Passwell Red Factor Canary Seed 1.5kg Canthaxanthin Colour Feeding Seed

Passwell Red Factor Canary Seed 1.5kg: Canthaxanthin Colour-Feeding Seed for Red Factor Canaries

Passwell Red Factor Canary Seed is a canary seed mix infused with canthaxanthin, the red pigment that keeps red factor canaries brightly coloured. Red factor canaries get their colour from carotenoid pigments in their diet, not from their genes alone, and a normal seed mix doesn't contain canthaxanthin. Without it, the red fades to a pale pink as new feathers grow in. This seed supplies that missing pigment in an easy, everyday form. This 1.5kg pack is a practical size for canary keepers.

What makes it effective is the infusion process: the canthaxanthin is absorbed into the kernel of the seed, so it's taken in as the bird eats and carried into the bloodstream ready for feather growth. Passwell notes this is more reliable than adding colour to drinking water, where daily intake varies a lot from bird to bird, and it's far less messy.

An important thing to understand about colour feeding: it only affects the colour of feathers as they grow, not feathers already on the bird, and it only works on canaries that carry red factor genetics. That means you won't see a colour change straight away, it shows through at the next moult, so the pigment needs to be in the bird's system before and during feather growth.

Key Features & Benefits

• Canary seed mix infused with the red colour enhancer canthaxanthin (50mg/kg)

• Maintains bright red plumage in red factor canaries

• Canthaxanthin is infused into the seed kernel for reliable intake

• More effective and less messy than colouring the drinking water

• Simple to feed as part of the normal seed diet

• 1.5kg pack (also available in larger sizes)

Ingredients

• Canary seed, hulled oats, French white millet, Japanese millet, canola, linseed and canthaxanthin (50mg/kg)

• Some seasonal variation in seed content and composition may occur

How to Use

• During the primary moult (summer to autumn): feed as 100% of the seed component of the diet, just before and during the moult

• For the rest of the year: feed as at least 50% of the usual seed diet, to keep enough canthaxanthin circulating for any out-of-season moulting

• It should be available whenever birds are growing new feathers

• Always provide fresh, clean water

• Store in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh

Getting the Best From It

• Have the pigment in the bird's system before the moult starts, since colour only develops in feathers as they grow

• Remember it only affects red factor canaries, and only new feathers, so the change shows at the next moult, not immediately

• Because a seed-only diet can be low in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids (especially when breeding), supplement with a soft food such as Passwell Egg & Biscuit or Crumbles, and offer fresh seeding grasses, leafy greens and finely diced vegetables

• Keep feeding at 50% year round if you want to hold colour through odd, out-of-season feather replacement

FAQs

What does Passwell Red Factor Canary Seed do?
It supplies canthaxanthin, a red pigment, through the seed to maintain bright red plumage in red factor canaries. Without dietary canthaxanthin, their red colour fades to pale pink as new feathers grow.

How do I feed it?
During the primary moult (summer to autumn), feed it as 100% of the seed component. For the rest of the year, feed it as at least 50% of the usual seed to keep colour topped up. It should be available whenever birds are growing new feathers.

Why can't I see a colour change yet?
Colour feeding only affects feathers as they grow, not existing feathers, so the change appears at the next moult. The pigment needs to be in the bird's system before and during feather growth.

Will it turn any canary red?
No. It only works on canaries that carry red factor genetics. It maintains and enhances the red in those birds, it doesn't make a non-red canary red.

Is this a complete diet on its own?
No. It's a colour-feeding seed. A seed-only diet can be low in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids, so pair it with a soft food like Passwell Egg & Biscuit or Crumbles and fresh greens for balanced nutrition.

Where can I buy Passwell Red Factor Canary Seed in Australia?
Order online for delivery across Australia, or pick up in-store at Bonnyrigg, NSW.