Gloster canaries are a popular breed of domestic canary known for their round, compact shape and docile temperament. They are often kept as pets due to their beautiful singing voices and friendly, gentle nature. But are Gloster canaries truly as friendly and easy to care for as their reputation suggests? Let’s take a closer look at this adorable little songbird!
What are Gloster Canaries?
Gloster canaries, sometimes called Gloucester or Crested canaries, originated in England in the 1920s. They are a type of Fancy canary bred specifically to have a very round, compact body shape with a flattened skull and puffy head feathers that resemble a crest or crown. Their unique appearance sets them apart from other canary breeds like the American Singer or German Roller canary.
Some key facts about Gloster canaries:
- Classified as domestic canaries within the Serinus canaria species
- Originated in England in the 1920s
- Bred to have a round, compact “cobby” body type with a crested head
- Come in a variety of color mutations including yellow, orange, white, variegated, etc.
- Males are known for their beautiful, complex songs
- Lifespan around 10-15 years with proper care
Their distinct physical characteristics are the result of careful, selective breeding over many generations. The crest and rounded body shape are genetic traits that breeders have intentionally cultivated in the Gloster canary bloodline.
Gloster Canary Temperament
One of the main reasons Gloster canaries have become so popular as pets is due to their typically calm, docile personality. They tend to be very gentle, friendly birds that enjoy human interaction. Here are some common behavioral traits of the Gloster canary temperament:
- Generally very tame and easy to handle
- Do well in captivity
- Sociable – can be kept singly or in pairs
- Get along well with other passive bird species
- Intelligent and can learn simple tricks
- Relatively quiet and non-destructive
- Males sing beautiful, complex songs
- Some females may sing as well
Proper socialization from a young age is important for any canary to develop a friendly, trusting personality. But Glosters tend to be naturally calm and gentle even without a lot of handling. Their mellow temperament makes them an excellent choice for novice bird owners or families with children.
Are Gloster Canaries Good Pets?
If you’re looking for a small, cute bird with a beautiful song and sweet personality, the Gloster canary can make a fantastic pet! Here are some reasons why Glosters make good companion birds:
- Friendly, gentle temperament
- Intelligent and can learn tricks
- Relatively quiet
- Males have lovely, complex songs
- Don’t require as large of cages as parrots
- Easier care requirements than larger pet birds
- Fun to show in bird competitions
- Wide variety of colors and mutations to choose from
Gloster canaries bond readily with their owners and thrive on social interaction. Their small size and fairly simple care needs make them easier to accommodate than a large parrot or hookbill. And their peaceful nature means they can be housed with other docile bird species like budgies, cockatiels, or finches.
One downside to Glosters is that they aren’t quite as robust and hardy as some other canary breeds. And their crested heads require a little extra care and maintenance. But overall, their pros as pets far outweigh their cons for most owners.
Gloster Canary Care Guide
Caring for a Gloster canary isn’t overly difficult, but providing the proper environment and diet is important for their health and happiness. Here are some key things to know about Gloster canary care:
Housing
- Cage size – Minimum of 18″ x 18″ x 18″ for one bird. Larger is better.
- Bar spacing – No wider than 1/2″ between bars to prevent escape.
- Perches – Natural wood perches of varying sizes.
- Toys – Swings, mirrors, bells. Rotate new toys in regularly.
- Location – Place cage away from drafts, direct sunlight.
Diet
- Fortified canary seed mix
- Pellets and egg food
- Chopped greens and veggies
- Fruit once or twice a week
- Cuttlebone and mineral block
- Fresh water always available
Grooming and Hygiene
- Trim overgrown beak and nails as needed
- Gently brush crest feathers weekly
- Clean droppings from cage bottom daily
- Disinfect cage weekly
- Provide bathing opportunities
Companionship
- Can be kept alone or in same-sex pairs
- Let fly freely in bird-safe room each day
- Spend time interacting, singing, and bonding daily
Health and Wellness
- Schedule annual wellness exam with avian vet
- Monitor for signs of illness and address promptly
- Trim overgrown beak and nails as needed
- Use proper heating, lighting, ventilation
Following these guidelines will help ensure a happy, healthy life for a pet Gloster canary! Be sure to do your research beforehand and get your supplies ready before bringing one home.
Common Health Issues
Like all birds, Gloster canaries can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Being aware of the most common issues can help you catch problems early and get proper treatment:
Respiratory Infections
Canaries are prone to bacterial and fungal infections of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include discharge from the eyes and nostrils, difficulty breathing, tail bobbing. Have your vet run diagnostics and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Obesity
Obesity is a major concern for Glosters due to their small size and big appetites! Limit high-fat seeds and treats, and provide ample exercise opportunities.
Feather Cysts
Ingrown feathers can cause cysts under the skin, especially on the head. Have your vet remove any cysts. Trim feathers around the head and neck regularly to prevent ingrown feathers.
Scaly Face and Leg Mites
Microscopic mites cause crusty buildup on the beak and legs. Your vet can prescribe medication to eliminate mites. Keep the cage clean to prevent reinfestation.
Heart Disease
Glosters can suffer from heart conditions including heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, and fatty tumors on the heart. Know the warning signs like labored breathing and consult your avian vet.
With proper diet, housing, and medical care, most pet Glosters live long, healthy lives and avoid serious illness. Schedule annual checkups and stay vigilant for any signs of sickness.
