Canary: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Canary eggs hatch after 13–14 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 16–21 days and are weaned and independent at about 28–35 days. A typical clutch is 3–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 13-30 (Fife ~13, Lancashire 30+) |
| Length (cm) | 11-23 |
| Clutch size | 3-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 13-14 |
| Fledging (days) | 16-21 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 28-35 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 9–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 8-12 |
| Breeding season | N. hemisphere Feb-Jul; Arab world/Egypt mostly Dec-May (avoid summer heat) |
| Sexing | Cock sings and has a conical cloacal protuberance in season; hen has rounder vent; DNA for reliable early sexing. |
Origin: Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores (domesticated since the 15th c.) — Scientific name: Serinus canaria domestica
Size: 11-23 cm, 13-30 (Fife ~13, Lancashire 30+) g
Breeding and care tips
Start only after a full moult with 12-14 h light; always pair intensive x non-intensive, corona x consort and dominant white x coloured. Use dummy eggs until the 4th egg to synchronise hatching and give egg food from hatch to weaning.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Recessive white, Dominant white, Intensive (hard feather), Mosaic, Ivory, Urucum (yellow/red bill & legs), Brown (cinnamon), Agate, Pastel, Satinette, Opal, Phaeo, Topaz, Eumo, Onyx, Cobalt, Mogno, Jaspe, Crested (corona). Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Red factor (red ground colour), Isabel (brown + agate), Grey-wing (pastel allele), Ino (autosomal), Pearl, Frill (curled feather).
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Budgerigar
- Zebra finch
- Red-headed finch
- Gouldian finch
- Bengalese society finch
- Java sparrow
- Owl finch
- Star finch
Frequently asked questions
How long do Canary eggs take to hatch?
Canary eggs hatch after 13-14 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Canary lay?
Usually 3-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Canary chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 16-21 days old.
When are Canary chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 28-35 days.
At what age can a Canary breed?
A Canary reaches breeding age at about 9–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Canary breeding season?
N. hemisphere Feb-Jul; Arab world/Egypt mostly Dec-May (avoid summer heat)
How do you tell a male Canary from a female?
Cock sings and has a conical cloacal protuberance in season; hen has rounder vent; DNA for reliable early sexing.
How long does a Canary live?
About 8-12 years with good care.