Canary Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

Approximately 12 years

AVERAGE SIZE

4-6 inches

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Canaries are energetic, sweet tempered birds. They will happily hop from perch to perch and are a joy to watch. However, they can be territorial. Canaries do not enjoy being handled, although some keepers have trained them to sit on a finger.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Canaries are small passerine songbirds in the finch family, and exist in a wide variety of colors. Mature male Canaries typically sing, while females have a simple and sweet “cheep” sound.

DIET

Canaries DO NOT live by seed alone. A complete diet for a Canary should be a combination made up of 60% pellets, 20% seeds and 20% fresh fruits and vegetables.

SUPPLEMENTS

Canaries need calcium which can be offered in the form of a cuttlebone or calcium treat. Birds should also be exposed to UVB light for at least 3-4 hours per day if natural sunlight is not provided.  

WATER

Fresh water must be available to your Canary at all times. Because your pet will often even bathe in his water, it must be checked and changed several times a day. 

HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

The longer the cage the better for your Canary. One bird should have a cage no smaller than 18”L x 18”W x 18”H. Two birds should have a cage measuring at least 24”L x 18”W x 18”H.

ENRICHMENT

Your Canary will need different items for his inquisitive nature. Provide small toys for picking at that include leather straps or sturdy string.

GROOMING & HYGIENE

All birds should be gently misted with a water bottle dedicated to this use only. Spray up and over the bird to replicate a fine rain. NEVER spray the bird directly in the face. In addition to misting, a room temperature bird bath should be offered to your bird at least twice weekly.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Your Canaries cage should be checked daily for any feces and spoiling food. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least twice every month.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Bird cage (min 18”L x 18”W x 18”H) with bar space no larger than 3/8” to ½”
• UVB bulb & housing (if needed)
• Bedding for bottom of the cage
• At least 3 different types of perches (such as wooden dowels, natural branch or cement )
• 3 sturdy dishes: 1 for water, 1 for pellet/seed mix, 1 for fresh food
• At least 3 different interchangeable toys
• Nesting materials or pre-made nesting perches
• Canary seed & pellet diet
• Millet spray treats
• Calcium supplement such as cuttlebone, crushed oyster shells or calcium treat
• Misting bottle & bird bath

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.