Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your canaries for the show. Cage Preparation
Keep your canaries in a spacious, clean cage to avoid overcrowding and prevent stress or feather damage.
Ensure the cage is positioned in a quiet, well-ventilated area to keep the birds calm and comfortable.
Lighting
Provide 12-14 hours of light daily to simulate natural conditions.
If needed, use artificial lighting, gradually increasing it to avoid stress.
Handling & Training
Spend time with your birds daily to make them comfortable with human interaction.
Gently handle them so that they will get used to being held and inspected, which is crucial for show evaluation.
Feather Care
Ensure feathers are in top condition by offering regular bathing opportunities.
Use a shallow dish or bird bath to encourage them to clean themselves.
Check for broken or damaged feathers and remove them well in advance to allow regrowth before the show.
Observation & Health Checks
Monitor for signs of illness, such as changes in droppings, appetite or behaviour.
Address any health concerns promptly to avoid last-minute issues.
Show Cage Training
Practice placing birds in a show cage for short periods daily to familiarise them with the competition setting.
Prepare clean show cages, ensuring they are free of debris and repainting any chipped areas if necessary.
Grooming: Washing & Nail Cutting
Wash your canaries 4-6 days before the show to enhance their natural sheen.
Use Duvo Bird Shower, a ready-to-use pump spray that enhances plumage, contains tea tree oil and aloe vera for antibacterial protection and deters mites while soothing irritations.
Application Process:
Shake well – Ensure the natural ingredients are well mixed.
Spritz evenly – Hold the spray 12 inches away from your bird and mist the plumage evenly.
Allow time – Let the feathers dry naturally to bring out their sheen.
Additionally, trim your birds’ nails carefully to ensure they present well and move naturally in the show cage. Transport & Show Day
Use a safe and comfortable transport cage, lined with soft material to avoid injury.
Arrive early to allow your birds time to settle before judging.
Conduct a final check to ensure they are in top condition before showing them.
Conclusion With the right preparation, your canaries will be ready to shine in the show hall. By maintaining proper housing, lighting, training, feather care and health checks, you maximise their chances of success. Duvo Bird Shower is a game-changer for exhibitors wanting to show their birds at their best. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you! Happy bird grooming and best of luck at the show!
