Aphrodisiacs and other tricks... LOL

[Lisa]

So I recently won a pair of Russian Canaries and although they are my first canaries, everyone assured me oh they'll breed for you no problem.

Well, although they get along well and my male sings his heart out day and night and even feeds the hen while she sits in the nest (practically all day every day, coming out only to eat and bathe), she will not accept his advances.

Short of offering him aftershave, is there anything else that might persuade her to be more receptive to his advances? Are there signs to watch for that she's ready to settle down?

[30 Seconds to Bob]

It's still a bit early in the season for canaries to be in full breeding mode. Things usually get fired up when the daylight duration reaches about 12 to 12.5 hours. My first canary clutches were always in March. If you can still get a hold of petamine breeding formula (or something similar), that will help. So will a liquid vitamin E supplement. I was told by an old time canary breeder, it's like giving canaries viagra. Lots of fresh greens and egg food, too. Good luck. Bob

[lou]

I'm with Bob, My canaries will be put together in a couple of weeks. I don't know how long she has been sitting but myself, personally would split them up for a couple of weeks, just because he is singing his heart out, they still may not be ready.you may increase the day light hours,feed egg food
in moderation and as Bob has mentioned feed greens,soak seed, how old are these birds? if one isn't
entering the young in song contests , what's the hurry?
lou

[Lisa]

if one isn't
entering the young in song contests , what's the hurry?

That's true... I guess I should just be patient!

I believe the birds are about 9 months to 1 year old.

[lou]

I personally do not breed mine at that age, especially the hens.
lou

[Lisa]

I personally do not breed mine at that age, especially the hens.

What is a good age? These are my first canaries ever so I'm still learning.

[lou]

Lisa, I personally breed the hens at 2 years if I can help it,( not a rule ) others breed at 1 year of age.I just like them to be a bit maturer. the males on the other hand,all they have to do is fertilize the eggs. Ask the people that bred the singers what they did for that particular breed. Others on here will have different methods to achieve the same thing. hope this helps
lou

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I also waited until the hens (and males) were two. Better chance of everything going smoothly. If it were a hen that I bought - especially wanted a full year of optimum conditioning before trying to breed. JMO Bob

[Lisa]

Oh wow, I guess it still is VERY early for these two then. Thank you both very much for the advice!