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Changing my canary's 12/12 light cycle. Will it affect molting?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old

I asked a question a few days ago, but I can't recall which pet it was about. I still have not received a reply. I have two dogs, Jake and Tasha, and a Canary, Ringo. I think it was about Ringo, and Lighting. Anyway, I also wanted to know if giving Ringo light 12 and 12 since his Birth, 2 yrs. ago, and changing to my schedule now, will that interfere with his Molting times?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 27th, 2018

Unfortunately, I can't see your other question, so if it hasn't been answered, asking it again may help!

Without knowing your new schedule, it would be hard to say if it'll interfere with molting. If you're greatly increasing or decreasing the amount of light, it can affect schedules a bit, and may cause some stress to Ringo as he adjusts which could change when he molts next. However, if the schedule is similar, or if he's been adjusted to it for a while now, it should be fine. He may molt at a slightly different time with the changes, but continuing with your routine is best to keep him active and healthy.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why is my canary molting so long? What's the right light cycle?

Thanks fore reaching out about Ringo. The basic photoperiod should be well but including a light source with UVB spectrum would be better suited for all-around well being. Ideally, that photoperiod could be seasonally varied pecking at around 16 hours of light in summer, decreasing to 8-10 hours in winter. This will provide some seasonal variation to the photoperiod. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my canary molting for 12 weeks? Will he sing again soon?

This may be "normal" for Ringo. Molt times are only estimations based on 'most' birds. Stress, illness or diet can play large roles in molting. You can have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose any illness or to confirm good health. Confirm proper environmental parameters and diet. There is no way of determining when he will begin singing again.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How to gradually shift my canary's sleep schedule to natural light?

I would just make the change gradually. And depending on what times you've been keeping him at light and dark adjust by a half hour add a time until you get where you would like to be. Monitor Ringos eating drinking and activity to make sure he doesn't appear stressed and take your cues from him as to how quickly to keep changing. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's the ideal daily light and dark schedule for my canary?

Unless you plan on breeding Ringo, a 12 hour photoperiod is sufficient. A breeding canary needs 14-15 hours of daylight, natural or artificial. The bottom line is Ringo is yours now, he doesn't belong to the breeder. Provide as much or little sunlight as is convenient for you and him.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my canary molting so long and not singing? What can I do?

Molting can last 6-12 weeks. Some canaries will complete a molt outside this time frame though. Increase proteins and fats to aid feather regrowth. Flax, niger and hemp seeds can be offered. Protein can be in the form of scrambled eggs or small crickets and mealworms. Bathe or mist with warm water to promote preening and healthy plumage. Providing full spectrum lighting, avoiding stress, limiting daylight to 8-10 hours and keeping room temperature between 68 F and 70 F will aid in molting.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My canary won't sing after molting and poor diet. When will he sing?

How much a bird sings varies greatly on the individual bird so it would be impossible to tell you when he will sing again or not. Making sure he is on a balanced diet, and having your vet take a look to make sure there aren't any lasting health issues caused by the malnutrition earlier is best to make sure Ringo is still healthy and happy.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My canary finished molting. Can I feed it regular bird food?

As long as Ringo seems active and healthy, feeding him his regular food should be fine, assuming it's a balanced diet. Most commercial bird foods are formulated for optimal nutrition, and should be fine to give Ringo as he finishes the last of his molt. You can still offer the other items as treats, if you'd like.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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