I'm baaaaack plus updates re my flock

[Musetta]

Hi everyone,

So, I have not been active on the forum in a very long time. Life got in the way (specifically, graduating, looking for adjunct positions, working 3+ jobs at a time). For awhile there I was really overwhelmed, and I had to downsize my flock and rheum my society finches. That really helped with my stress level. So now I have eight finches...and one canary! I spent my Christmas money on a crested canary, Capuchin, who is currently treating me to the most beautiful music as I type this ;). I have also added a Gouldian hen, Clementine, to my flock to replace the hen that I lost some time ago. I am hoping that she will be a suitable mate for Cactus (both are YH). I got her from BirdClaws, whom I have found to be a very reliable Gouldian breeder (Cactus and Cucumber, both of whom I got...last year, I think?, both came from him).

So! I am going to try to be more active on the forum now that I have a bit less on my plate, as I work on writing and publishing an article and continue my hunt for that elusive tenure-track position. I am going to try to attach two pics of my new "family", although they are not the best images since they were taken with my iPhone. I'll get some better pics in the near future.

Happy New Year, everyone! Cheers!

[kristofer]

It's always good to be back in the hobby! Nice birds

[Prism]

Welcome back! Nice birds and congrats on the graduation.

[delray]

Musetta welcome back! That's so cool that you are wroting an article. Congratulations on the success

[Musetta]

Thanks guys! I have missed chatting with my fellow finchers. .

[Musetta]

Plus, if anyone has any canary advice, I would love to hear it, as this is my first canary. I know to keep him caged separately. I have plans to move him to a nice, big flight cage. Right now he is in his own smaller cage by the window (north facing, so no direct sunlight) near the finch flight cage. I am particularly interested in hearing about any ways in which caring for canaries is different from finch care. Thanks!

[kristofer]

I keep mine together with other males, but i have them in with females once breeding season starts (february - july) So i don't honestly know if they would fight if kept together. They aren't the most social of birds as all of my canaries sleep on different perches and never huddle together for the night. They absolutely love to bath so give him that regulalry and the usual stuff that is given to other birds. They are fairly easy to keep

[Sally]

Musetta Welcome back! Life can certainly get in the way of our hobbies, can't it? Congrats on the graduation! When you mention tenure, are you working in the education field?

[lovezebs]

Musetta
So glad you came back to us Rachel!

Your Gouldi girl, is a cutie, but I love LOVE Capuchin. Where did you find him, he's a darling boy.

I am not an expert on Canaries, but I had them for years a long time ago, and have my Luciano now. So if I can offer any insight or advice, I shall do so gladly.

In regards to housing, I have my Luciano, in a community flight with Societies, Gouldians, Parrot Finches and one Star girl. No problems what so ever. In fact Luchi fancies hinself in live with a pretty white Socie hen.

I would not however house two male Canaries together, unless you have an aviary. They tend to get miserable during breeding Season and will usually try to take each other out.

Once again, happy to see you back amongst the Finch Nuts of our Forum. A very Happy New Year to you and your flock.

~Elana~

[Musetta]

lovezebs I found Capuchin in a privately owned pet store in my area (DC) that normally doesn't carry canaries. I was so excited to find a crested one, and I felt drawn to him right away. Luckily for me, the store assumed that he was a "she" b/c he wasn't doing any singing (hmm, crowded room filled with cages of screeching birds and not really any natural light, plus he had until recently been caged with another canary who had pluck a bald spot on his head...I wonder why I canary wouldn't feel inspired to sing under these conditions). So I thought I was bringing home a hen (and couldn't resist regardless), and I think "she" was priced about $100 or so cheaper b/c of the gender misidentification. Lo and behold, I improve his conditions and he sings for hours on end .

@Sally I am just doing adjunct teaching in the field of art history right now, but I am looking for a full-time professorship in art history (so, yes, education in that I am seeking work at a university; but no in that my degree is not in education, if that makes sense).

[lovezebs]

Musetta

Well, I'm glad that you and Capuchin found each other, and that he came at a reasonable price as well.

With his little bald spot and crest, Capuchin, is a very appropriate name. All he needs is a little brown hood and a rope belt, and he would look like a proper tiny Franciscan indeed LOL.

I guess he's rewarding you now with his song, for rescuing him from that Pet Shop.

Canaries, are lovely birds, and I find in most cases, that they will form a closer bond with their people, than many other finches.

Enjoy your little boy, and good luck with the job hunt.

~Elana~

[Musetta]

Thanks, Elana! Moved Capuchin into his own flight cage today. I think he is pleased with his new home , if I judge by his vocals.

[lovezebs]

Musetta
I bet he's one happy little boy.

~Elana~