Arboleda Aviary - Recently Updated Pages

Show success

mrdight — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:56:20 CST

Update November 7 2008

Well, I've been busy. This has stopped me from updating my website recently, but now I can update my own show results.

I've spent the last few months training my song team. Essentially, this involves introducing males to their show cages and conditioning them to travel and show experiences. My birds have been traveling between friends houses and also visiting my school, where they spend the day at the back of my biology class.

All this effort resulted in some success. I had eight males to take to shows. A fellow club member, our president Mark Bange kindly helped me by taking some of them to shows in Baltimore and New Jersey. About 50% have sung, two in particular have scored full marks for freedom. My greatest acheivement is 'Harrison" D444 a yellow ticked bird who won first in class at my own Baltimore MASCOT show last weekend. I was awarded Best Novice prize for his 91.5 score. This was a great show with 188 entries from twenty or more exhibitors. If you live in the Baltimore area and are intereseted in American Singers, you should get in contact with MASCOT!!

I am now turning my attention to the up comming breeding season. What pairings will I make? How will I condition birds for the breeding season, lighting and feeding programs? Check back in the future for updates.

Arboleda Aviary Home

mrdight — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:59:30 CDT

Welcome to

ARBOLEDA AVIARY

A small stud of American Singer Canaries founded in 2007 and based in Harrisonburg, central to the

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

My Name is Andre, and since changing careers from the poultry industry (Where keeping pet birds was forbidden) I can again engage in my favorite pastime of rearing and training competition singing canaries.

To take a look at my bird-room Click Here

I will also be updating my website from time to time, giving details of my progress. You might want to come visit again:

Please e/mail me with any questions or comments on my site . arboleda980@comcast.net

Update - August 08

About the American Singer
Originally developed by a group of women in the Boston area in the mid 1930’s, it was their desire to breed the perfect pet canary for American homes, and provide a standard for competition. This active and bright canary owes it’s origins to a blend of Roller and Border Canaries. Indeed, following a prescribed breeding format it is still possible to create your own American Singers by line breeding. By following ‘The Plan’, after 4 generations your birds should compose of approximately 70% Roller, and 30% Border genetics. In truth, the Borders of today probably bear little resemblance to those of 80 years ago. A modern Fife would be more approximate.

Most breeders today will obtain an initial stock of well established pedigree American Singers. There is a governing body. The American Singers Club Inc first formed in 1934 and incorporated in 1942. This club has sole responsibility for issuing leg bands and overseeing the local “Chapters”, individual clubs scattered throughout the USA.

The American Singer Club has defined the standard for these birds:

“ Primarily, the American Singer Canary is bred for song, but should be attractive also and in competition, there are points awarded for condition and conformation as well as for freedom of song and rendition. The ideal bird should have a free and harmonious song, which is pleasing to the ear, neither too loud nor too harsh, with a good variety of notes. During song competition, an individual bird can earn up to 10 points for Freedom of Song, up to 60 points for Rendition of Song, up to 20 points for Conformation of Body and up to 10 points for Overall Condition for a maximum of 100 points.”

Unlike Roller or Waterslager Canaries, the American Singers do not have a prescribed vocabulary of tours or song passages they are required to sing. Variety of song is highly prized, but birds with harsh or grating chops will be penalized. The song should not be too loud or monotonous. Generally the song is louder than that of a typical contest Roller, but certainly soft and melodious song is rewarded. American Singers are available in colours including yellow, white and cinnamon, and may be variegated. There is no requirement for colour feeding and there are no crested American Singers.

The show cage was developed from the old fashioned ‘Shelf cages’ common in pet shops. The cages are 11 inches wide, 7 inches deep, 10 inches high. The right side is solid metal, the top and other sides are wire. Birds compete individually against each other in classes of eight or nine. Each class is judged for 20 minutes. There is no final ‘Sing off’ to determine best in show. Points are allocated to each bird during it’s class and overall winners are determined from their single performance. During the first ten minutes in particular judges are assessing how freely the birds sing.

American Singers in general are considered free breeders and relatively easy to keep. Supplementary, artificial lighting patterns are common. By manipulating light and diet, most fanciers will be aiming to get their first nests hatching in January when the current year leg band are first released. Many breeders use all wire breeding cages, similar to cages commonly used in continental Europe. A lot of breeders choose to follow their own recipes for egg food or will supplement a propriety brand with additional hard boiled egg.

