Family pet information: how to care for a canary

Information on how to care for a pet canary.

By Leslie Russell

A pet canary can be a fun and fulfilling addition to your family. Not only are they lovely creatures--they also produce a beautiful song that can brighten up any household. In addition, they are fairly easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for a first pet.

The common domestic canary comes in a variety of colors including yellow, green, gray, and orange and has a lifespan of up to ten years. They are not naturally social, and can live happily on their own without companions. Before selecting a canary, you may want to consider the fact that male canaries often sing more than females. Your canary dealer will be able to identify the sex of the canary you have chosen. It may be a good idea to try to listen to the canary's song before purchase, to determine if it pleasant to you.

Once you have selected a canary, you must choose an adequate cage as a home for your new pet. Canaries are not particularly trainable and will likely spend the vast majority of life within the confines of the cage, so it should be carefully chosen. The cage should be large enough to allow room for flight--at least 24 inches long and as tall as your budget and available space will allow. In addition, the bars should be situated no further than ½ inch apart. There are several design and cage colors available. Wire cages are usually the easiest to clean. The bottom of the cage may be lined with newspaper, which should be changed on a weekly basis. Other pet litters (such as cat litter) should never be used, as they can be toxic to birds. The cage should be outfitted with several perches, on which the bird may sit, as well as food and water dishes and a small dish of water for bathing. Your canary will also enjoy a variety of toys with which to play, including small mirrors and bells.

The canary's diet consists of canary seed and rape seed. In addition, you can supplement the bird's diet with any fruits or vegetables that you might have on hand, with the exception of avocado, which is toxic to birds. Canaries also enjoy sprouted seeds as a treat. You may consider providing a vitamin supplement, available at most pet supply stores, which is added to the bird's drinking water.

It is also important to consider that canaries like to be kept on a consistent schedule. This entails covering the bird's cage with a cloth cover at sunset each day which should be removed in the morning. This will allow the bird adequate opportunity to rest which, in turn, keeps your new pet healthy. It is also important to note that loud noises or commotion will be distressing to your canary, so it is usually favorable to place the cage in a calm area of the home. In addition, it is vital to keep the cage away from drafty areas and air conditioning vents as drafts can make the bird ill, you must also keep the cage away from direct sunlight which can overheat the animal.

On a yearly basis, your new pet will experience the molting process--the shedding and replacing of all of the bird's feathers. While not a particularly attractive time in the bird's life, it is perfectly natural and requires no extraordinary treatment. As previously mentioned, canaries are not particularly social and do not require much social attention from their owners. With the proper care and feeding, your new pet should live a long and happy life and make a satisfying addition to your home.

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