What Should I Use to Build My Canary Aviaries?

Canaries, named for their native country, the Canary Islands, are bright yellow and orange birds, domesticated for their singing abilities. Only male canaries sing, but females also make good pets. To keep several canaries in a home, an aviary allows them the freedom of flight but prevents them from flying away or falling victim to a house cat or dog.

  1. Location

    • Find a large space in the house with plenty of natural lighting that is free from drafts, dust and pests. Most canary owners will build the aviary indoors to prevent predators from breaking into the aviary and to shield the birds from inclement weather.

    Materials and Size

    • Make the aviary large enough for the birds to fly freely and to allow an adult the ability to walk into the structure and move around. Eight feet by four feet by seven feet tall is a good size to work from, with more or less space depending on individual preferences and available space. Use plywood for the floor, and two by fours for the frame. After framing the structure, secure all the openings with ¼ inch wire mesh, commonly used for fencing, using a staple gun. Cover the floor with pine bedding. Use heat lamps or other natural lighting to provide artificial light during long winter days, or if the aviary is in a basement without windows. For the door to the aviary, add a lock or latch that will close tightly, preventing escape.

    Cages, Feeders and Toys

    • Provide perches and trees for the birds to rest on and sing. Some people place ready-made bird cages inside the aviary so the canaries can seek shelter when they want to sleep or rest. If you don't have cages, provide an area that is protected from the open aviary for the birds to roost. Provide plenty of water dishes or fountains supplying fresh water. Parrot stands with feeding cups are also handy for seed and other treats. Canaries like to play with toys, so supply an several bird toys for them.

    Breeding

    • Having many birds, male and female, may lead to breeding the birds if conditions are right. The birds are photosensitive and come into breeding states naturally as the days lengthen. If you wish to breed the canaries, adjusting the amount of light they are exposed to from 10 hours a day to 12 hours a day encourages the natural breeding instinct. The hens need strength to lay eggs and the space provided in a large aviary facilitates flying and exercise. Like many birds, canaries form pairs and mate with the same bird each time. The male will also help raise the babies, bringing food to the nest and will wean the older babies while the female incubates another clutch.