What is Canary Seed?

Canary seed, scientifically known as Phalaris canariensis, is a type of grass native to the Mediterranean region and other parts of the world. While it’s most known for being the primary food source for canaries, budgies and finches it is also used in bird food mixes for a variety of other species. The tiny, oval-shaped seed is rich in energy and offers numerous
health benefits for birds, making it a favourite among avian enthusiasts.

The Benefits of Canary Seed for Birds

  • High Energy Content

    Canary seed is an excellent source of carbohydrates, making it a high-energy food. This is crucial for maintaining your bird's energy levels, particularly for active species that require a lot of fuel to sustain their daily activities. Whether your bird is flying around its cage or engaging in playful behaviour, canary seed provides the necessary energy to keep them going.

  • Rich in Nutrients

    Canary seed is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to the
    overall health of your bird. It contains vitamins A, B, and E, as well as folic
    acid and iron. These nutrients are vital for supporting your bird's immune system, enhancing their vision, and promoting healthy skin and feathers. The high vitamin content in canary seed helps maintain your bird's vitality and longevity.

  • Supports Digestive Health

    Canary seed contains a high level of fibre, which is important for supporting
    digestive health. Regular consumption of canary seed can help prevent digestive
    issues like constipation and keep your bird’s digestive system running smoothly. Fibre also aids in the proper absorption of nutrients, ensuring that your bird receives all the essential elements it needs from its diet.

  • Promotes Healthy Feather Growth

    A well-balanced diet is essential for healthy feather growth, and canary seed plays an important role in this. The nutrients found in canary seed, especially
    the amino acids and proteins, are beneficial for feather development. Birds that are fed high-quality seeds like canary seed often have healthier, shinier feathers, which contribute to their overall appearance.

  • Suitable for a Variety of Birds

    While canary seed is most associated with feeding canaries, it is also suitable for a wide range of bird species, including finches, budgies, and parrots. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for mixed-species aviaries, as it provides a balanced source of nutrition for various birds.
De Luxe Canary Mix - No Rape - Haith's

De Luxe Canary Seed Mix (with rapeseed)

One of the finest Canary diets available, trusted by bird-keeping experts and proven over time. It is crafted with the finest, carefully cleaned canary seed, along with plain canary, linseed, and hemp.


Available with or without added rapeseed, this premium blend is free from impurities and designed for easy digestion, supporting your bird's optimal health and vitality. The inclusion of Niger Seed helps prevent egg-binding and offers valuable tonic properties, supporting your bird’s overall well-being.

Whether you're caring for a single canary or an entire aviary, this expertly balanced diet ensures your birds stay strong, healthy, and full of life.

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De Luxe Canary Mix - No Rape - Haith's

De Luxe Canary Mix - (no rapeseed)

The King of Canary seeds minus the Rape Seed.

This mix includes many of the vitamins and minerals missing in so many other Canary mixes. The addition of Niger Seed helps prevent egg-binding and has tonic properties.

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Black rape seed, plain canary and yellow biscuit.

Super Canary Seed

Popular for its seed variety and nutritional goodness for Canaries.

A very popular mix, providing most of the elements of a well-balanced diet.

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Condition Seed™ for Canaries, Hybrids and British Birds - Haith's

Condition Seed

Condition Seed helps keep cage and aviary birds in top health, it is a must-have for successfully breeding Canaries, Hybrids, and British Birds. Glossed with aniseed oil, it’s packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Perfect for aviary birds, especially in colder months, it provides the extra nutrition they need to thrive.

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Red Factor™ Canary Food for cage & aviary birds - Haith's

Red Factor Canary

A specially formulated blend designed to enhance plumage pigmentation in Red Factor Canaries during the moult.

To achieve vibrant colouration, coloured Canaries require specific care before and during moulting. This feed can be supplemented with Carophyll* Red or Orange, as it does not contain Carophyll™. However, caution is advised, over-supplementation may negatively impact feather development.

For year-round feather health and colour maintenance, feed twice weekly.

Enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and oils to support overall well-being.

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Some of the key Ingredients in Our Canary Seed Mixes

We understand the importance of using only the best ingredients in our seed blends. That’s why we carefully select high-quality seeds and ingredients to create mixes that nourish your birds while maintaining their health. Here are some of the key ingredients that are commonly found in our canary seed mixes:

  • Canary Seed

    The star ingredient in our mixes, canary seed provides essential nutrients and energy for your bird's well-being.

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  • Hemp Seed - Whole for cage birds - Haith's

    Hemp Seed

    Known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, hemp seed promotes healthy skin and feathers.

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  • Yellow Millet for cage birds - Haith's

    Millet Seed

    A highly palatable and nutritious seed that is easy for birds to digest.

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  • Lincolnshire Oats - A Natural Supplement for Budgies & Parakeets - Haith's

    Oats

    Rich in fibre, oats help with digestion and provide long-lasting energy.

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  • Safflower Seed for cage birds - Haith's

    Safflower Seed

    Packed with healthy fats, safflower seed helps maintain good heart health and supports overall well-being.

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High-Quality Canary Seed Mix

Use a premium canary seed mix with a variety of seeds, such as De Luxe Canary.

Avoid cheap mixes with excessive filler seeds that lack nutrition.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Canaries can enjoy a variety of fruits  including apples (seedless), pears (seedless), grapes, raspberries,
blueberries, cherries (pitted), bananas, oranges, peaches, and pineapple.

They can also eat vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, spinach, kale, lettuce (in moderation), bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, and cooked sweet potato. Always remove any seeds or pits before feeding.

Egg Food for Protein

Egg food (boiled egg mixed with biscuit crumbs or commercial egg food) is great for extra protein, especially during moulting, breeding, or for young birds.

Cuttlebone & Grit for Calcium

Cuttlebone or crushed oyster shell provides essential calcium for strong bones and healthy egg production.

Grit helps with digestion but should be given in moderation.

Fresh Water Daily

Always provide clean, fresh water in a shallow dish or drinking tube.

Clean water containers regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

Occasional Treats

Millet sprays, honey sticks, and soaked or sprouted seeds can be given occasionally but should not replace the main diet.

Avoid Sugary & Fatty Foods

No chocolate, bread, dairy, or processed human food - these can be harmful.

Seasonal Adjustments

During moulting or breeding, increase protein intake with egg food or mealworms.

In winter, offer slightly more food to maintain energy levels.

Consistent Feeding Routine

Feed at the same times each day to keep your canary comfortable and stress-free.

Why Choose Our Seed Mixes?

At Haiths, we take great care in crafting each of our bird food mixes. We are passionate about ensuring that every bird gets the nutrients it needs to thrive. Our seed blends are made with premium ingredients that are carefully selected for their quality and nutritional value. Whether you are a professional breeder or simply a bird enthusiast, you can trust that our mixes will support your birds' health and happiness.

We also offer a range of sizes, from small packs to bulk options, making it easy for you to provide the best food for your birds, no matter how many you have.

Canary Essentials

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