FINCHforum

Hi there, I'm just wondering how old is too old for breeding canaries? I know my female canary is at least over 2, but she could be 5 or 6 or older, so I just wondering if she would still be okay for breeding. Also, is there anyone on this site who might be able to tell me how old she is if I posted a photo? Thanks!

Flight Feathers

Hi,

First let me ask if your Canary hen is banded?
If she is you should have a year of birth on the band.

If she is not banded, it's almost impossible to tell her age, unless she is very old and decrepit. Seeing her in a picture, or even in person won't really help (although we would love to see a picture of her anyway) because Canaries don't really show their age untill they are very old.

Regarding breeding:
Canary breeders will usually recommend breeding their hens until the age of around 3 or 4. After that age, most hens will start laying smaller clutches and or non fertile eggs, and also the incidents of egg binding can get higher. There are of course exceptions to the rule, but this is an average).

Hope this is helpful.

Hi thank you! She isn't banded sadly. She still flys around lots and makes her cute female noises, she is very active and doesn't act like an old bird.

Here is a pic of her

Flight Feathers

What a sweet looking little girl .

Thanks for sharing her picture with us.

I noticed that you are interested in Zebra mutations and genetics. Thought you might enjoy this fun site.

http://zebracrazy.byethost13.com/EngIndex.htm?i=1

Thank you!

Yes, I've been on that site, I rediscovered it quite recently! - I found it really interesting looking through all the different mutations!!! So many I had never heard of!!

So turns out she laid eggs and hatched all four so I'm guessing she isn't too old then? Sadly 3 babies fell out of the nest and died.

Sometimes, when you think that chicks fell out of the nest or were pushed out, it is just the hen being startled off the nest and in her haste drags one out.

That can be minimized by re-making the nest so it is deep enough. Also, a perch or branch right by the nest edge helps. The hen can jump onto the perch rather than a full-frenzied rush from the nest.

lovezebs, I am not into Zebra finches, but that site is amazing. There is always something to learn. Thanks

Is the fourth chick still alive

Yes the fourth chick is still alive.

Flight Feathers that’s good

I found the last little chick dead this morning, so have removed the nest now.