Proper care from their parents, along with nutritious food provided by the breeder, helps canary chicks grow and develop into healthy adults. Here are the growth stages of a canary chick from hatching until adulthood.
The Hatchling and Nestling Stage
After 13-14 days of incubation, a baby canary hatches from the egg. At this stage, the chick is weak, helpless, and featherless. It relies on its parents for warmth and nutrition. As the chick approaches the end of the first week of life, its eyes begin to open to the world around it. Around this time, the first signs of feather growth become visible. Pin feathers start to emerge in the middle of the chick’s back and the edges of its wings. These feathers are still very short and underdeveloped.
By the time the chick reaches two weeks old, its body becomes entirely covered in feathers, and it looks more like a miniature version of its parents. At this stage, the chick is more active, moving around the nest and flapping its wings. It is still dependent on its parents for food and warmth but is becoming more independent as it grows.
Fledgling Stage
Canary chicks may leave the nest at around 15 days of age, but some may stay until they are 17 days old or older. Factors such as cold weather, food scarcity, and underdevelopment or malnutrition may delay their departure. At 21 days, the juvenile chick begins to explore its surroundings and may attempt to eat on its own. However, it remains partially dependent on its parents for food until it reaches around 28 days old.
Weaning and Independence Stage
At around 28 days of age, the canary chick typically weans and becomes independent. At this point, it is safe to separate the chick from its parents, even if it continues to beg for food. However, it is important to continue providing the chick with a nutritious diet and a comfortable living environment to ensure its continued growth and development.
You should provide a daily seed mixture for the newly weaned juvenile canary, along with soft foods such as hard-boiled eggs during the first week of independence. Some juveniles may wean earlier than 28 days, but it is not advisable to keep them with their parents beyond this point unless they are underdeveloped and underfed.
During the weaning and independence stage, it is essential to monitor the canary chick’s health and behavior closely to ensure that it is adapting well to its new surroundings and is free from any health issues. With proper care and attention, the canary chick will continue to grow and develop into a healthy and happy adult.
The Molting Stage
After the canary chick reaches the weaning and independence stage, it will hold the juvenile title until it enters its first molt, also known as the juvenile molt. This process typically begins when the canary is around 8 weeks old and can last for up to 8 weeks.
Immaturity Stage
After the juvenile molt, the canary enters the immaturity stage. During this period, the canary is still developing and growing, and it may take some time for its adult plumage to fully develop.
Canaries in the immaturity stage may exhibit some juvenile behaviors, such as being more vocal or active than adults. It is important to continue providing your canary with a nutritious diet and proper care during this time to support its growth and development.
The adulthood and maturity stage
After the immaturity stage, the canary enters the adulthood and maturity stage. During this time, the canary will reach its full adult size and develop its adult plumage. The canary will continue to grow and mature until it is capable of breeding and reproducing.
Most canaries reach sexual maturity at around 8 months old, but this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and environment. Some canaries may mature earlier at around 6 months, while others may not reach maturity until 12 months and in some cases older.
Supporting your Canary Development from Day one
Breeders can support the chick’s development by providing a warm and secure environment, proper nutrition, and plenty of space to move around. Ensuring the chick has access to a nutritious diet, such as germinated seeds, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables, can help it grow and develop into a healthy and thriving adult canary.
Watch the growth stages of these cute baby canaries on our youtube channel: