Frequently Asked Questions...
Q- What is an American Singer canary?
A- The American Singer has been especially bred for song. It's a blend of the German Roller and Border canaries, achieving the best of each in a very pleasant, beautiful song. The American Singer canary may be any color, but is typically green with variations which may include white, yellow, cinnamon, blue-gray, brown, orange, or black markings. AS Canary breeders guarantee their male birds to sing!
Q- Do only the males sing?
A- Though not common, some females do sing short, sweet songs at other than breeding season. Typically however, the males are famous for extended, melodious song year round, and are highly desirable for that reason.
Q- When is breeding season? Are American Singers difficult to raise?
A- January through April is the typical breeding season in the Great Lakes Area. Some dietary conditioning helps to prepare the hen and male for nesting, along with nest material provisions; but the key factor is lighting. By controlling the hours of light in the room, paired canaries will achieve nesting status in a few weeks. The rest is easy. Both male and hen can care for the new hatchlings. The only extra attention required is special diet egg food (homemade or commercial) during chick growth, since both parents regurgitate to feed their babies. Once the young birds begin feeding on their own, soak seed or vegatables will be needed for a few weeks.
Q- How long does the summer molt last?
A- Seasonally each bird, whether young fledglings or parents, go through a feather replacement routine called "molt". This lasts for several weeks, usually from mid summer to as late as early fall, depending on the birds conditioning and of course hours of light in the room. This is brought on by long daylight hours naturally, so can be hastened by controlling light exposure artificially. However, since it is a natural process which does drain strength from the bird, some contend that it is best if each bird goes through this process slowly and completely. After new feathers have grown in, the bird becomes stronger again in preparation for the coming breeding season. I like to give our birds cucumbers during this moulting.
Q- Do males stop singing during the molt?
A- During molt, it is typical behavior for some males to temporarily sing less frequently or not at all. Once through it, he will return to his vigorous singing routine that has made the American Singer famous.
Q- How many eggs are laid by the hen in one clutch?
A- The laying canary hen will typically deposit up to four or five eggs in her nest, the last one being slightly "bluer" than the rest. This is the cue to start "setting the hen".
Q- How long is the incubation period?
A- Once the hen starts her setting routine, eggs will hatch in 13 or 14 days.
Q- When do the chicks need to be banded? What is the purpose?
A- A closed band must be placed over the foot at from 5 to 7 days old, depending on the growth rate of the chick. The foot must be developed enough to retain the band, yet not too large so as to offer too much resistance or difficulty which may stress the chick or harm its toes. Once in place, it must be checked daily (mother bird has been known to remove the band from her chick) to insure it has not come off in the nest. The bands are provided by the National American Singer Club for the purpose of unique identification of each registered canary, and are available at the beginning of each calendar year.
Q- How many clutches may a good hen raise per season?
A- Typically not all eggs will hatch (conditioning will ensure that they will all hatch). Two to three healthy chicks per clutch is common. . If the hen is in excellent condition, and her mate assists in feeding (her and the chicks), she may easily raise two clutches, . Quite possibly a strong-conditioned pair of American Singers can raise six healthy young per year. I like to give hens a rest every other year, if they have had 2 or 3 clutches and are at their first year breeding are factors to let them rest. We do not force breed our birds. We breed for quality rather than quantity.
Q- When is a good time to buy young American Singer canaries?
A- When the summer molt has ended, most young birds are completely feathered and developing a mature song. It is easy at this time to determine sex, since the song quality is obvious by then. Most breeders are reluctant to sell their stock until September for this reason. Birds purchased before August may not be "sex-guaranteed" and it is difficult to assure song quality of birds this young. Any time after four months old, bird sales are made with confidence.We have had chicks sing at 2 months of age. I love this baby song. But love the developement of it also, since we show our canaries at song trials, this is an amazing process.
Q- How long will a canary live?
A- Longevity depends a great deal on diet, exercise (flight space), and breeding usage. The well cared for American Singer canary can bring several years of enjoyment to its owner. The song generally improves with age.
Q- What space (cage room) requirements are there for the American Singer?
A- The canary needs sufficient space from time to time for flight to exercise. If it is confined to a small (1 cubic foot) cage most of the time, periodic flights should be allowed by either releasing it into a closed room for a few hours each week. A flight cage (8 cubic feet) offers the best means of healthy exercise, and can contain several birds, provided there is sufficient perching space. We love to release ours into the room with the door closed (dogs). They spend a time of bathing, eating kale, etc. , picking at anything they might find and flying around free.
Q- What precautions should be exercised in the aviary?
A- Canaries are highly susceptible to drafts, so must be kept in rooms with relatively still air. They can easily withstand gradual temperature variations, and rarely require vitamin suplements or medications. If indicated, however, treatment must not be delayed. Canaries are very sensitive to toxic gases, carbon monoxide, burning teflon and chemical solvent vapors. They can get over-stressed (e.g. a curious house cat) so should be in a secure room of the house, free from nearby sudden or unexpected movements. Unlike some other pet birds (parrot types), excessively handling the canary can place undue strain on its cardiovascular system. Canaries require water available at all times, without which one can die in a few hours. We have one canary that goes into a fit every time the vacuum sweeper gets too near her. I have to remember to remove her from the room first.
Q- How long can canaries be left unattended?
A- For optimum health, canaries need fresh seed and water daily. "Lixit" type water bottles can suffice for an overnight absence.
Q- When are the American Singer competition shows held?
A- Each year from September to December there are a number of competitions held. It is not uncommon for up to 300 canaries to be entered per local show. There may be several shows held in a state, and there is a National Show held in a different state each year. Winning birds earn prizes and "points" toward eventual championship titles. In addition to the "fun of competition", champion American Singers afford their owners dependable breeding stock for superior and consistent quality of song in the American Singer breed.