If you have never had a pet canary, you may not know it, but these birds usually go through a process in which they shed their plumage. This is quite a complex situation for the bird, so it needs all the care from its owner.
It is very important that you keep in mind that the molting process of a canary ; As with other birds, it is quite difficult, this is because during this process the animal goes through an enormous amount of physiological stress, they usually lose a lot of weight and are affected by different factors, for this reason, it is essential to know how take care of a canary during the mounting season, so that you carry out various care so that you can guarantee the comfort and, above all, the well-being of your canary.
In general, the process of shedding a canary begins during the summer season, between June and October to be more specific, which is a time when the weather conditions are usually very beneficial for this process to take place. During these months the days are usually a bit longer, while the humidity and heat levels are higher. Over the years, birds have constantly evolved to manage to adapt their metabolism just so that the shedding of feathers does not need endless requirements, thus making it easier to carry it out correctly during the summer.
What do you need to take care of a canary during the mounting season?
The feathers of the canaries are fundamental so that they can stay in the air and thus fly short and also long distances without problems, the plumage of these birds, in addition to being beautiful, gives them protection during the different times of the year, especially in the winter where they require of more heat.
As we mentioned before, this process is not easy for the bird, especially in the last phase, which is considered one of the most critical, since the bird presents a massive fall of all the plumage of its body, especially the of the covert feathers, these are the ones that keep the canary isolated and protected from changes in temperature in the environment. While the molt is taking place, you need to offer your pet a series of care focused on adequate food, enough rest and, above all, a comfortable environment in which your canary can feel protected.
Instructions to take care of a canary during the mounting season
Instructions to take care of your canary during the molt
It is recommended that you follow the steps that we will show below so that you can offer the necessary care to your canary during a process as delicate as that of shedding its feathers.
- A good diet
Feeding is one of the most important parts from the first moment in which the molting of feathers begins in a canary. You must make sure that it is balanced, complete and above all, healthy. Remember that you should always offer your canary a diet according to its needs, bearing in mind that the molting process is quite complicated for the bird. During the process, it is recommended that the diet is based mainly on essential amino acids, vitamins and also rich in protein. Remember that you should not leave vegetables and fruits aside, since they are also very important, broccoli, cucumber, apple, some oils such as cod liver oil and also the very common fat balls in most stores dedicated to the sale of care products for various animal species. - Mineral salts are also fundamental and, above all, highly required by canaries during the molt, because they are an excellent complement to their daily diet. In addition, the use of pasta for canaries is recommended and within this, introduces the amino acids and vitamins, in this way; it will be easier for the canary to ingest them.
- You can also add some oily seeds to your daily menu, such as hempseed, rapeseed or black. Egg paste can also become essential during the molting of a canary and is even more efficient if some vitamin complexes and fats are added. Some wild plants, such as pursuance, may contain enough amino acids for the bird, and are also rich in a wide variety of vitamins belonging to group A and B.
- Finally, make sure you combine food with good hydration; remember to change the water daily to avoid illness.
- Vitamin complexes
in bird stores you can find a wide variety of products that facilitate the growth of new feathers in canaries and other birds, which also allow you to feel more energetic and in a better mood, which is very important during such a complicated process. Vitamin complexes are one of the most widely used products, especially those whose main base is vitamin A and D. There are also more specific products made mainly from 100% natural ingredients. - Total cleaning inside the aviary
Keeping the canary as comfortable as possible is very important, so you should never forget to clean its habitat, this is very necessary to lower stress levels in the canary and to keep it calm for as long as possible which can. You can start by replacing the sand that is at the bottom, then you must properly clean both the feeder and the drinker and also the perches, do not forget to disinfect each of these. By keeping the area completely clean you can prevent a host of diseases, as canaries are most vulnerable during molting dates. - Give it a good bath
you can bathe your canary every day while it is mounting, avoiding drafts as much as possible and, above all, you must make sure that the temperature is neither higher nor lower than 22 degrees. Fill a small bathtub with water and add a little apple cider vinegar, this will keep lice away and also some mites. This type of vinegar should be used with special moderation, since if you use it too much you can damage the canary’s feathers. - You can also use special bath salts for birds, these products are highly recommended when it comes to bathing the canary every day, in addition, and it provides greater cleanliness and facilitates the elimination of mites and old feathers.
- Bathing the canary during the molt allows the bird to get rid of old feathers and dead skin in a simpler way, in addition, its skin will always remain hydrated, allowing the new feathers to come out easily, providing elasticity and a beautiful shine, not to mention that the possibility of cysts appearing between the feathers is considerably reduced.
Tips for caring for a canary during the mounting season
- You should always check with your vet if any complications occur before, during, and after the shedding process.
- Never give any food supplement or vitamin without first consulting your vet.
- Avoid exposing the bird to direct sunlight for a long time, keep in mind that by not having its feathers, the sun’s rays can cause skin burns.
- Never leave your canary alone, you must always be aware of any changes and you must take good care of it until its feathers have been completely renewed.
