Canary Care
Keep your canary healthy and
happy
Advice on using the right accessories
for your canary
Handling
The correct
way to hold a canary is to close the palm of your
hand over the bird's back and wings, while holding
the head firmly between your thumb, index and
middle fingers. Canaries can be finger trained,
this should start from as young as 4 weeks old.
Start by encouraging the bird to step onto your
finger using food as a treat-reward. Birds are
however extremely sensitive and can go into shock
easily. Never frighten the bird with loud noises
or sudden movement. Training takes a lot of time
and patience. Never rush the bird into doing anything
if it does not wish to perform leave it alone
and try again later. You may find it useful to
buy a book on the subject or speak to experienced
breeders who show their birds.
Cages
Many different
types of canary cages are available from good
pet shops. It is worth replacing the perches supplied
with some cages for natural branches of varying
diameters, these will help exercise your birds
feet. Use branches from fruit trees and make sure
they are clean. Canaries like to be in a light
room, but not in direct sunlight and away from
drafts. The cage may also be covered from dusk
till dawn, this will ensure the bird gets enough
sleep and so stays healthy.Also it will not be
disturbed by artificial lighting in the home.
Feeding
Canaries
require a mixed seed as a basic diet. Most pet
shops stock suitable seed mixtures. You may supplement
this seed with small quantities of veg. Fresh
clean water should be changed at least daily.
This should be chlorine free, standing the water
for several hours in a large bowl will reduce
the chlorine. Canaries also enjoy a bath so a
large enough water dish could be provided for
this purpose.
Cleaning
The cage/aviary
and furnishings should be kept clean. Use a mild
detergeant in water or a disinfectant cleaner
available from pet shops specifically designed
for the purpose.
Health
Sick canaries
will rapidly lose weight and should be treated
as soon as possible. One sign of a sick bird is
sudden inactivity. Sick birds should be kept quiet
and warm. Veterinary help should be sought as
soon as possible, you may offer the bird glucose
water. Injuries may be covered with gauze or tissue
paper but do not treat with iodine or other antiseptic
unless advised by a vet.
We also
have pet
care and advice sheets for other pets:
Dog
Care Advice Sheet
Cat Care
Advice Sheet
Reptile
Care Advice Sheet
View All
Our Pet Care Advice Sheets
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