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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The moult should take two to three weeks to complete. You can help by making sure Coco has a full bowl of food available at all times. He should have a mineral block available at all times. Feed sprouted grains and fresh vegetables - these are good moulting foods that will support healthy feather growth. Other factors to consider: 1. During moulting birds need plenty of sleep – 10 to 12 hours every night, with a quiet, darkened atmosphere. 2. They do better in slightly humid conditions. Your indoor bird may require frequent access to bathing water or the shower, and you may find it necessary to mist your bird or operate a humidifier. 3. Exposure to natural sunlight helps produce the vitamins necessary to keep skin and feathers healthy. Indoor birds will benefit from full spectrum UV lighting or daily exposure to natural light. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi there. Sorry that Sunny is having this issue. The normal annual molt occurs naturally during the last half of summer and continues into the fall. So, I would say this is the normal time of year to be molting. He may have pulled out a feather due to normal preening or it could be an injury. Can't really tell from the photo. I would not be worried unless you see any bald spots. Molting can be a taxing process. It is stressful for them so they do tend to stop signing and seem less active. That would be normal. To help ease the stress of molting I would recommend a vitamin supplement like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Molting-Conditioning-Supplement-for-Cockatiels/dp/B0082D247E I hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again!