Canaries

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Canaries are among the most commonly kept birds in captivity. They range in size from 10 to 17cm (4-6.7in), depending on the variety. Such a size should not present many housing difficulties. In fact, a cage 40cm(16in) long is perfectly acceptable for one bird, although two birds would require a 50cm(20in) cage. A rectangular wire cage is the most hygienic. Fortunately, canaries do not make much mess, so you only need to clean their enclosure thoroughly once a week. Furnishing the cage with toys is a good idea as it averts boredom, but not to the point of overcrowding; one or two toys – replaced periodically – is quite sufficient.

Canaries are relatively hardy, and once fully acclimatized will happily live in an outside aviary throughout the year, providing they are protected from heavy rain or draughts. In fact, locating the cage or aviary in a sheltered area is vital in order to cut down their exposure to draughts.

Canaries are very easy to feed; all they require is a simple canary seed mixture, plus a little supplementary greenfood and grit for their digestion. It is quite common for canaries to live on a seed diet only, but they do benefit from and enjoy fresh greenfood. Canaries are sensitive to changes in their diet and will thrive on an unchanging feeding mixture and routine. Provide an increased amount of food throughout the breeding season.

Many people enjoy keeping canaries, not only because they are easy to look after, but also because they sing. Only the males have this ability, however. If you want to buy a canary solely for its song, choose a male roller canary, as these birds have been bred specifically for this purpose. Even though canaries can sing beautifully, they cannot perform tricks or imitate the human voice, like budgerigars. It is the cock bird’s ability to sing that distinguishes it from the hen.

Another advantage of keeping canaries is that they live much longer than most other birds of a similar size. Their average lifespan is 10 years, although some have been known to live for up to 20 years. This factor, together with the convenience of their simple diet, their minimum space requirement and the fact that they pose no threat to children or strangers, explains why canaries continue to be such popular pet birds. Not surprisingly, therefore, they are particularly suitable birds for beginners to birdkeeping.

You can safely leave canaries on their own for up to two days, providing they have sufficient food and water. If you plan on being absent for a longer period, be sure to ask a friend or neighbour to check on your bird every other day.

As canaries can be rather timid birds, it is not a good idea to mix them with other birds larger than themselves or with birds that may bully them. It is possible, however, to keep a cock and a hen together, as long as you separate them two months before the breeding season begins – unless, of course, you wish to breed from them.

Canaries are not the easiest birds to breed and you may also experience difficulties in encouraging the adults to rear their youngsters.

A clutch consists of four or five eggs, laid on alternate days. So that all the eggs hatch at the same time, it is common practice to replace a freshly laid egg with a dummy egg and then return the real eggs when the hen has finished laying. This makes it easier for the hen and achieves a better success rate. Canaries begin to build their nests in early spring and, once they have laid all their eggs, incubation lasts 14 days. The chicks fledge 14 days after hatching. Canaries are quite capable of breeding several times in one season.