New Canary

[mntnfishguy11]

I am new to the forum and if you can't tell by my name I really like my fish (I currently have 8 aquariums up and running)

But I have been looking at getting some birds at some point and recently a Canary basically fell into my lap (with a small cage, toys, food, etc.)

I will be getting some sort of armoire or an entertainment center and converting it to a nice big bird cage (might add several finches in as well) since the cage he came in is a bit small. He has warmed up to me already, he's sings a lot and has started to get used to all the aquariums which he loves.

Here's a nice picture of him staring into one of my smaller aquariums

[Sally]

Love that photo! Many members also have aquariums, so feel free to post photos of yours in the Off-topic section of the forum. Many have also converted armoires or entertainment centers into flight cages for their birds, the birds certainly appreciate the extra room.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

[lovezebs]

mntnfishguy11

Looks like your new feathered kid has the run of the house already, lol. Canaries are wonderful little birds.

I noticed that the top of your fish tank is covered, that's good, as Canaries are inquisitive , curious little guys..... they also like to have baths (preferably in 1/2 to 1 inch of lukewarm water). Not great swimmers though, lol, if you get my meaning.

Looks like he's a colour bred Canary boy. Would love to hear how he landed in your lap .

Welcome to the Forum by the way. I think you'll find a lot of friendly bird people here, willing to answer questions, or give advice when needed.

Best of wishes and good luck with your little fella.

Elana

[Atbird]

Welcome. That's a great picture. You have a very lovely looking canary. Wow, 8 aquariums! I have one 55 gal....that's enough water changing for me.

[Rox]

Such a cool photo, love it!!

Welcome to the forum I always compare watching my aviary's to watching a fish tank. Mesmerising, with lots of colour and everyone is always on the move. You will love having birds

[mntnfishguy11]

An older couple owned him and were unable to take care of him so a coworker of mine was going to take him but had to back out so he sort of fell into my lap.b

A total of 8 aquariums ranging in size from 2 gallons up to 40, he seems to like the calming nature of them with all the live plants flowing in the water and the fish swimming everywhere. Also have about a dozen houseplants around including a philodendron right behind his cage (not close enough for him to get to it since its sort of poisenious)and a very cute small indoor pond. I let him out to fly around a little bit each morning since he's lived most of his life in this small cage, though I need more things for him to perch on.

Pretty sure he is a red factor canary but all I was told is he's a canary. Working on getting him better nutrition and a better habitat. Leaning towards an armoie with the front and one side set as a screen with lower areas made out of plexi to help with seed/water spray. Full spectrum lighting on top (hoping I can find some LEDs somewhere as all my aquariums are led) and some moon light leds, some perches, fake greenery, little houses and a couple other birds (probably finches) etc. Just gotta find a nice armoire I like (which will be harder than it sounds since I live in a remote town up in the Colorado mountains) and start building it.

I see a lot of other builds like this painted white or a really light color, would it be OK if I painted it a really dark color as long as I provided enough light for the birds to see everything?

[Atbird]

They're usually light because most finches are dark colored, the white shows them off better. Also, white reflects light, so it's brighter in the cage, a dark one would need more lights strategically placed.

Yes, he's a red factor. If you want him to reach his most red you'll have to give him canthaxanthin (available in most red egg food supplements). Otherwise, carrots and other veggies high in beta carotene to give him an orange glow. This only makes a difference when the feathers are growing, so during the molt or if any feathers are lost due to handling/fights.

[Leo519]

mntnfishguy11

Wow he is very pretty! Have you named him yet?

There's another category here on the Forum called "All Things Canary" that I bet you will find to your liking.. It's great since quite a few of us Finch people also have Canaries
(It's toward the bottom of the home page, "Board Index" ..in case you haven't already found it )