CANARY  

Canaries are some of the most fascinating little birds! They are active, cheerful, beautiful, and have a delightfully lovely song. Food and water must be provided at all times since a Canary's metabolism is very active and starvation can occur in as little as 24 hours. Pairing up with two male canaries in a cage can cause fights and discontinued singing, but Canaries can easily be housed in a spacious cage with other canaries, finches, and other softbills. Canaries love to have visual contact with people, however, typically do not like to be handled. Talking and whistling to your bird will provide the interaction they need. These birds, which originate from the Canary Islands, have an average life span of 5-10 years.

Diet

A main diet of fortified Canary seed mix or pellets can be supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables: apple, cooked broccoli, beans, cooked kale, dandelion, orange, peppers, grapes, squash, shredded carrot, banana and others. Every few days you can also provide some song food to help develop vocal cords. Canaries do not need grit but do need fresh water at all times, a vitamin supplement and a cuttle bone or mineral block to provide calcium and help keep the beak trim.  

Housing  

Provide a roomy cage with space to spread their wings, climb and play; a minimum of 20”W 20”L20”H with horizontal bars for climbing. Place in a well traveled draft-free area; do not place in the kitchen as smoke, odors and fumes may be harmful to your bird. Several perches of varied diameters and textures will help keep their feet healthy. Equip the cage with a variety of toys such as seed treats, swings, ladders, bells, mirrors and branches. Do not crowd the cage with toys but rotate toys frequently to keep your bird interested. Your Canary will also enjoy a playpen outside the cage equipped with ladders, perches, swings and hanging toys. Cover the cage at night to prevent drafts.

Care

Basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Remember, a Canary cannot for a 24 hour period without water! Change paper bottoms daily and litter coverings every 2-3 days. Clean and disinfect the cage weekly. Wash and completely dry the perches and toys whenever they become soiled.

Grooming

Though Canaries are masters of keeping their feathers looking clean they need a warm water birdbath or misting shower once a week. Long toenails may get caught on fabrics and affect their walking and should be trimmed regularly.

Health

Health Signs of illness to be aware of are if a bird is sitting at the bottom of the cage, shows a lack of activity, the feathers are ruffled, nasal discharge/sneezing, reduced appetite or if it shows any signs of weight loss (weight loss can be quick and fatal). Consult an avian veterinarian if any of these signs are noticed. Some common illnesses and injuries are: broken wings or legs, cuts and open wounds, overgrown beaks and nails, lameness or sore feet, feather picking, heat stroke, shock, concussions, egg binding, indigestion, eye disease, mites, watery eyes, colds, tumors, coccidiosis, French molt, goiter, E. coli, Aspergillosis, conjunctivitis, constipation, diarrhea and arthritis.