Description: The Domestic Canary, is a domesticated form of the wild canary, a small songbird in the finch family originating from the Macronesia Islands. Canaries were first bred in captivity in the 17th century. They were brought over by Spanish sailers to Europe. This bird became expensive and fashionable to breeding in courts of Spanish and English kings. The red-factor canary is an example of a color-bred canary, or a canary that is bred and prized for its color, rather than its song, although their song is beautiful as well! "Red Factor" refers to the gene that allows for red coloring which ranges from pale orange to bright red to bronze red in color. The Red Factor Canary was developed by Dr. Hans Duncker (a German Breeder) in the early 1900s by crossing a male red siskin with yellow canary. Some say the yellow canary was a German Roller, while others believe that its ancestor is a Border Canary. 

Color Variations: Red Factor Canaries can range in coloring from a soft pink, to an orange red, and also to a deep bronze red in coloring. All shades are pleasing to the eye.

Geography: The Canary Islands

Song / Call: Click to hear the Red Factor Canary

Size / Weight: 4.7” 

Lifespan: 7-12 years 

Sexing: Monomorphic - visually difficult to sex

Temperament: Red Factor Canaries are active and lively, enjoyed by both those who wish to keep a pet canary as well as those who specialize in showing. A delightful entertaining little bird, it is hardy and very easy to keep. 

Breeding: Not easy to breed, so will need a more advanced keeper for this purpose.

Diet: Canary Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast,  Red Factor Dried Egg Food, Cuttlefish Bone, Mineral Grit and Millet 

DNA Testing  Note: If a DNA test is selected by a customer to determine gender of a bird, a charge of $99.00 is charged per test, and the results may take 3-6 plus weeks for results.

* If there is not a gender option listed for this bird on our website, that particular species is 'monomorphic,' which means we’re unable to determine gender without DNA testing. If you want us to do our best without DNA testing, make a note in the comment section of your order letting us know your preference. If no DNA testing is ordered, we are unable to guarantee a preferred gender but will do our best.  See our FAQs for more info.

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