Interest in the breed remains strong, with particularly competitive areas, in the Cleveland and Michigan areas as well as the North East, where, during the Autumn, it is possible to travel to a different show every weekend from Baltimore, Maryland up through to New York. A typical chapter show may have 120 to 150 birds entered and the entire competition may last 8 hours or more for the judge to assess all the classes.

You Can learn about American Singer Canaries by visiting the American Singer Club Inc. Website here

Birds for Sale

mrdight — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:57:15 CDT

I will have birds for sale this fall. Only a handful, but they are guaranteed pedigree and from established AS bloodlines. As I currently have a relatively small genetic pool, I will gladly help pick stock of mine and pair these with stock from fellow M.A.S.C.O.T. club members to ensure you the best start on your own voyage into the world of Singing Canaries.

If you simply want a beautiful pet canary I can also sell single males, guaranteed pedigree and guaranteed to sing.

I can be contacted by e/mail. arboleda980@comcast.net

Please drop me a line if I can help you.

LINKS for your interest

mrdight — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:57:43 CDT

Below I attach some useful Links to other websites you may find of interest. Do please check out the club I belong to. MASCOT, Maryland American Singer Club of Today.

Bird Clubs and Societies,

M.A.S.C.O.T Maryland American Singer Club of Today

American Singers Club inc Governing society for American Singer Canaries.

Chapter 16 American Singers in Baltimore

Equipment and Seed Suppliers
(For info only, Caveat emptor! no guarantee of sales or service intended - but I have either personal experience or have been told these suppliers are good)

ABBA Seed

New York Bird Supply

Miscellaneous and other interesting Sites.

New Scientist Excellent weekly scientific journal.

Cage & Aviary Birds UK weekly and only international newspaper devoted to Aviculture.

Update August 08

mrdight — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:26:03 CDT

May, June and July were quiet months for my birds. Following the hectic breeding season from January through April, the birds were housed communally, first in one six foot by three foot by six flight. This provides room for exercise and space while the birds undergo their annual moult.

Current year bred birds lose all their body feathers (but not their flight - main tail and wing feathers) which is why some parts of the canary fancy call these "Unflighted birds". The older birds shed all their feathers and grow a new set. This is a very stressful time of year for the canary, as it requires a lot from the birds physically. Moulting generally lasts in an individual between 6 and eight weeks, so for all the birds to moult through can take up to three months.

In addition to room for exercise and a bath replenished daily with fresh cold water, I provide the birds with a quality canary seed mixture supplemented with green foods every couple of days. Apple, Broccoli and frozen peas are favorites. I also supply fresh sprouted seeds every few days.

The picture to the left shows my bird-room in late July. By now I have constructed a second flight cage and have been gradually moving male canaries over to this flight. Some youngsters I managed to identify by their baby song prior to them going into their first moult. Male canaries stop singing completely while they are moulting. The bird room falls relatively quite during this time.

August Update

Now, in the first week of August the moult has essentially been over for most birds for a month or more, with just one or two birds still to finish completely. I have had time to construct 3 treble breeding cages to house my birds. These cages (see below) are extremely useful. I currently employ them to hold individual males which I have been separating from the group as their song begins to develop and they start to quarrel and bicker with each other. Young singing canaries, like my American Singers need some peace and solitude to develop their song properly. Also, if they are not constantly interrupted from practice by their cage mates it is more likely that they will develop a free ranging and continuous song.

These "Box" cages are familiar to breeders in the UK, where I originate from. Firstly, money can be saved by making your own cages. I bought my wire fronts on a visit to Europe last year although they can be ordered through the Internet in North America.

I have almost no woodworking skills and knowledge but have been able to construct them from basic screwing and gluing plywood. Another advantage of this system is that I can remove the dividers to form breeding cages or long flight cages, making them very versatile.

These cages also provide plenty of privacy for hens during the breeding season. The disadvantage is that you need to give them a fresh coat of paint every couple of years and you must pay particular attention for possible parasites that can hide in crevices. Overall though, I am very pleased. I have been able to create a bird room with two large flights and up to 15 individual breeding cages for materials costing less than $400 in total.

