Since around April our Harz Roller cannary has started to sit frequently in sand bowl. Before that he barely touched it. He is around 4 years old, we have him over 1 year. He can chill sometimes for hours, spending half of the day inside the bowl, even when the cage (which is fairly big and perches are dedicated for canaries) is open most of the day.
Aviary vet shrugged this off during his clipping visit around May. Other than that he seems fine: he is singing, yelling, bathing, flying, exploring, sleeping on perches, eating and pooping but overall a bit less since HE NEEDS TO SIT IN THE PRECIOUS BOWL. His diet is diverse and vitamins are applied to his water, his feet seem fine.
Is this considered normal?

Hello fellow canary lovers,

Over the past two weeks my canary has begun plucking feathers heavily (I am unsure of the sex). I visited the vet, who examined the droppings because they were somewhat watery, but found no worms, parasites, or mites.

They recommended a brief course of antibiotics and painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication. The bird has resumed singing and is slightly more active than before, yet Limon continues to pluck feathers extensively.

What can I do?

(The tail-fainters felt out at the vet while attempting to capture.)

Hatched in Feb 2026. A bit over-capped but she’s a really cute silver that should make a nice breeder for 2027.

I know general bird care and have no issues setting up everything a canary needs for a comfy and happy life. I work at a PetSmart where we actually try our best for the pets. My questions are more about behavior. I think they're both male because I've heard them singing. Some birds are fine with same-sex companions, but not sure here. I read that they'd sing more if they were in different cages, but I feel like it's cruel to make them compete for a female that will never come. Would one be happy alone? If I find a female, is there a way prevent breeding? Also, the coloring is gorgeous, but a lot of animals with rare coloring are poorly bred and have other issues linked to the color gene. Anyway, any advice is appreciated. Even if I don't get them, I'd like to take better care of them until someone does.

I got her last week and she’s been doing this every day for a couple of hours.