Ever since it was discovered some years ago that the hybrid chicks
resulting from crossing the canary and the South American Black-hooded
Red Siskin were sometimes fertile when bred back to canaries and that
this crossing could produce a natural red tint in the canary feathering,
there has been much experimentation by breeders all over the world in an
endeavor to produce an all red canary. To date some beautiful tints of
orange, copper, and pink have been produced and a truly red canary seems
a possibility. This discovery of a fertile hybrid has proved a major
contribution to canary breeding, and breeders today are reexamining some
of the other crosses between canaries and related wild birds for
fertility.
For the amateur who has gained a degree of proficiency in handling
canaries, there is hardly a more fascinating phase of the hobby. We
welcome questions from those who undertake this work.