As pets, canaries add a great deal to a home. There are some products available that will add to the quality of life of your canary.
Following are some key items suggested for the care of your bird.
Canary Checklist
Housing:
The cage should be in place before the canary is brought home. It should be large enough to allow freedom of movement-even short flight.
Cage Paper:
Cage papers are available in a variety of sizes and pre-cut to fit your cage, should be placed on the bottom of the cage for easy clean up of droppings. Cage liners should be changed daily to maintain cleanliness.
Cage Covers:
Dark and quiet contribute to a good night’s rest for your bird. A cage cover is helps birds sleep, keeps them quiet and protects them from drafts. A cage cover is also a good tool when trying to calm your bird.
Perches:
Perches measuring 3/8-3/4 in diameters are adequate. These should be spread out throughout the cage to allow for adequate exercise.
Food:
There are several good brands of food found in a Petland Discounts. Be sure you are feeding a complete, well balanced diet for your pet bird species. Birds eat small amounts all day long, so make sure fresh food and water are always available.
Treats:
There are several brands and types of treats that will give your bird some variety in his diet. Honey sticks, seed treats, and fruit treats add not only variety but also fun to your birds diet.
Vitamins:
Liquid vitamin supplements help assure a continued supply of necessary vitamins. An adequate intake of vitamins aids in proper growth, maintenance and general health.
Minerals:
Cuttlebone is essential to the health of a bird. Calcium is especially important for bone formation as well as molting. It is aids in the prevention of beak overgrowth.
Toys:
Birds are intelligent animals and need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Canaries typically do not play with toys, but they do enjoy mirrors.
Spray bottle:
Lightly spraying a bird with warm water from a spray bottle, on a daily or weekly basis, will stimulate preening and keep feathers clean and healthy.
Books:
There are several books about budgies/cockatiels that can give you good insight into the care and habits of your particular bird.
