My canary just chirps. Will song seed make him sing like he should?

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.

Offer a fortified seed mix supplemented with cooked beans and vegetables (carrots, peas, etc). Fresh water should be available at all times. A mineral block and/or cuttlebone should also be placed in the cage. Keep the room at a steady temp and keep the cage away from strong drafts. You can mist him with warm water a few times weekly to promote preening and healthy plumage. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite and loose droppings. If necessary, have him physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about your finches. It is great that you have switched your birds over to pellets and that you are seeing such great results! For finches, I recommend keeping a bit of seeds in the diet - this amount is approximately 10%. This can help to provide some fat in the diet and this can lead to an increase in singing. You can also add greens or other vegetables into the diet as enrichment and supplemental nutrition. The depression portion is a bit concerning, as this should not be caused by diet unless the birds are not eating enough and are losing weight. If this concern continues after the birds have had a bit of seeds, I would recommend a veterinary visit. I hope this gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Birds, just like other pets, may develop preferences towards humans. Acclimate him gradually by sitting next to his cage for ever increasing periods of time. He may flutter about and move to the far side of the cage initially but will eventually calm down. Once he does, place your hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Make no attempt to touch or hold him. He'll flutter about and complain again initially. Speak softly and move slowly. Use praise and small treats after each episode. You may get to the point where Ringo will perch on a finger or sing to you, but if not, do not despair. Be patient and continue working with him. Canaries aren't "cuddly" like cockatoos or other larger birds. (I have 2 African Greys that are almost 30. I have raised both. One loves me, the other has murder in her eyes whenever I approach to clean the cage or feed her. It is what it is).

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.

Is the female coming out of the nest to feed? You can try offering food closer to her nest. Are you sure she is sitting and not ill and hiding? Try offering different foods that might be more enticing (grated carrots, alfalfa sprouts, millet, etc.) Good luck.