Lizard Canaries
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The Lizard Canary - one of the oldest breeds - is believed to have arisen as a mutation from canaries in France during the early 1700s.
Description:
The Lizard Canary is named for its beautiful markings, which resemble the scales of a lizard. This canary is bred for this spangled effect of its feathers. The lizard canary is allowed to be color fed to enhance their red plumage (please see below photograph for color feeding instructions), as are the Yorkshire and Stafford types.
Hens generally carry more breast markings than cocks and cocks color up darker than females.
The Lizard only presents a perfect show-plumage during its first year, after which the spangling deteriorates in each successive moult, so fanciers normally only show unflighted or current-year birds. This is a characteristic which was shared by the London Fancy Canary, which gives weight to the theory that it sprang directly from a mutation of the Lizard.
Color-feeding Your Canary:
Feeding foods rich in beta-carotene, or a supplement of half pure beta-carotene and half pure canthaxanthin will enhance any red coloration in the canaries' plumage. However, color feeding is really only required when new feathers are growing in, and this usually occurs when birds are molting.
Commercially bought color supplements are available; however, they can be harmful to the birds' health. A more natural feeding protocol that includes fresh grated carrots and chopped broccoli (or any other fruit / vegetable rich in beta-carotene) is equally effective and healthier. Results of the color feedings vary - depending on how much each individual bird eats. .However, it should make a large difference compared to not "color feeding" at all, which will basically yield a yellow canary after the molt is completed.
The Lizard Canary in Aviculture:
The Lizard Canary is a friendly, social bird and a free breeder. As most canaries, they breed easily and readily, if provided with quality food, lighting, secure surroundings, and conditioning.
The female will lay 3 to 6 eggs, one per day. It is best to allow a hen to have only two clutches. Breeders will normally breed a full-cap / (clear cap or no cap) Lizard Canary to a broken-cap (refer to top right photo).
Lizard Canaries are easily available with prices ranging between $50 to $150.
Relevant Web Resources: Graham White
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