Wicker nest verses plasted side cage bowl nest

[Jamm972]

So my plastic side cage bowl nests finnaly came in the mail. I put them on the cages before I left to see if the canaries had a preference. So far they are favoring the wicker. I hurd bad things about wicker nests feet getting stuck and they get hurt, most of the canaries chose the wicker nests but I think this is because they were in the cage the whole time. After this 1st wave of clutches is done should I remove the wicker nest and see if they favor the plastic side cage bowl nest.

Any info or and advice would be appreciated.

[lovezebs]

Jamm972

My guys, have always preferred the wicker as well (actually the closed wicker baskets were the choice). I personally have not had any problems with the wicker, because I offer lot's of nesting materials, and they pile that into the nest.

Good luck.

[Sally]

Don't they make liners for canary nests? I'm thinking I have seen something like that for sale. I believe they are made for the metal wire or plastic nests, but wouldn't they work for wicker too?

[Paul's Amazing Birds]

Hi,
For easy cleaning and quick observation I prefer to use plastic nests mounted on the outside of a breeder cage.

The birds have much better success if they have the privacy of a smaller nesting cage.

Before each clutch, the nest boxes are sanitized with a little bleach in the dishwasher and then lined with a felt liner. I found it important to secure the liner with a nylon cable tie so they don't throw it out when building a nest. With this set up everything (except the fresh veggies) is serviced from the outside with minimal disturbance to the birds. Males can be relocated after the eggs are laid and mom and babies all go to a larger "weaner cage" when babies fledge. Once the babies are able to crack seed and eat on their own, they are released to the open flight and mom is returned to her apartment for her 2nd and final clutch. Right now I'm getting ready to set up 14 pairs on March 17th (St Patrick's Day).

All my canaries will be back out in the open flight by June. Besides the pure joy of the hobby itself, the goal here is not necessarily production but to further improve on the color and form of this particular hybrid.

All the best with your nestlings this Spring
Paul

[lovezebs]

Paul's Amazing Birds

Hi Paul.

Why do you remove the male from the picture?
My boy feeds all of his children. In fact, he's better with feeding than the female.

[Paul's Amazing Birds]

Sometimes I remove the males to capture his exceptional genes with another unrelated female. But mostly because males, although good feeders, can sometimes become a pest still wanting to mate with the female sitting steady. She can handle the whole process on her own while he gets plenty of exercise in the open flight. If it's a good pair, he goes back to the same apartment for the second round later on. For most of the year my birds fly free in a semi-wild state. I think the confinement of a breeding cage is necessary for good success but I like to see them out enjoying the sunshine of the open flight as well.

Paul

[Jamm972]

[quote="Paul's Amazing Birds"]
I'm thinking about building a large Aviary for my birds. I live on Phoenix, Arizona. The summers can get very hot here high in the 120's average is 110. So this would mean a lot of shade. Also I am concerned about bugs and insects, not to much about the wild animals.... if the birds are caged they wont get inside. I don't want them getting sick on me.
Unfortionenetly I got the wired side cage with plastic nest. This is my first year experimenting breeding, but the canaries are favoring the wicker nests. I'm still having difficulty sexing my canaries. I have 2 I paired up that were kissing but I'm starting to think there females or just lazy non breeding birds. Its still early after all some birds don't become conditioned until after st patty's day. Still hoping I'm wrong.
I love all my canaries, my favorite though is my fancy crested canary. Had him 5 years and he has always been solo. only sings when he is by himself and don't see other birds. I paired him up this year in hopes he will successfully make some offspring because I don't want to lose his beautiful color and his Genetic crested look. He hasn't tried seranating his hen but I have noticed the hen building a nest finally and he has been attempting to help her with it. He hasn't fed her yet either. I was thinking of maybe attempting to try it in an aviary where they have more freedom and less distraction. but using the breeding cages seems more beginner for me and a good way to start a hobby until I become more experienced.

[Paul's Amazing Birds]

Maintaining ten pair in breeding cages for three months is a lot of work. I'm sure you know they need fresh seed, egg food, veggies and fresh water every day.

I use breeding cages:
- to increase my hatch success
- to control the possibility of inbreeding
- to improve the color, size and form of the red factor canary by
selective breeding only the best pairs in my collection.

Any pics of your current set up? I might be able to help you with some design suggestions for your new aviary. What kind of canaries do you have?

Paul ( from CA )

[Jamm972]

Hey Paul I added a question about candling canary eggs and differentiating from an air sack and a blood line. it was moved to the top of the forum.

My canaries were set originally on a 4 tier breeding rack. but I removed the bottom 2 cages and moved them onto another stand until I get my other 4 tier rack. I'm not sure how to add an image without starting a new topic. but will be glad to show ya pictures. give me a minute to figure out how to upload pics. Or start a new topic with them uploaded.

[Jamm972]

They are in the room that gets the best morning light. And also has the least amount of Activity. I turn on Soft instrumental music for them daily that they love to sing to and compete with. I do change the water daily. The seed every 2 days and the vita Water every 3 days as instructed. the only thing I may add to their Diet is an actual hard boiled egg. I'm just not sure how much of the egg is good for the male and the hen. I do know it will need to be removed before I put them to bed.
I do have 2 flight cages. 1 medium sized one and a large one. But for 10 birds I think I need to build a custom made one. but one that I can wheel or move inside when it gets to hot and or to cold in winter. hottest days can get to 120 in summer, coldest nights usually no colder than 30 in winter. If I built an aviary it will be one that is made from chicken wire or whatever its called small enough where I can attach branches and other items and maybe even add live plants or trees. I have a good area in the back yard but it don't get much morning sun, but the late afternoon and evening it gets sun until sun set.