It has long been the custom for bird fanciers to add certain substances
to the diet during moulting which will tint the bird's plumage to colors
ranging from deep yellow to orange or red.
To do this, start feeding color food at the beginning of the moult. The
food is prepared as follows: to a hard boiled egg add two or three
crackers and a half-teaspoonful of fresh paprika. Mix well together with
two or three drops of olive oil to form a paste and supply each bird
with a teaspoonful of the mixture daily. Each morning give a fresh
supply. After the first week gradually increase the amount of the color
food until the desired color is reached. The amount may then be
gradually decreased until the end of the moult, when color-feeding
should be discontinued, as it is effective only while feathers are
growing. French's Moulting Food and this color food in equal amounts,
moistened with a drop or two of olive oil, is an effective mixture
relished by canaries.
Once or twice a week, a small portion of flaxseed should be mixed with
the regular seed. Other delicacies should be withheld, as they may
induce the birds to neglect their color food. Use great care to exclude
drafts. Avoid keeping the birds in a strong light, as this may fade the
tints you are trying to obtain. It may be well on very bright days to
lay a cloth over the bright side of the cage. French's Iron Compound
should be given in doses of 8 to 10 drops to the drinking-cup, if your
bird seems off its feed.