CANARIES
AS REGULAR readers will know, I advocate a traditional approach when breeding canaries, and once again I am not pairing my birds up until April. I feel particularly justified this year, especially with the unseasonal weather patterns we have been subjected to here in the North West. In recent years, bad spring weather seems to be a feature, or is my memory playing tricks? Anyhow, an April start still provides time for two good rounds of chicks before the moult kicks in.
There are advantages to starting breeding later. First, the unflighted birds are that little bit more mature and their fitness levels are high. The extra time spent in the flights is advantageous, and activity levels are good. There should be fewer clear eggs than in the earlier months of the year.
I caught up my hens in early March,breeding operations begin in a few short weeks' time.
