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Red Factor Canaries

Canaries are beautiful to look at and males are known for their melodic songs. There are canaries known for their specific song type, a certain look or trait, and also color. One of the most popular colors is the Red Factor Canary. These types can be bright red to orangey, and dark red and brown.

Red factors came from a cross between a canary and type of finch called a Red Siskin. Red Siskins have a gene which allows them to process pigments from carotenoids in the foods they eat and it is distributed into their feathers, like flamingos! When crossed with the Red Siskin, it was found canaries then exhibited this gene too.

Red factors also need carotenoids in their diet to keep their bright plumage. If they are without, their feather color may dull, especially if they are going through a molt. But there are supplements like eggfood specifically for red factors, and concentrated Canthaxanthin that can be feed. To keep them colored with natural foods, feed items high in Beta-Carotene like certain greens, red peppers, sweet potatoes, squashes, tomatoes, beets, berries, cherries, and carrots.

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Adult Birds

When looking for a pet, just as we are drawn to puppies and kittens, so are we drawn to baby parrots. Sometimes people have had bad experiences with adult birds, thinking that they are more prone to biting, bite harder, or come with bad behaviors. This is not the case for many older birds though, which may need a new home for a variety of reasons: such as moving, a personal illness, or other hardships.

It is important to remember that older birds have undergone a major change in their usual routine and may need a longer time to adjust to new people, new surroundings, and a new routine. It is best to work in short training sessions that end positively.

Usually adult birds have grown into their personality, but parrots are very intelligent and can learn at any age. Even adults can learn “step up”, new words and sounds, transition to healthier diets, and learn new tricks and behaviors. It just takes patience and time. In many cases adult birds have already been handled and know how step up very well! You may also know how they react to children, other birds or animals, and if they have any preferences towards men or women.

Starting out with a bird that is not a baby can be very rewarding, and they may even surprise you with how much they know!

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Sanded Perches

Sanded perches are designed to keep your bird’s nails filed down as they walk and climb around on them. Although nails will continue to grow and need clipping, sanded perches may help extend the time between visits. Some are designed with an ergonomic shape to also exercise the foot muscles.

It helps to use an appropriate sized perch so the nails are always in contact with the perch instead of having the toes extended or over-lapping around the bottom.

Remember to have a variety of perch types in the cage (rope, natural wood, etc.) so the sanded texture is not too abrasive on the bottom of the feet. A good location is usually by a food or treat bowl that is used frequently.

Other types of sanded perches include corners, T-shapes, and swings!

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Beaks

A parrot’s beak is an important tool used in climbing, foraging, eating, and more. They are hard and made out of keratin just like our fingernails. And, also like our fingernails, a bird’s beak will continue to grow continuously during its lifetime. This is important because they chip, flake, and wear down over time due to chewing and normal use.

Under the keratin layer are a network of veins and nerves, making it a sensitive area. A healthy bird should not need it trimmed unless it is offset or crooked, causing it to wear unevenly. The regular chewing and cleaning of the beak maintains it at the proper length. Cosmetic filing of the beak is unnecessary and can be stressful for a bird, potentially making it sore for eating and climbing. Instead, try rubbing a dab of coconut oil on the beak for a shiny glow; this will also help keep it moisturized.

Significantly long beaks which curl downward towards the chest may need regular trimming to allow a bird to climb, preen, and eat normally. In some cases this may caused by underlying health factors which may be important to investigate.