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

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.

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.

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.

As long as the light isn't right up against Sunshine's cage it should be fine. If you need to work in the room while she is still sleeping, a cover can be placed on her enclosure to help keep her quiet and sleeping without bothering her from the light change. Placing a cover on at night and removing it in the mornings can also help set a good sleep schedule and reduce night terrors as well.

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).

Thanks for reaching out about Ringo. How about placing a much smaller amount of pellets in the bowl. Leaving them for a prolonged period of time could lead to mold or other contamination. Most foods should be changed daily. Good luck.