Now widely considered pets, canaries are those birds with the singing ability (even if they are mostly males), able to keep company with adults and children, and suitable for living indoors, in the garden, or on the balcony. However, it is important to know how to take care of them; they are delicate animals that require special attention. Let’s see them together.
The different breeds of canary
To start, let’s see the canary breeds recognized by the Italian Ornithological Federation:
- Singing canaries, the breed that includes all the birds that boast excellent singing qualities;
- Canaries color, race that includes all copies of different colors, given in time by several intersections;
- The canaries in shape and position, it is a selection that differentiates canaries on the basis of their shape and their posture.
Origin of the songbird par excellence
Originally from the Canary Islands, canaries soon spread to the homes of many bird lovers… and good music! The canaries, in fact, are famous for being “singing” birds, a bit like all the birds belonging to the Fringillidae family, even if this ability seems to belong only to the male specimens, able to learn and repeat even short melodies.
Canary in a cage, better alone or in the company?
The canary is a naturally cheerful and jovial animal, therefore it does not like solitude. It must be said, however, that forced coexistence with specimens of the same breed can make it a very aggressive pet, which is why several experts suggest keeping more canaries at home, of course, but separate. So choose an aviary with the appropriate dividers or place two different cages close together.
The position
Where is best to place your canary’s cage or aviary? Surely in front of the window of a well ventilated and bright room on the right. Undoubtedly, the kitchen should be avoided where cleaning products, food fumes, the drastic alternation between heat and humidity, could represent a strong psychophysical stress factor for the bird. Also, avoid particularly noisy and very busy rooms during the day: canaries are sociable, but they need peace and quiet.
Finally, it is important to choose an outdoor bird cage of adequate size based on the number of specimens you have.
The care of the cage
The cage will be the kingdom of your canary, so you will have to take special care of it. It is essential that this be cleaned and sanitized with constancy; therefore choose one with a removable bottom to remove dirt easily. Provide the cage with drinking troughs, feeders, perches (plastic or wood), and a tub of water that your canary will use to wash or cool off. Do you want a canary that is always happy and content? Place a small swing inside the cage, he’ll love it!
The light and the seasons
Light and season are important factors for the health of the canary. These animals, in fact, are deeply regulated in their rhythms by the sun: they enter their fertile period, go into molting and prepare for winter rest following exactly the cycle of light. In order not to disturb their natural cycles, it is absolutely not recommended to turn the light on and off or keep it on until late at night in the room where you have placed the cage.
In addition, every evening, take care to cover the cage with a blanket, in this way you will protect the animal from the cold, from the light and also from insects, giving it a nice peaceful and restful sleep.
Outdoor canary?
Whatever people say, the canary is a bird that, with due care, can also adapt to the external environment. It will therefore be possible to place the cage also in the garden or on the balcony. But pay attention to these essential details for the good health of the bird: The cage must be sufficiently sheltered from the wind and cold
A part of the cage should be in the shade, to allow your canary does not stay all the time in the sun, especially in summer Depending on the season, adequately supply the cage with food and water; depending on the period your pet could change its habits a lot.
Supply
The canary’s dietary needs also vary with the seasons. Consult with the pet shop and always offer your bird a varied mixture of seeds, mostly grains, and cereals, but also fruit (especially apples) and raw vegetables (lettuce, radicchio, baby spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, tomato, peas, broad beans). From time to time add the egg (egg biscuits or hardboiled egg yolk) to its diet, which is important for the reproduction of the species.
Dangers
A caged canary is not in many dangers, but beware of mosquito bites: they can be lethal for your birds if not treated quickly. Check the pet constantly and if you notice a bump on the legs it is best to ask the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Prevent contact with mosquitoes by fitting the cage with a mosquito net and place some basil essence or citronella candles outside your canary’s house.