Canary – a charming, small bird native to the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores. Its beautiful singing delights breeders around the world, and with its cheerful and energetic personality wins the affection of most people. It is no wonder that many bird lovers would like to delight in this little creature every day. How to breed canaries and create a happy home for them? Here are some practical tips on what a layette for a new member of the family.
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Canary at home – what is worth knowing about its personality?
Canaries are undemanding birds that appreciate the company of others. If we are able to able to devote a lot of time to the animal, it is best to opt for one bird, which will quickly become tame. Otherwise, two canaries will prove better, which will not be so in need of human companionship. When we appreciate vocal displays of a friend, it is best to opt for a male. Canaries can also be excellent companions for children. However, they do not like changes of place, therefore, they should not be moved often, or taken with them on trips.
How to breed canaries – choosing the right cage
An essential part of a canary’s layette is a suitable cage for the canary. If the bird will be released regularly, it does not need to be of a sizable size – it is enough if he can afford a short flight in it. The bars should be made of metal, and the gaps between them should not be too large. The best cages for canaries are long and not too high – the birds do not need much space above them. The cage must have an extendable or detachable bottom, which greatly facilitates cleaning. Its underside should be sprinkled with sand, in which the bird will be able to take daily baths. To make the canary feel safe in its new home, it is worth ensuring that one wall of the cage is opaque – alternatively, it can be placed one side along the wall.
Where place the cage so that the new family member feels comfortable? It must be a place away from noises and drafts. A suitable place will certainly not be a bathroom or kitchen – gas fumes could even lead to poisoning of the bird. Many people choose to place the cage in the room, where the household members are most often present – for example, in the living room.
Canary food
Another indispensable part of the new family member’s layette is the canary’s proper food. Canaries mainly consume a variety of grains. However, they are delicate birds, so it is advisable to choose mixtures free of dyes and preservatives. Pets can be a bit picky, so a good solution to start with is to buy grains from two different manufacturers – it may turn out that one mixture does not appeal to the canary, then it is worth trying the other. In order for the pet to enjoy health and well-being, it is recommended to buy grain of very good quality.
Variety in the daily diet of canaries can be sunflower seeds, fresh vegetables – for example, lettuce or grated carrots, and fresh fruits – especially apples and pears. The birds also like nettles and dandelions. During moulting periods, they can be given an egg mixture. And seeds of African grass – available in pet stores, increase the intensity of singing. Food for canaries should always be fresh – sometimes it should be changed even twice a day.
An important element of equipment is also water – in the cage there should be a convenient waterer. Water should be changed daily, and in hot weather even twice daily.
Necessary accessories for canaries
When we already have food and a suitable cage, it is worth thinking about its equipment. Canaries love to bathe, so an indispensable part of the layette is a swimming pool, which will allow the pet to play, wash off the dust from the feathers and cool down on hot days. It can be covered and mounted inside or outside the the cage.
Additional containers hung on the bars of the cage will prove useful when we want to give the bird fresh vegetables or fruits. It is also worth thinking about pincers for claw clippers, which will prove indispensable over time. In each cage should find a sepia – preferably when it is natural, without added fragrances and artificial dyes. Canaries love wooden perches on which they can exercise their paws.
Toys for canaries do not play an important role – sometimes it even happens that birds ignore purchased accessories. So at first it is worth leaving the cage without any toys and let the canary acclimate. After 2-3 weeks, when the pet already feels safe, you can give him a smooth cord, which he can hook with his claw. The last item of the layette you should think about is natural soap without artificial ingredients, with which you will wash the cage, feeders and containers.
It is worth remember that the cage, food and all the necessary accessories should be at home already before the appearance of the canary. The bird after a stressful trip for a few days will need peace and respite, and with a little patience will become our best friend.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.
