How to Raise Canaries

Domestic canaries are colorful, social creatures that have been popular as pets and beloved for their songs since the 16th century. An undemanding creature to care for, they require only a minimum of space, time and financial investment. In return, canary owners can expect to enjoy the company of their birds 10 to 15 years. A lone bird will be perfectly content by itself, singing merrily to its own reflection or, if you prefer, you can raise an entire flock.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird cage
  • Bird seed
  • Fresh fruit
  • Leafy greens
  • Newspaper
  • Nesting material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an appropriate cage for your canary or canaries. Being social creatures, there should be no problems having more than one at a time, as long as the habitat is large enough. Select a cage that has been designed to allow room for horizontal flight. For a single bird, ensure the living area is at least 18 inches high by 18 inches wide and 18 inches in depth. Add 6 inches to each dimension for each additional bird.

    • 2

      Position the cage in an area where there is a limited amount of noise and artificial lighting, as this is over-stimulating and disturbing to the birds. When you bring your new birds home, place them in their cage with food and fresh water and leave them alone. It will take a few hours for them to become accustomed to their new environment and you need to minimize your interaction with them in the beginning.

    • 3

      Establish a feeding schedule for your canaries. Offer them new food and fresh water every day at approximately the same time. In addition to canary-specific seed mixes, canaries also enjoy bits of fresh fruit, such as apples and bananas and organically grown greens, such as spinach or endive.

    • 4

      Take a moment while the birds are distracted with mealtime to change the paper in the bottom of the cage. This should be done daily to ensure the health and wellness of your canaries.

    • 5

      Observe your birds. When you witness signs of mating behavior, begin placing possible nesting materials, such as clean straw, inside the cage. Also offer the crusts of wholewheat bread at meal times to boost the birds' nutrition and energy. It is possible for mating canaries to produce eggs up to 6 times a year, but for most pairs reproduction occurs two or three times a year.

    • 6

      Be careful when cleaning the cage so as to not disturb the nest once mating has occurred and then watch for the hatching of the eggs. When the chicks have hatched, it will take them approximately two weeks to grow feathers and at least one more week to begin eating on their own.

    • 7

      Move the babies into another cage once they are able to feed themselves, or if you observe any signs of physical rejection or neglect from the parents. You can keep the cages close together to reduce separation anxiety and allow the offspring continued interaction with their parents. Canary seed should be soaked and allowed to soften slightly before offering it to young birds.