Canaries not popular? Anyone know why?

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Sun May 20, 2007 8:33 pm

Since I've been debating about bringing home any or all of those 3 canaries that are up for adoption, I've been doing some research.

I can't find much info. on canaries as pets. The books are all show and breeding orientated. And there's very little on the internet, that I've been able to find.

Are they just unpopular at the moment? Or are they a breeders' bird, and not a pet owners' bird?

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun May 20, 2007 10:06 pm

I have two canary hens that I adore. Generally they may not be as popular as they once were as people seem to be into other types of birds at the moment.

I enjoy my girls, who do sing when they aren't "brooding".

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Sun May 20, 2007 11:21 pm

I'm glad you're enjoying your hens!

How personable do you find them compared to the finches?

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:55 am

mine are getting a bit big for the nest now it will not be long before they are out!

ken

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:00 am

hi rue
i think you are right they are more a breeders bird than a pet bird there are lots of websites around about canaries but most are about breeding..as there are that many different types and most breeders like to keep them pure so all around the world all the websites are named by the type of canaries people keep
rollers
borders
glosters
lizard
fyfe
parisian frill
gibber italicus
irish fancy
yorkshire
timbrado
and there are still some i have missed!

ken

plantsandbirds · Post by **plantsandbirds** » Mon May 21, 2007 7:46 am

I love canaries, but haven't had one as a pet since my Mom had one when I was little. I've been looking into getting a singer but so far have had absolutely no luck finding a private breeder that I could drive to in a reasonable time. The pet store birds are very expensive and their health is "iffy".

I'll adopt one is one ever comes in to a rescue but no luck so far.

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Mon May 21, 2007 9:51 am

Thanks Kenny! Those babies are going to explode out of that nest any minute now! So cute!

I was aware of the different types...but I suppose they're a bit like pigeons in that regard then...a breeder's interest...I did try googling 'red factor' but of course...didn't find 'pet' info. either...mind you, these guys haven't been feed the colour food, so they're not too red...again, not a concern for me...

...or perhaps canaries have just fallen totally out of 'style' with the the public...maybe in favour of budgies that come in more colours...as a household caged bird...of course budgies are a lot less expensive...our petstore sells 'bulk bin' budgies for $25 while a red-factor male is listed as $110.

Plantsandbirds...if you find your canary...make sure you let me know how you like him/her!

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Mon May 21, 2007 11:56 am

most breeders of canaries also have bargain bin canaries the ones that dont reach the required standard for showing and they usually sell them off for a fraction of the price of thier breeding stock...is there any where on the internet you can find u s breeders of canaries...i know that there are a lot of breeders of fyfe canaries in the u s as they are adecent size canary not to big and not to small

ken

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Mon May 21, 2007 1:20 pm

...I can look around...I'm sure there are breeders somewhere...but it's not so much that I want a canary...as to adopt these 3 that need a good home...

I just need to know what care they'll need and how they'll fit in with my assorted finches in an indoor flight...etc....

Plus, it's probably easier for me to import birds from England than the US...

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:45 pm

hi rue
my canaries all do fine in my avairy.even with java sparrows,and they winter outside also

ken

plantsandbirds · Post by **plantsandbirds** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:54 pm

I meant also to say how nice Ken's canary babies look!

Please post more photos Ken, when they fledge!

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:56 pm

It's good to know they can get along with the Javas...I have two of those!

But I can't them winter outside...

...we get down to -40C...

I have a friend that just returned to England and moved to Newcastle...I'm trying to talk her into a pet of some sort...

zookeeper · Post by **zookeeper** » Mon May 21, 2007 9:55 pm

Canaries do seem out of fashion at the moment. But I'm no slave to fashion, so I'm gonna get me a red factor just as soon as I sell off my baby gouldians and have some space in the aviary.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Tue May 22, 2007 6:56 am

Rue wrote:I'm glad you're enjoying your hens!

How personable do you find them compared to the finches?

My two are friendly and curious. I can see why many people have hand tame canaries.

They are mellow birds except when kept with their own kind, then you can have aggression issues. Although my two hens are now existing peacefully in my aviary. Neither bird has ever caused problems with any of the other finches, they get along with everyone.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Tue May 22, 2007 7:03 am

the good thing i like about canaries is they have no fear since i weaned a nest full from last year...and put them out in the aviary everytime i go past the wire they hop on to the wooden ledge waiting for me to give them some treat or other and they will stand there and make you feel guilty if you dont give them anything so i have to make sure i have at least a dandelion leaf before i go to change the water fountain or fill the seed hoppers ,as they complain in a canary type way!

ken