Do Gloster Canaries Make Noise?
Gloster canaries are generally one of the quieter canary breeds, but the males are renowned for their beautiful, melodious singing which is a main reason people keep them. Here’s what to expect in terms of Gloster canary sounds:
- Males sing frequently throughout the day, especially during mating season
- Song is complex, warbling, flute-like
- Females may sing as well but less often than males
- Chirping and calling sounds when interacting with humans
- Occasional wings flapping, especially when excited
- Not constant squawkers like parrots
- Relatively calm and quiet when not singing
The male’s song is meant to attract mates and deter rivals, so it can be loud and constant during peak breeding times. But their song is pleasant and melodious, not shrill or annoying. Overall, Glosters make much less noise than many other pet bird species.
Their voices can beminimized by keeping just a single male, covering the cage at night, and providing enrichments to occupy them. The joy of hearing their gorgeous song usually outweighs any noise issues for most Gloster owners.
Cost of Gloster Canaries
Gloster canaries range in price depending on factors like age, color mutation, show quality, breeder reputation, etc. On average, pet owners can expect to pay the following for a Gloster canary:
- Young birds: $50 – $150
- Older adult breeders: $100 – $250+
- Rarer color mutations: $250 – $500+
- Top show birds: $500 – $1,500+
| Gloster Canary Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Young Males | $75 – $150 |
| Young Females | $50 – $100 |
| Proven Adult Breeders | $150 – $300 |
| Rare Mutations | $250 – $500+ |
| Show Birds | $500 – $1,500+ |
In addition to the cost of the bird itself, new owners should budget $200 – $300 for a proper cage, perches, toys, food bowls, and other essential supplies. Annual medical exams, food, and other recurring costs can range from $100 – $300.
Overall the Gloster canary is one of the more affordable pet bird options, and their purchase cost is generally affordable for most owners. But birds do live a long time, so buyers should ensure they can commit to more than a decade of proper care before bringing one home.
Where to Buy Gloster Canaries
Trying to buy from reputable, responsible breeders is always advised when bringing home a pet bird. Here are some good options for finding Gloster canaries for sale:
Specialty Bird Shops
Many brick-and-mortar pet stores specialize in birds and carry a selection of canaries. Make sure to check the condition of the birds and ask about health guarantees.
Bird Breeders
Research local Gloster canary breeders to find birds directly from their aviaries. Breeders often have the widest selection and greatest health focus.
Bird Fairs
Attend a bird mart or expo to connect with breeders and purchase birds in-person. This allows you to meet the Glosters before buying.
Online Classifieds
Websites like Craigslist sometimes have Gloster canaries available for rehoming, but be cautious of scams and sick birds.
Online Bird Stores
Many reputable online bird and hatchery businesses ship healthy Glosters nationwide. Just ensure safe shipping methods.
No matter where you obtain a Gloster canary, carefully inspect its condition, ask about health and genetics, and avoid suspect sellers. Prioritizing quality over cost will lead to a healthier, happier pet.
Tips for Gloster Canary Owners
Here are some top tips for new Gloster canary owners to help ensure a positive experience:
- Research proper care and nutrition thoroughly before getting one
- Buy the largest suitable cage possible and enrich with perches and toys
- Feed a balanced diet of fortified seeds, pellets, veggies & fruits
- Gently groom head feathers weekly to prevent issues
- Provide a cuttlebone and mineral block for beak conditioning
- Schedule wellness exams 1-2x per year with an avian vet
- Interact and socialize with your Gloster daily
- Join online canary owner groups to connect with fellow bird lovers
- Monitor weight and behavior daily for signs of illness
- Consider canary health insurance to offset vet costs
Following these tips and seeking guidance from experienced owners will set you and your Gloster canary up for a rewarding lifelong companionship!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gloster Canaries
How much does a Gloster canary cost?
Gloster canaries typically range from $50 – $150 for younger pet birds, and $100 – $500+ for mature breeders and show quality birds. Rare color mutations can fetch prices over $500.
Are Gloster canaries good pets?
Yes, Glosters tend to have a very sweet, gentle personality and their small size and beautiful song makes them a great pet bird choice for many owners. They do well in captivity and bond strongly with their human companions.
What is the lifespan of a Gloster canary?
With proper care, nutrition, and regular vet visits, Gloster canaries generally live 10-15 years on average. Some may live into their late teens or early 20s.
How often do Gloster canaries lay eggs?
When in breeding condition, female Glosters usually lay eggs every 12-14 days. It’s ideal to discourage breeding behavior in pet Glosters by limiting protein, providing fake eggs, and rearranging their environment frequently.
Is a male or female Gloster canary better as a pet?
This depends on individual preference. Males sing beautifully which many owners enjoy, but females can make loyal, quieter companions. Both can make excellent pets.
Conclusion
In summary, the Gloster canary makes an ideal pet bird for many owners thanks to its petite stature, gentle personality, musical voice and relatively simple care requirements. By providing a roomy cage, balanced diet, proper grooming and veterinary care, and lots of love and interaction, Gloster canaries thrive in home captivity and offer years of beautiful songs and companionship. Their sweet, playful nature coupled with their unique appearance helps explain why the Gloster canary remains one of the most beloved and popular pet bird breeds today.
