Caring for a Molting Canary

Canaries' feathers are derivative structures of the skin, but biologically speaking they are dead. This means that they don't require a blood supply, but for that same reason they don't have the ability to regenerate. This is why the molt is a very important physiological process: It renews these structures that are so important to the life and development of the bird.

The hours of sunlight and heat have an impact on the canary's thyroid gland, which produces a rise in thyroid hormones in the blood. These are the biological trigger for the start of the molting period. The molt will first be observed in the wings, followed by a shedding of the tail feathers and finally a massive molt in the chest, back and head.

In the case of canaries, their first molt will not entail the shedding of all feathers. Those in the tail, wings and other areas necessary for flight will stay intact.

As mentioned previously, the elevated levels of thyroxine - responsible for the onset of the molt - are due to an increase in heat and sunlight hours. This is because the feathers then become less necessary owing to the temperature and abundance of available food.

The canary's molting period starts around the beginning of the summer and will last from 1 to 3 months - 2 months is the most common length. However, molting is a very stressful process for any bird, and the degree of stress will directly influence the duration of this physiological process.

The canary's diet plays a very important role in the molting process, since optimal nutrition will be essential in achieving a durable, shiny and beautiful plumage.

The most important nutrient during the canary's molting period is protein, since it helps to generate new structures and synthesize large amounts of collagen. In order to meet the canary's protein requirements during this period, you should turn to two elements of great importance for its diet:

• Nestling food
• Protein-rich seeds, which should comprise 35% of the diet

In addition to proteins, as you'll see below, the canary will also need an extraordinary intake of micronutrients, that is, of vitamins and minerals.

Here you can learn more about what is the best diet for a canary.

The molting process should be supported by a vitamin complex that also incorporates minerals. You should choose a product that's specifically designed for the canary's molting period and follow the recommended dosage for each case.

Finally, you should maximize caring for your canary during this period, since its stress levels will rise and this usually leads to a reduction in its defense system.

By following the proper steps you will guarantee a healthy molt. Your canary might stop singing during this period, but that should not be a cause for concern in any case, as it comes down to the low levels of testosterone during this process.

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