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 Canary Bird: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Care and Maintenance

The canary, belonging to the family Fringillidae within the order Passeriformes, is a beloved bird known for its vibrant colors and melodious songs. Named after the Canary Islands, its original home, the name "canary" is derived from the Latin word "canis," meaning "dog," a nod to the dogs kept by the island’s inhabitants. The canary captivates many bird enthusiasts with its variety of colors and pleasing songs, leading to the development of numerous breeds beyond the wild canary.

Canary Types

Canaries are categorized into three main types based on their purpose:

1. Color Canaries: Bred for their varied colors such as red, orange, and yellow.
2. Song Canaries: Raised specifically for their singing abilities, such as the American Singer and the Spanish Timbrado.
3. Fancy Canaries: Bred for specific physical traits like shape and size, including the Belgian Fancy Canary, Border, Fife Fancy Canary, Gloster, Norwich, Lizard, Stafford, and Yorkshire Canaries.

Raising a Canary

Choosing a Canary: 

Canaries can be purchased from pet stores or directly from breeders. It is advisable to buy younger birds for a longer period of enjoyment. Note that only male canaries sing well, while female canaries may sing but with less variety.

Preparing the Canary Cage : 

The cage should be spacious, with a width of at least 51 cm, allowing the canary to fly and exercise freely. A larger cage also facilitates organizing food and water dishes away from the perches to prevent contamination. It should have at least two perches and ideally should avoid round cages, as canaries feel more secure in cages with corners. If a round cage is chosen, ensure its diameter is at least 91 cm. The spacing between the bars should be no more than 1.27 cm to prevent the canary’s head from getting stuck.

Setting Up the Cage:

Use appropriate bedding materials like corn cob bedding, recycled paper, or newspaper. A cage with a removable tray or base is easier to clean. A metal mesh above the base can prevent droppings from contacting the canary’s legs. It’s also helpful to place the cage at eye level or about 183 cm off the ground, near a wall, in a well-lit and ventilated area, away from direct drafts and sunlight.

Canary Diet :

Wild canaries primarily eat seeds but may consume insects, plants, and fruits during seed scarcity. Pet canaries can suffer from health issues if they consume too much seed mix, which is often high in fats and carbohydrates. Consult a veterinarian for a suitable diet that promotes growth and health. Avoid millet sprays, honey sticks, and specialty foods for enhancing singing or feather replacement, as they are often high in fats. Instead, provide a balanced diet with 1-2 teaspoons of mixed seeds daily and 20-25% of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.

Serving Food :

 Seeds should be offered in shallow dishes, preferably one for each bird. Vegetables and fruits should be washed, cut into small pieces, and placed in separate dishes. Avoid offering a single type of food too frequently to encourage the consumption of a variety of foods.

Handling a Canary :

Canaries are timid and sensitive; sudden movements or unfamiliar appearances can stress them. Avoid housing them with aggressive birds like parrots or budgerigars, though they can be housed with finches. Female canaries can be housed together as they are social, but males should not be housed together unless the cage is large enough for each to have its own space. Regular visual and verbal interaction helps the canary bond with its owner, but canaries generally dislike being handled.

Care Tips for Canaries

Feather Molt: 

Canaries molt once a year, usually from late summer to early fall, taking about ten weeks for new feathers to grow. During this period, the bird will stop singing and needs extra rest. Close the cage earlier than usual at night and avoid disturbing the bird during the day. Provide oil-rich seeds like sunflower and flaxseed and allow more frequent baths.

Cleanliness :

Canaries enjoy bathing, so provide a bird bath with 2 cm of cool or lukewarm water. Avoid very cold or hot water to prevent discomfort. They generally need baths 2-3 times a week, or daily during molting. Trim their nails regularly to prevent sharp edges, ideally with the help of a veterinarian.

Avoiding Toxins: 

Canaries are sensitive to toxins. Ensure cage accessories are thoroughly rinsed to remove any cleaning agent residues. Use natural, non-toxic perches and avoid strong-smelling products near the bird.

Common Canary Diseases

Canaries, though generally robust, can suffer from various health issues due to poor diet, lack of cleanliness, exposure to drafts, or mosquito bites. Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and prevent mosquito entry. Monitor the canary for signs of illness such as weight loss, labored breathing, changes in droppings color, feather loss, loss of appetite, and unusual singing. Common issues include wing and leg fractures, injuries, nail and beak abnormalities, feather growth problems, and infections.

If a canary shows signs of illness, isolate it in a separate cage, cover it except the front, and maintain a temperature of 29°C. If there is no improvement, consult a veterinarian.

Proper care and attention will ensure your canary remains healthy and happy, allowing you to enjoy its presence for many years.

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