New Canary not whistling!

[Ab's Finches]

Hi people,

I wanted a whistler for my finch aviary so i went to a breeder and bought myself a canary can't remember what type but it did cost me $80, anyway i bought it on Friday the 4th and he is still yet to whistle. His feathers are a bit scruffy but the bloke said he was malting at the moment, and the bird also isn't that good of flyer, other than this the bird is fine.
I'm not sure if he sold me a dud bird or not so would just like your experience and help.
Here are some photos of him:



Any suggestions would be great....if it is a dud bird ill be letting the bloke know thats for sure!

Cheers AB

[cranberry]

Nice looking bird. Let him settle in first. My boy didn't whistle for ages until Spring came around. Then he went nuts. Now I haven't heard him sing for ages. I think they are winding down now in preparation for winter.

[Buzzard-1]

I think they are winding down now in preparation for winter.

I agree with cranberry on this although change can really upset a lot of birds. From the pic I'd say it is a Gloster Fancy and unless it's an award winning bloodline $80 is a bit steep for a aviary/cabinet bred bird.

[Redwing]

Agree with the others. Combination of moving and moulting would be enough to make him not sing.

[dano_68]

I'd say it is a Gloster Fancy and unless it's an award winning bloodline $80 is a bit steep for a aviary/cabinet bred bird..

I agree! Ouch!!!!!

[nswchainsaw]

All canarys go through the molt at this time of the year , give it 3to 5 weeks and it will be all normal again .
As a breeder of canarys and Zebs i can`t understand people bying birds from a pet shop , you can by buy better birds from a breeder for a lot less .
Garry

[bleeding green]

$80? wow. I can sell you a heap if your willing to pay that much and even give you free freight!

It is the moult. My pair of avairy canaries are moulting also and they are scruffy and can't fly that well. 3 weeks ago they were fine. Give it a month and they'll be right. Not sure he'll (if it really is a male)sing much through winter though especially if he is in an outdoor aviary.

Good luck.

[casehulsebosch]

Hallo AB. The question that has not been asked yet is. How do we know it's a cock bird? The other half of my reply relates to giving the bird a bit of time to settle in; the shift, new surroundings etc. Apart from his usual canary seed give him a little soft/egg food. If the bird is in the moult it can probably do with a little extra. Patience is a great thing, especially when your preaching from the other side of the Tasman. I know how you feel. I would want mine to sing too.All good things come to those who wait. cheers, Case.

[Jayburd]

nice bird
I'm thinking about getting a couple pairs of Lizards in the near future...
But like it has been said, leave him to settle in for a while. A hen might also be an added stimulant (plus an extra bird ;) )

[fjb64]

When I had canaries, they did not sing whilst they were molting.

I also agree that you may have over paid. But if you end up with a bird that you enjoy, and is what you want, the price is right.
Just enjoy him, and I am sure he will come around.

Cheers
Frank