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Canaries
There are many color
varieties of the small, active Canary. They were originally introduced to
European bird fanciers in the 1500s by the Spaniards who discovered them in the
Canary Islands
off the western coast of
Africa
. Canaries measure 5" from head to tip of
the tail. If properly cared for, the canary can live up to 20 years. The
beautiful song of the male bird makes the canary an entertaining pet.
Some examples of canaries
are:
Red
Factor - A brilliant red colored
canary, which was bred with another type of finch to introduce a red color
factor into the canary's genetic structure. Requires feeding a special diet to
keep the intense coloring.
Crested
Canary - One of the oldest breeds,
with a unique crest or tuft of feathers at the crown of the head.
Roller
Canary - A yellow colored canary
that is considered to be the best singer.
Border
Canary - Yellow with variegated
patches of white, green, or brown color bordering the wings.
Canaries are not typically a
bird that can be handled, although there are a few rare cases. They are better
as pets to be watched as opposed to being held. Canaries are active, amusing and
the males tend to have a soothing song.
Be careful when mixing
varieties, as all breeds do not get along. If breeding is not desired, females
can be kept together without difficulty. Canaries also, when nesting, do best
with open nest.
Feeding
A
canary’s metabolism is very active. Starvation can occur in as little as 24
hours if it does not eat. Canaries should be fed a staple diet of a fresh
fortified canary seed diet or a pelleted canary food daily. Pelleted diets are
recommended since each pellet contains balanced nutrition. Canaries only eat off
the top layer of the food dish, so if feeding seeds be sure to check the food
daily and remove empty seed hulls. Red Factor canaries require a special
pigmented diet to maintain their bright red coloration. This is given to them in
addition to the regular canary diet. Besides a pelleted or a seed mix diet, each
day offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables, and a small amount of fresh
fruits. Millet seed sprays are relished by canaries. Protein supplements can
include mature legumes, chopped hard cooked egg, or tofu. Remove fresh fruits
and vegetables within 4 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets
too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become
runny and discolored. Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day if this
occurs to determine if this is the reason. Birds require fresh water each day.
Wash and rinse their water dish thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered
vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking
water. If grit is offered, just a small pinch should be added to the food bowl
about once a week. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply
calcium and prevent beak overgrowth.
Housing
Canaries
enjoy flying, therefore, the larger the cage the better. The cage for a canary
should measure a minimum of 12" long by 15" high and 9" wide.
Perches are an essential part of the cages and should be chosen to suit the feet
of the bird. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise
the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from
contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in
dishes or on the floor. Toys, such as swing, bells and mirrors in the canary's
cage will keep your bird entertained. Place your canary's cage at eye-level in a
bright area free from drafts and direct sunlight. Make sure it is safe from
small children, dogs and cats. Canaries like to see what is going on in the
house and do well when placed in the family room or commonly frequented parts of
the house. For safety reasons, do not place the birdcage in the kitchen or areas
near smoke or fumes. Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to birds' sensitive
respiratory systems.
Handling
Canaries
do not typically care to be handled, although there are exceptions. Birds are
social animals and they do like to have visual contact with people and to be
talked to.
Special Requirements
Be careful when mixing
varieties of canaries, as all breeds do not get along. If breeding is not
desired, females can be kept together without difficulty. To aid the bird in
keeping itself clean, we recommend a light misting with tepid water from a clean
spray bottle at least once a week, or placing a suitable sized birdbath in the
cage on a frequent basis.
Always wash your hands
before and after handling your pet bird, or after cleaning its cage. Keep the
cage clean to prevent the possibility of disease for the safety of you and your
companion bird.
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