Red Factor Canary
Birds in Focus...
Named after its beautiful plumage, the Red Factor Canary is one of the most popular canaries. It is 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. However they are not easy to breed, so will need a more advanced keeper for this purpose.
The Red Factor Canary is classed as a "color canary", bred for color rather than physical characteristics or song. First bred in the 1930's, they are the only Color Bred Canary that has a red factor as part of their genetic structure. They were developed as a cross between another type of finch, the now endangered Venezuelan Black Hooded Red Siskin Spinus cocullatus, and the Yellow Canary Serinus canaria.
Specialty breeding in canaries has an extremely long history. Even though breeding for "type" was the predominant focus for several hundred years, color breeding was happening intermittently. It wasn't until the 1900's however, that a great deal of interest was devoted to color.
In his book, Canaries, Paul Paradise describes the development of Red Factor Canaries and Color Bred Canaries. He says that in 1929 Dr. Hans Duncker, a German genecist, published a thesis stating his belief that a red canary could be developed by introducing a red factor into the genetic structure, possible by introducing a Venezuelan Black Hooded Red Siskin, Spinus cocullatus. Thus began the development of canaries termed "red factor" with the first being successfully bred by a Mr. A. K. Gill in Britain. It is generally accepted that canaries inheriting this genetic structure from their parents can be classed as Red Factor Canaries.
At the same time, other colors without the red factor were being readily introduced and became known as 'New Color' canaries. In 1947 the Canary Colour Breeders Association was formed. They initially held to strict rules that no artificial coloring could be fed, and all birds had to be shown in natural colors. Many of these birds lost their coloring after molting and soon in Europe a color known as Carophyll Red became popular, and the no artificial color ruling was removed. Today the Color Bred Canaries are some of the most popular with varied classes not only for just single colors, but for a large variety of different color strengths.
A nice well built bird, the Red Factor Canary will reach about 5 1/2 (14 cm) inches in length. These canaries are bred to show and there are many versions of this canary today. They are divided into Melanins and the Lipochromes classes. These are further divided into frosts or non-frosts, which affects how bright their color appears, and then into hard and soft feathers. Stance wise, they should stand perched at a 45° angle and their head should not be snaky or overly long.
In all Color Bred Canaries, red and orange pigments are obtained from their diet. Even the color of Red Siskin was found to be dependent on what it ate in the wild. Consequently the Red Factor Canary also requires feeding a special diet to keep its intense coloring.
Color feeding means feeding of foods that are specifically designed to enhance color. These are found in three chemicals; primarily carotenoids for most birds with the addition of Canthaxanthin and Beta-Carotene for Red Factor Canaries.
Berries, beets, sweet potatoes, squashes, tomatoes, and cherries contain carotenoids which enhance color. Red and orange can also be increased in many breeds by simply adding cayenne pepper and paprika to the diet. A carotenoid concentrate is also used by some experts and Canthaxanthin and Beta-Carotene are obtained as commercial supplements. These color feeding chemicals must be used carefully with close attention paid to proper quantities.
The Red Factor Canary is more difficult to breed and so this is recommended for a more advanced keeper. Most canaries breed easily and readily if provided with quality food, lighting, secure surroundings, and conditioning.
Red Factor Canaries are usually available.They can often be found at pet stores, and are also be readily found through bird shows, bird clubs, breeders, and on the internet.
Author: Clarice Brough, CAS
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/canaries/RedFactorCanary.php