Breeding canaries

[siaro]

A little update. They have been mating a few times now. The female does not seem to resist at all. It even seems like she is asking for it (lol). I really think this is going to work out. Do you think this basket might be too small? I got a comparison picture here with an AA battery.

[debbie276]

Looks like a typical canary nest to me so should be fine, good luck

[30 Seconds to Bob]

So they won't use it if there is poop on it? Just curious.

They would still probably try to use it. Just not a good start for the newly hatched chicks if the bottom of the nest is soiled. The size is fine. I've had canaries try to make nests in seed cups much smallet than that. You could also try stuffing that nest with material yourself, and let them add to it. You may have to do it a few times before they get the hang of it. Also, if they seem like they want a nest in a different part of the cage (dropping material in one spot all the time), try moving it there. Bob

[lovezebs]

Hello Nederland from Canada.
The behaviour that your male was desplaying before you got the female is very similar to what my Luciano has been going through the last few weeks. He has gone frorm the sweetest little boy into an angry eagle, hissing at his flight mates, chasing and even attacking them.
So now he is in solitary confinement and he is not very happy. I have been considering getting him a little bride, but so far still thinking. Not sure if I want babies.

Anyway, welcome and good luck. If you look into posts in the canary part of the forumb, you will find some good information there.

[siaro]

So they won't use it if there is poop on it? Just curious.

They would still probably try to use it. Just not a good start for the newly hatched chicks if the bottom of the nest is soiled. The size is fine. I've had canaries try to make nests in seed cups much smallet than that. You could also try stuffing that nest with material yourself, and let them add to it. You may have to do it a few times before they get the hang of it. Also, if they seem like they want a nest in a different part of the cage (dropping material in one spot all the time), try moving it there. Bob

Thanks Bob. They seem to really like the pieces of string made out of pink wool. I think I am going to help them stuff it up but they already got a little bit going. I think it is almost time since the female goes in the nest a lot and sometimes even mates there with the male. Also she took a bath today she was pretty filthy hahah.

[finchmix22]

Keep in mind that string or pieces of thread like material can get caught around feet and cause injuries. I would put coco fiber and cotton fiber, but not threads of wool, unless it breaks easily. The nest is a typical canary nest, but my birds won't start their own nest unless I put a nest pad in first. Then, they work on the rest. Good Luck!

[siaro]

This is how it looks so far

[siaro]

I think it is almost time. The nest seems like it is almost finished. If she lays an egg will she notice it if I replace it with a little marble? Or does it have to be a good replica.

[Smurf]

I'm not sure about if marbles will work, i use fake canary eggs which are light blue in colour, i use the same fake blue eggs for finches also which normaly lay white eggs so color doesn't seem to matter to them.

It normaly takes 5-7 days after mating for first egg to be laid, often they tend to cram the nest full of material with only a small cup shaped depression in centre so she could still be building it.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I never pulled and replaced the eggs with fakes, but always had foster hens available just in case too many eggs were lais. A healthy pair can raise for or five chicks no problem, even if they are of different ages and sizes. Marbles will work as an egg substite, if they are close in size to real eggs. I have used fake eggs for other reasons - egg shaped wooden beads. Bob

[siaro]

They have used every single piece of wool for the nest. It looks like this now.(attachment one) The female fits exactly inside. Indeed there is a cup size depression in the middle so I am expecting eggs within a week. I have never seen Canary eggs but my dad says they are really small, will these work(attachment two) or are they too small.

[siaro]

Comparison with battery and a coin

[finchmix22]

You can try that, but they may notice the difference due to the shape. Some craft stores has small songbird eggs, especially near Easter, so you can try there if the ball doesn't work.

[siaro]

A little update. She has laid two eggs yet! I am pretty sure they are fertile and now it is just the waiting process. The mail is also feeding her sometimes so thats a good sign. I decided not to touch the eggs since I did not want to ruin them because I am a first timer. Just want to let everything happen naturally. There is a picture included of the eggs.

[dan78]

Siaro congratulations you don't have to remove the eggs but some do so babies stay the same size but with a small clutch consisting if 2 it shouldn't matter. By the way a ball bearing is to heavey and the hen will notice when she turns the eggs. If you don't already add a bath so she can clean herself and add extra humidity to the eggs