Onyx Canary

Onyx Canary Bird

Onyx Canary

Onyx canary is a beautiful, intelligent bird that makes great pets. They come in a variety of colors and have a rich history dating back to the 13th century. If you’re thinking of getting an onyx canary as a pet, then read on to learn everything you need to know about these fascinating creatures.

Onyx Canary Bird Intro: 

The onyx canary bird is a small to medium-sized canary breed that is known for its unique black plumage. Onyx canaries are not true albino birds, but rather they are a melanistic mutation of the red factor canary.

These birds were first bred in Germany in the late 1800s, and they became quite popular in the United States during the early 1900s. Onyx canary birds are difficult to breed and they are not as common as other canary breeds. These birds are also not as popular as they once were, but they continue to be bred by dedicated enthusiasts.

If you are interested in owning an onyx canary, it is important to know about the basic care requirements for this breed.

Read more about Canary Bird Various Types

Onyx Canary Bird History and Origin:

The onyx canary bird is a relatively new breed that was first developed in Germany during the late 1800s. These birds were created by breeding two red factor canaries together. The resulting offspring had a black plumage, which was caused by a recessive gene that was passed down from the parents.

The first recorded breeding of onyx canaries was done by a man named Johann Hagenbarth in 1894. Hagenbarth was able to produce several black plumaged offspring by breeding two red-factor canaries together. He continued to work with this new breed and he eventually developed a strain of onyx canaries that did not have any white feathers remaining on their bodies.

The onyx canary made its way to America during the early 1900s and it quickly became a popular pet bird. Canaries were frequently kept as pets during this time period, and many people enjoyed the unique appearance of the onyx variety. These birds continued to be popular until World War II, when many people could no longer afford to keep them as pets.

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After the war ended, the popularity of canaries declined sharply and many breeders stopped producing them altogether. The onyx canary was one of the breeds that were hardest hit by this decline, and it became increasingly difficult to find these birds for sale.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in keeping the Canaries as pets, and this has led to an increase in the availability of onyx Canaries once again.

Onyx Canary Bird Physical Characteristics:

The Onyx Canary is a small to medium-sized bird that typically weighs between 3 and 4 ounces. These birds have black plumage with yellow wing bars and tail feathers. The Onyx Canary does not have any white feathers remaining on its body, which sets them apart from other black plumaged Canaries such as the Lisbon Canary or Coal-black Canary.

The Onyx Canary has dark brown eyes and yellow legs. Males and females look identical, although males tend to be slightly larger than females. Juvenile Onyx Canaries have brownish-black plumage with some yellow feathers mixed in. As they mature, their plumage will become solid black.

Onyx Canary Breeding

Onyx canaries are a type of colorbred canary that has black plumage with a greenish or brownish tinge. These birds are not albinos, as they still have some pigment in their feathers.

Onyx canaries are bred in captivity, and their striking plumage makes them a popular choice among canary enthusiasts.
There are two main methods of breeding onyx canaries.

The first is to cross two birds that carry the onyx gene (a recessive gene). This will produce offspring that are either onyx or split for onyx (carrying the gene but not expressing it). These birds can then be bred together to produce more onyx canaries.

The second method is to breed an onyx canary with a brown or fawn canary. This will produce offspring that are split for onyx (carrying the gene but not expressing it). These birds can then be bred together to produce more onyx canaries.

Onyx canaries are typically born with black plumage, but as they mature, their feathers may lighten slightly to a greenish or brownish tinge. This coloration is caused by pigment cells called melanin granules that are found in the feathers.

The number and size of these granules determine the intensity of the coloration. However, they are classified as leucistic, which means they have reduced pigmentation.

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Onyx Canary Colors:

Onyx canaries are a type of canary that is known for their beautiful, striking colors. They come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellow to deep black, and are a popular choice as a pet or show bird.

Onyx canaries are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any home.

There are two main types of onyx canaries:

Those with yellow feathers, and those with black feathers.

Yellow-feathered onyx canaries are the most common type and are typically found in pet stores.

Black-feathered onyx canaries are less common but are often sought after by bird enthusiasts and collectors.

Onyx canaries are generally healthy birds and have a lifespan of 10-15 years. They require a fair amount of exercise and need a large cage or aviary in which to live.
Onyx canaries also require a high-quality diet, consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, and a small amount of seed or pellet food.

If you’re considering getting an onyx canary as a pet, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, onyx canaries do not like to be alone; they much prefer the company of their own kind. Therefore, it’s best to get two birds at the same time (or at least introduce them to each other at an early age).
Second, onyx canaries love to bathe; so be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh water for bathing (a bird bath is perfect).

Lastly, onyx canaries require regular vet check-ups and vaccinations; so be sure to find a reputable avian vet in your area.

Onyx Canary Diet: 

The Onyx Canary is a color variety of the domestic canary that is known for its beautiful black plumage. Although they are not a true black, their feathers have a very dark hue that gives them a stunning appearance.

One of the most important things to know about Onyx Canaries is that they require a special diet in order to stay healthy and vibrant. Their diet should be high in carotene, which is found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

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This nutrient helps to keep their plumage dark and lustrous. In addition to carotene, Onyx Canaries also need plenty of vitamins A and D3 for proper feather growth and health.

A good quality canary seed mix will provide these vitamins, as well as the other nutrients that your bird needs. You can also supplement their diet with insect foods like mealworms or crickets. If you are thinking about adding an Onyx Canary to your family, be sure to do your research and learn about their unique dietary needs. With the proper care, they can make wonderful pets that will bring you years of enjoyment!

Onyx Canary as a Pet:

If you’re thinking about getting an onyx canary as a pet, there are a few things you should know first.

Onyx canaries are beautiful birds that come in many different colors, and they make great pets for bird lovers of all levels of experience.

Onyx canaries are a type of canary that is bred specifically for its black plumage. Onyx canaries are relatively easy to care for and make great pets for first-time bird owners.

They are not as high-maintenance as some other types of birds, and they do not require a lot of space. However, onyx canaries do require a few specific things in order to thrive.

Firstly, they need a cage that is at least two feet square and has vertical bars so that the bird can climb. The cage should also be placed in an area that gets plenty of natural light but is not too hot or cold.

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Onyx canaries also need a diet that consists mostly of seeds and vegetables; however, they should also be given some fresh fruit every day. When it comes to personality, onyx canaries are known for being lively and social birds. They enjoy being around people and other birds, and they often thrive when kept in pairs or small groups.

Onyx canaries are also known for being good singers, and many people keep them as pets specifically for this reason. If you’re thinking about getting an onyx canary as a pet, be prepared to provide it with plenty of love and attention!


Onyx Canary FAQs: Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about onyx canaries.

Q: What is an onyx canary?
A: An onyx canary is a type of canary that is bred to have black plumage. They are not a true species of canary, but rather a color variety. Onyx canaries are relatively rare and are often prized by bird enthusiasts.

Q: Where do onyx canaries come from?
A: Onyx canaries were first bred in Germany in the 19th century. However, they did not become popular in the United States until the early 20th century.

Q: What do onyx canaries look like?
A: As their name suggests, onyx canaries have black plumage. However, their feathers may have a green or brown tint depending on the lighting conditions. They also have yellow beaks and legs. Male and female onyx canaries look similar, but males are usually larger than females.

Q: What do onyx canaries eat?
A: Onyx canaries eat a variety of seeds, fruits, and vegetables. However, they should also be given a cuttlebone or eggshell to gnaw on for calcium. It is important to provide fresh water daily as well.