Canary Care Guide
Congratulations on your decision to bring a new canary into your home. The following will help your pet to settle in as quickly and comfortably as possible as well as inform you on its needs.SETTING UP YOUR NEW CAGE
A square or rectangular cage is best suited for a canary as it provides them more room and better housing. A minimum of 2 to 3 perches should be placed into the cage.
If possible try to acquire perches made up of different materials (such as manzanita, rope, cement) and sizes to keep your bird's feet in good condition. Do not overcrowd your cage with too many accessories. Your bird will welcome more space rather than a cramped cage.
BRINGING YOUR BIRD HOME
As soon as you arrive home, place your bird directly into his cage and let it be for a while. Put the cage in the family room or in another active area of the house. Birds are curious animals and enjoy watching others do things.
If you wish to put the cage near a window make sure that there are no drafts and no direct sunlight without part of the cage being shaded. You don't want your bird to become ill or overheat.
If you plan on placing your cage in the kitchen, make sure it is far away from the stove, and that the room is well ventilated. Teflon coated pans (when used) can excrete a gas into the air that is very dangerous for birds.
After your bird has adjusted to its new home it should be alert and active.
MAINTENANCE
Canaries can make a mess of their cage quickly so it is important to keep it clean. Paper towels or newspaper is recommended as a substrate and it should be changed EVERY DAY. A thorough cage cleaning should be done at least once a week.
This should include wiping the metal cage bars, washing the base of the cage with mild dish soap and washing the perches if they are dirty. It is also a good idea to keep your bird's nails trimmed.
Cement perches keep nails filed but it is not enough to stop them from growing. Bring your bird to a veterinarian or your local Centre d'Animaux NATURE Pet store to have them cut.
FEEDING
Your bird should be given a staple seed or pelleted diet as well as fresh fruits and vegetables at least three times a week.
Fresh food and water should be provided DAILY and any rotten fruits or vegetables should be removed promptly. There are also many other types of treats made for canaries that you can purchase.
Just be sure not to overdo it because you don't want your bird to become obese. Fat canaries usually do not sing!
