How to Make Your Canary Perch on Your Finger

Canaries are not as overtly friendly as members of the parrot family, but they bond closely and occasionally become perfectly happy to use your finger as a perch. Getting canaries to feel comfortable enough with you to do this requires your time and diligence. Birds, especially small ones, become scared very easily. Canaries are going to be wary by default. Bond first, and build on that foundation.

  1. Choosing a Canary

    • Hand-reared canaries are by far the most likely to be comfortable sitting on your finger, although they cost more money. Hand-rearing canaries takes a considerable amount of time and effort, so the breeder will pass on the cost to you. Whether you adopt hand-reared canaries or those brought up by their own parents, always go to a reputable breeder or an animal sanctuary -- don̵7;t buy from pet stores or from people in parking lots and at flea markets.

    First Steps

    • The first stage consists of two steps, which you'll do in tandem. A canary needs to become accustomed to your presence, so spend time standing quietly near the cage every day. He also needs to explore the room his cage is in, so canary-proof it -- which mainly means covering windows and mirrors and closing the door -- and let him out regularly. Do not chase him back to the cage; let him return of his own accord.

    Finger Training

    • With budgies, finger training usually begins inside the cage. With canaries, it is better to start outside. Canaries have a well-developed fear of predators, getting alarmed when they feel cornered, such as when you place your hand in the cage. Instead, begin by resting your hand and arm near where he̵7;s perching outside the cage and just wait. Repeat over a period of several days until he shows no sign of alarm when you place your hand near him. To get him to perch on your finger, carefully tickle his chest. Sooner or later, he̵7;ll hop on, but don̵7;t rush him. If he won̵7;t perch on you one day, try again the next.

    Considerations

    • Many canaries will never become hand-tame, although they might gradually become more and more relaxed around humans. If this is the case, don̵7;t push it. You don̵7;t need to become best friends with a canary as that role is performed by another canary -- you should always keep canaries, and other finches, in pairs or small groups. In general, canaries are more aviary birds than hands-on pets. If you want a bird who relates well to people, you might be better off with a member of the parrot family.