non-walking pattern in the home.

Diet:

There has been quite a bit of discussion on the proper diet for canaries, the choice of a fortified canary seed or the newer pellet diets. This choice is a matter of personal preference or what is recommended by your avian veterinarian. While some veterinarians will strongly recommend the pelleted diet, I personally prefer to offer seed and take the time to offer other food items to round off the diet. Making the diet more as it would be naturally for the bird. Here at our home we offer: A mineral and vitamin fortified seed, daily. I do not recommend the type of seed that has grit mixed into the seed mixture. It should go without saying that fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Grit especially made for Canaries, should also be offered in small quantity once a month. (About 1/8 of a teaspoon for each bird. In addition to the fortified seed we also offer: Song Food or Niger seed, Vegetables such as: Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Sprouts (make sure the sprouts are not moldy) Carrot, any brand of frozen vegetables (without sauce or cheese), fruit such as: Apple. Do not offer citrus fruits, grapes, watermelon etc, these fruits have too much water content and can give your bird loose droppings. Additional food items such as Wheat bread, corn bread, egg bread, hard boiled or scrambled egg (no salt-cooled) can be offered as a once a month treat.
You may also offer any treat seed for Canary's such as Honey sticks. Do not feed: Iceberg lettuce, celery, avocado, chocolate, salt, alcohol or caffeine (in any form).
During the molting small pieces of cucumber 1 time a week will help your bird finish the molt.

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