The journey of breeding canaries, while rewarding, requires careful planning and attention to detail, especially as they are not inherently social birds outside of the breeding season. Understanding their unique needs and behaviors is paramount to success.
Understanding Canary Breeding Dynamics
Male canaries can be aggressive towards each other and even the female if she is not receptive to mating, sometimes leading to fatal altercations. Therefore, housing them separately outside of the breeding period is crucial. While keeping multiple canaries in the same room in separate cages can encourage male canaries to sing, it’s not a necessity for their health or well-being.
Distinguishing between male and female canaries can be challenging when they are not actively breeding. The male is typically the singer, while the female will construct the nest. During late summer and early fall, it can be difficult even for experienced breeders to identify the gender of a young bird. When purchasing a female canary, it’s advisable to buy from a reputable store that offers a guarantee and allows for replacements if the wrong gender is provided. Canary hens are most readily available from mid-summer to early autumn when breeders sell off excess birds after nesting has concluded. Attempting to acquire a hen during the breeding season is often met with difficulty, as those available may be past their prime or unsuitable mothers. Procuring the female early in the season allows her ample time to acclimate to her new environment.
The Canary Breeding Season
The canary breeding season is primarily dictated by the duration of daylight hours. In most parts of the United States, if canary cages are covered from dusk until dawn, the birds are likely to initiate breeding around Valentine’s Day. The hen will signal her readiness by actively shredding any available nesting materials like paper, feathers, or plant matter. At this stage, she should be provided with a specialized plastic or wire canary nest, obtainable from most pet stores. Ensure you also acquire special nest liners, as some hens may not construct a proper nest on their own. These liners can be sewn or glued into the nest. It is vital to confirm the glue is completely dry before introducing the nest to the bird. Avoid using wicker finch nests, as canaries often ignore them. If a canary does resort to using a wicker nest, it will hinder your ability to inspect the eggs or chicks. Plastic or metal nests are preferable due to their ease of cleaning and sterilization, unlike wicker.
A standard canary breeding cage is equipped with two dividers: one solid and one wire. Keep both in place until the hen begins nest construction. Once she starts, remove the solid partition but retain the wire one. Wait until you observe the birds interacting through the bars, signaling they are ready to be united. At this point, remove the wire partition and closely monitor their interactions for any signs of aggression, often termed “lover’s quarrels.” If any “wife beating” occurs, separate the birds immediately, as such behavior rarely improves on its own. If you are using standard pet-style cages, simply position them side-by-side and follow the same introduction process.
The hen typically lays up to eight small blue eggs, with an average clutch size of five. She often waits to begin incubating until the last egg is laid. Approximately two to three days after incubation begins, the eggs can be carefully removed and held up to a light source. You should be able to discern the outline of the embryo and the network of veins supporting it. If an egg appears completely clear, indicating no signs of an embryo, return it to the nest and re-check in five days. If it remains clear, discard it. This allows the pair an opportunity to nest again. It is imperative to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eggs, as germs, oils, and chemicals can permeate the eggshell and harm the developing chick.
Canary eggs typically hatch 14 days after the hen begins incubating, not from the date the egg was laid. The hatchlings emerge blind and naked, covered only in a fine down. Parental care is solely provided by the parents.
Nutrition and Care for Hatchlings
Canaries undergoing the breeding process require a perfect diet. They must have constant access to vitamin-enriched seed. Each bird should receive a small dish of nestling food daily to provide essential extra protein. Furthermore, a small piece of fruit or vegetable, similar to what humans consume, should be offered daily. Grit and cuttlebone are also necessary as calcium sources for egg development. Commercially available vitamin preparations can ensure a balanced diet, and formulated pellet or processed feed options exist as complete diets. However, supplementing with small amounts of fruits and vegetables is still recommended for optimal health.
Adequate nutrition usually prevents egg-laying problems. However, if a hen is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, she may experience difficulty laying an egg. If the hen appears immobile, seek immediate veterinary attention from an avian veterinarian, as this condition can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Upon hatching, ensure an unlimited supply of dry nestling food is available in the cage, as the young require substantial nourishment for their rapid growth. You can also mix grated egg and carrot with the nestling food, but this mixture must be replaced every two hours due to its rapid spoilage. If using pellets, supplements are not strictly necessary but can be enjoyed by the birds.
Once you are confident the young are feeding independently, they can be moved to a separate cage. Closely observe the young birds during their first day away from their parents, as some may appear to be eating but still rely on parental feeding.
After the young have been successfully separated, the original pair may nest again. Two clutches are generally safe, and a third is possible. However, after the third set of young, remove the nest and place the birds in separate cages. For regular canary breeding cages, reinsert the dividers. Following the breeding season, expect the birds to molt. Continue providing a high-protein diet to support the regrowth of their feathers. Allow the birds a rest period until the next spring breeding season.
