
Canary
Care Sheet

Happy natured birds with beautiful colours and an amazing ability to sing—more likely when kept alone
Colours: Wild canaries are green/yellow all over their bodies. Domestic canaries tend to be more yellow but are also available in colours such as; orange, white and red.
Housing: Happy to live alone. In groups keep more females than males
Lifespan: 10 to 25 years
Adult Size: 8-10cm | Adult Weight: 12g

HANDLING YOUR CANARY
Canaries are known to be less tame, flighty birds, however with the correct training, canaries can be just as tame as other domestic birds. When taming your canary, set up space in your home to allow it to fly and place a perch in the middle of the room– try placing treats on the perch.
Speak softly to your pet bird. Place the cage at head height and against a wall if possible to make the bird feel more secure. Move gently towards your birds cage and move your arm slowly towards it whilst speaking softly.
Use treats to strengthen your bond and once your pet bird takes treats from you, then you can start to consider handling it.
Over time with repeating the above steps, your canary should jump on to your hand– make sure the windows and doors are closed. Never pick your Canary up from above or grab it which can cause stress. Handling on a daily routine will help your bird to understand handling times.

HEALTH CHECK
- Signs of flight are normal
- Moves normally and no signs of lethargy
- The beak aligns correctly and has no signs of over growth
- The vent is clear
- The bird is alert
- The bird is acting normally and there are no signs of isolation from other birds
Common ailments in pet canaries include respiratory infections, mites, and vitamin deficiencies. It is important to provide a balanced diet, a clean living environment, and regular vet check-ups to ensure the health and well-being of your pet canary. Signs of illness include changes in behaviour, such as decreased activity or appetite, as well as physical symptoms like sneezing or feather loss. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly to address any health issues before they worsen.
Nails: Trimming your canary’s nails regularly is important to prevent them from becoming overgrown and causing discomfort or injury. You can ask your vet for guidance on how to safely trim your canary’s nails at home or schedule regular nail trims with a professional groomer. You can also use a sanded perch to naturally file the nails.
Feathers: Inspecting your canary’s feathers for signs of damage, such as fraying or missing patches, is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Providing a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help maintain healthy feather growth and prevent issues like moulting abnormalities.
Beak: Monitoring your canary’s beak for signs of overgrowth or deformities is essential for their health and ability to eat properly. Providing a variety of chew toys and mineral blocks can help keep your canary’s beak trimmed naturally.
