Canaries are charming, low-maintenance birds that bring joy to any home with their beautiful singing and vibrant colours. If you’re considering adopting one of these delightful birds, you may have some questions about their care and daily needs. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping a pet canary, from basic care tips to understanding their behaviour and needs.

How to Take Care of Canaries for Beginners

  • De Luxe Canary Mix - No Rape - Haith's

    Diet

    Canaries thrive on a high-quality seed mix formulated specifically for them. One of the best options available is Haith’s De Luxe Canary Mix which provides balanced nutrition to support their overall well-being.
    Supplement their diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens like kale, spinach, or grated carrots. Occasional treats like boiled eggs or cut-up apples provide additional nutrients.

  • Fresh Water

    Provide clean, fresh water daily for drinking. A separate dish for bathing will also keep their feathers in great condition.

  • Safe 4 Disinfectant - Haith's

    Cage Maintenance

    Keep your canary’s home fresh and clean! Replace the liner regularly and wash food and water dishes daily. Remove uneaten fresh food after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

  • Canary Seed Bell - Haith's

    Perches, Toys and Treats

    Canaries love perches of different thicknesses to keep their feet healthy. Simple toys like swings and mirrors can offer mental stimulation but be careful not to overcrowd their space.

  • Lighting and Temperature

    Canaries need natural light to maintain their health. If natural sunlight isn’t available, a full-spectrum bird light can help. Keep their environment between 60–75°F (15–24°C) and away from drafts or direct heat sources.

  • Health Monitoring

    Look for signs of fluffed feathers, weakness, drooping wings, changes in amount of drinking water, not eating and poor physical appearance. We would advise regular veterinary checkups and speak to a vet at the first signs of illness.

Canaries don’t need as much out-of-cage time as parrots, but they still enjoy a little freedom now and then. Letting them out in a safe, enclosed space a few times a week allows them to stretch their wings. Before you open the cage door, make sure the room is bird proof:

  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Remove any toxic plants.
  • Turn off ceiling fans and cover reflective surfaces like mirrors.

If your canary is hesitant to come out, don’t worry - some are perfectly content staying in their cage as long as they have space to fly inside.

Do Canaries Need Cuttle?

Cuttlefish Bone - Haith's

Yes, providing a cuttlebone is essential for a canary’s health. Cuttlebones are a great source of calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and beaks. They also allow canaries to naturally trim their beaks, preventing overgrowth. Simply attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage, and your canary will instinctively peck at it when needed.

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What Type of Cage Do I Need?

Choosing the right cage is crucial for your canary and their well-being. Here’s what to look for:

Size

A canary’s cage should be at least 24 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches tall. They love to fly horizontally, so a wider cage is better than a tall one.

Shape

Avoid round cages, as they do not provide enough space for flying. A rectangular cage allows better movement.

Bar Spacing

The spacing between bars should be no more than ½ inch to prevent escape or injury.

Accessories

Equip the cage with natural wooden perches, food and water dishes, and a small bathing dish. Avoid overcrowding the cage with too many toys or perches - your canary needs space to fly freely.

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