How do I choose a canary ?
You should have a clear idea of what you want. There are a
variety of canary types: American Singers, Waterslagers, Red Factors,
Glosters, and so forth. Maybe you want to pick a type. Maybe
you just want a singing canary, or a pretty bird. Check to see if
there is one of your choice type available.
When you have a birds in front of you, check the year it was born, its
health condition, the sex (if you can), and then see if it meets the
standards you have set for color, feather composition, posture, and
song. Have the owner check on the parents of the bird and explain
their qualities.
Where can I find a good bird ?
The best place, if you have the opportunity, is at the home of the
breeder. This is time consuming for you and the breeder. But
if you have the time you can observe the conditions of the aviary, the
quality and condition of the birds in general, and learn something about
how he cares for his birds. Bird exhibitions and shows are also a
good place to find a bird. There you can compare the birds that are
on sale. You might also check to see how any particular breeder did
in the show.
Why doesn't my bird look as good when I
get home as he did when I bought him ?
Remember that your bird has just gone through a traumatic change.
He probably had never been outside the aviary where he was born. He
was accustomed to a certain diet. He has spent a couple of days
traveling and may have suffered from cold, drafts, and hard
handling. Give him time to accept you new home, the new diet, maybe
even go through a 2 month molt, before you loose patience with him.
Always keep good seeds and water in abundance in the cage and he will soon
become your friend.
Who is responsible if the bird dies
?
Canaries can be hardy birds and live for 12 to 15 years although
the normal age is about 7 or 8. At the same time a draft, some
spoiled egg food, being deprived of food or water for 48 hours can leave
them on the floor of the cage. No breeder can insure his bird after
it has been purchased. He will probably offer you a deal on a
replacement, but you are responsible for the life of your bird. If,
however, you discover a bird is blind, or has a deformity, or some other
condition that was obviously present but not observed or commented in the
sale, he should make an adjustment.
What is a good price for a canary ?
That depends on a lot of factors. Pet stores generally sell a
male for approximately $100 and a female for half that amount. At
exhibitions and shows I usually find that males cost $70 plus and
females for $35 plus. Red factors require special pigmented foods
and are sold for about $10 more that non-reds. Special breeds have
prices that relate to their abundance or scarcity.
When is a good time to buy canaries?
Canary breeders usually raise young birds between January and June.
It is a good idea to try to get the pick of the new hatch and perhaps pick
out some of the birds the breeder wanted to use himself this year.
However, it is hard to sex a bird or see what it will be as an adult
before it is 5 or 6 months old. Most birds are sold between
September and December.
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