Abstract
Preparing Canaries for Show
Catch all birds you anticipate showing
eight to ten weeks ahead of the
show. Pull broken wing and tail
feathers so they will grow back completely
before the show. Check for
missing toes; these birds are still good
for breeding but not for show. Trim
their beaks and toenails. Rub a small
amount of oil (olive, mineral, etc.) into
their legs taking care not to get oil on
the feathers. Place each bird in an
individual cage and study them for
undesirable characteristics: crooked
beak, crossed wings, fan tailed, etc.
Study body type for desirable characteristics.
Make a final selection of
which birds to show including a
couple of spares and keep them in individual
cages. This will prevent gloster
coronas from being picked and lizard
rowings from fading and feathers being
pulled out by other birds. Keep cages
clean, offering baths as often as possible.
Spray each bird several times
each week with whatever mixture you
use in the mornings. Three are listed
for your use:
1. Two tablespoons of Listerine to
one quart of water.
2. One tablespoon Listerine plus
two teaspoons glycerin to one quart of
water.
3. One teaspoon each of Epson
Salts, Listerine, malt vinegar, and glycerin
to one quart of boiling water. Use
this spray while somewhat hot.