Initial Show Training

Another important reason for housing the males in single cages now is that this is their first step in preparation for the show season. From the comparative freedom of the flight cages they must become used to smaller quarters and closer contact with me. In another month or so, they will be introduced to their show cages which are considerably smaller. By then they should be used to closer contact and feel settled and confident in their surroundings.

When they are introduced to their show cages, serious preparation will begin, to condition the birds to travelling, visiting strange locations and being viewed by a wider audience.

Return to HOME

Reflection on 1st Breeding Season

mrdight — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:35:45 CDT

Reflections on my first breeding season

(by André Dight)

As my breeding season draws to a close I have time to look and assess the performance of my birds and my management contribution.

Foundation Stock

What a wonderful start I have had. Firstly a little background on me. I have novice experience of Roller Canary breeding back in the UK, but that was over a decade ago. My foundation American Singer stock has been sourced from three breeders within the MASCOT club, who corresponded with each other to set me up with a well matched pair. I had done my homework. I noticed these breeders names appearing on the show results posted on the internet before contacting them. I explained that I had serious intentions to contest and have an active role within the fancy. But I’m also working on a student budget. I was eager to get started so had approached them at the wrong time of year. (August/September, far too early to have assessed the current year stock). However, I was just as interested in picking up some spare older stock to get me started. I am sure this has helped me. Both males were proven fathers and one hen was an 05. The other two 07 hens, were presumably chosen by the breeders as suitable matches. I left myself at the full mercy of these people, but as I have been involved with canaries before, I know how genuine enthusiasts are more than happy to encourage newcomers and I trusted they would do their best for me.

Accommodation
It was great to attend the first show of the season and meet up with people even though ever so briefly and I was immediately taken by the birds they had picked out for me. It was a very enjoyable ride home, indeed one cock even starting singing in the carry case home! My set up is simple. I have a fairly large unfinished basement where it has been easy to devote one corner to my new hobby. I have a six by three foot, walk in flight and constructed three double breeding cages made of wood with wire cage fronts.

Home made double breeding cages, roomy and private

The measurements are 26 inches by 18 high and 16 deep. (with the divider out, the cages are over 50 inches wide and are designed to act as flight cages outside the breeding season). Such box cages are the most popular used back home in the UK, both because they provide privacy for the hens, and cut down on draughts. (important when most bird rooms are rudimentary wooden sheds in the garden)

Basic Diet
The birds settled in quite quickly and seemed to appreciate a good routine. A basic, good quality canary mix (from ABBA seed) supplemented with soaking seed and a little egg food once or twice a week. Fresh greens also, especially sweet apple and broccoli. The bath in the bottom of the flight cage is always available and is replenished with clean cold water every day. My egg food of choice is Cédé, a well known European product I have used before. Because it already contains powdered egg, I have not bothered to add anything other than a little cold water to moisten. That makes daily feeding chores very much quicker and easier!

One thing I was introduced to, half way through the breeding season were frozen peas! I will definitely be keeping these as a regular part of my basic diet. Mark Bange and Jeanne Pieper gave me advice on this. Frosted or wilted greens are not a good thing to feed to canaries. They can cause some digestive problems, but freshly frozen peas seem to provide no issues. I rinse them under hot water before giving them to my birds, and they devour them, and seem to enjoy them considerably. A great tip to have learned this year.

Results
As I write this note to myself, I have 18 live chicks from a total of 6 nests, with one more nest to hatch. The 05 hen’s first clutch of 3 failed to hatch so I’m giving her the opportunity to raise a second brood from a third nest. As a rule I would not usually allow a hen to lay a third round, but she was helped very effectively to raise her first clutch by the cock, so I don’t believe I have over stretched her at this time

I’m delighted with this performance, better than anything I have ever done before. Excellent fertility, although a few more dead in shell than I would have wanted. I have only lost one chick so far that managed to hatch out. It had fallen out of the nest somehow, although I managed to revive it, it was dead when I checked the next morning.

