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

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.

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.

Hi and thank you for your question, I assume you mean day hours vs. night? If so you could give them an even 12:12. That would be closest to what they have in nature. If that's a problem, you could just expose them to the local day/night cycle. They will do well with that too. As to actual hours in the sun, The more the better, so long as it is not cold outside and that when it is hot they have a shaded area. Regards

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.

As long as your bird gets between 8 and 12 hours of sleep, he should do fine. That sleep doesn't have to be in one stretch, but when you wake him up to play or handle him, don't just stick your hand in the cage, like people, they need time to wake up and become alert, so give him about 30 minutes before handling him. Letting him sleep someplace that is absolutely dark and quiet is ideal, and cover his cage too, even if his sleeping area is dark to minimize distractions and disturbance. Once you're done playing and interacting, he should have no trouble going back to sleep.

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.

I've not heard of food alone aiding singing, but the right nutrition can definitely help Ringo feel healthy enough to want to sing. Spending time with him, making sure he's getting enough light, and providing fun toys and other enrichment can also help encourage him as well.