Reasons for Success
One of the major reasons I feel I have had a successful season is the support I have received from fellow club members. The stock I acquired was clearly healthy from the start. I have to make a special mention of Mark Bange. Not only did he supply me with a wonderfully natured male my sons have christened ‘Peter’, but I have needed to be in almost constant contact with him to gain advice. I’ve felt compelled to send almost daily reports on progress and have gained great knowledge and confidence from Mark as I relearn the hobby. I’m lucky he has been patient and has devoted much time to mentor me. I’m also pleased that soaked seed has been so well received by the birds. The birds eat approximately twice as much soaked/sprouted seed as they do egg food. Using the soda bottle method has provided a regular supply of fresh sprouts.

My first clutch of the year

Unconventional Twist.
Most of what I have tried to do, as I learn again to keep these wonderful songsters has been pretty conventional. I try to keep a routine and consider clean cages and fresh food pretty simple and reliable steps for success. Two things I have done however, may buck conventional wisdom. Firstly, I have not utilized any dummy eggs, preferring to leave well alone. I’m admittedly clumsy so you only need to break a couple of eggs in transfer to shy away from dummy eggs. I’ve had my heart in my mouth a couple of times though, my most prolific hen hatched 5 over a three and a half day period, but despite some size difference they were all weaned successfully in the end. (she repeated the same feat with her second clutch, another 5 chicks reared and she is a novice 07 hen!)

The second thing I did was use an unconventional lighting pattern. Emboldened by experience from my poultry career and reading articles from Bill Summers in Colorado, I held day length steady until the week after Christmas and then increased lighting by more than two hours in a single week. It certainly had the desired effect with all three hens going to nest within about 10 days to two weeks. Fertility has been good. I’m not yet prepared to advocate this method for anyone else as I need to see how birds react to the oncoming molt etc. But I’m pleased with results so far.

What do I need to change?
Firstly, I need to be a more vigilant when banding youngsters. Four birds were not rung with closed bands by the end of the season (That’s about 20% - far too many!!) One I missed, when the hen must have removed the ring in the clutch of five. The second was even more concerning. The ring had migrated above the knee and got stuck. I noticed the problem when I became aware that the other two chicks had left the nest but the third kept still and didn’t seem to be thriving. Luckily I caught the problem before it was too late. It was necessary to cut the ring off, and although stressed to begin with, the chick seems to have made a full recovery. The final 2 chicks were missed because I had to attend a memorial service for my Father in Europe, unavoidable, but I’m still disappointed that I failed to band them properly At least one of these birds in undoubtedly a cock and will miss the competitive arena. I have used split rings to identify all of these birds, so may retain them, bearing on how their siblings perform. But I’m sure if I had been more vigilant at least two of these birds should have been properly rung.

< Jake Dight (not quite two!) He helps with all the feeding routines, and insists on helping in the bird room every day!

Secondly, with all my poultry experience, I can’t believe I fell into the trap of ignoring pest control !! Despite the house being less than two years old, I managed to get mice in the basement and I think this was the cause of my 05 hen losing her first clutch, the eggs were fertile but had subsequently died. I think she must have been disturbed by the rodents one night and the eggs became chilled (after a concerted effort, I caught twelve mice in a week! - and no signs since.) The other thing I did, was not have a red night light in place. I addressed both these issues and the rest of the season has gone fine.

The end result
I don’t profess to be any kind of expert, but at least by sharing my experience, I hope newcomers to the Fancy may gain insight and old hands will have something to mull over. I’m so pleased to be keeping canaries again, and equally pleased to find a club of members who share my enthusiasm.

My Birdroom

mrdight — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:06:22 CDT

Having just started keeping and breeding American Singers, for my first year I have devoted a small corner of the basement for my birdroom.

A large 6'x3'x6' flight was contructed using 2"x1" wood and wire mesh. Three double breeder cages were constructed from plywood and painted white. This is a common construction where I come from in England. Many American fanciers I have visited here in the USA use all wire cages. The cage fronts were purchased in Spain during a visit to see family and flown home in a suitcase! The individual cages are a roomy 26" wide, 18"high and 16" deep.

Foundation stock was purchased from members of M.A.S.C.O.T one of Maryland's canary clubs, dedicated to the American Singer. My initial stock consisited of 2 cocks and 3 hens. They have produced 18 youngsters in total this spring. a very respectable average of 3 chicks per nest. Read more about my first breeding season Here.