Canaries & Their Habitat

Canaries are small birds that belong to the finch family. According to AvianWeb.com, the canary lives from 10 to 15 years. Breeders have created many different color combinations in captive birds, but wild canaries are usually greenish with brown streaks. They are native to the Canary Islands, Spain; Azores, Portugal; and Madeira, Portugal.

  1. In the Wild

    • Wild canaries live in relatively open areas, such as orchards. In the wild, canaries like to nest in both bushes and small trees.

    Cages

    • Caged canaries need rectangular flight cages that are longer than they are tall. CanaryAdvisor.com recommends at least 20 inches long.

    Cage Accessories

    • Canaries don't climb like other pet birds. They fly and hop. Bushy perches with several thin branches and swing-style toys will keep a canary happy in its cage. Place food and water dishes in an area where the canary can reach them easily.

    Care

    • Replace water often, at least twice a day. Clean food and water dishes daily and disinfect with a 10 percent bleach 90 percent water mixture weekly. Clean and disinfect the cage weekly.

    Food

    • Canaries primarily eat a seed-based diet. Provide a caged canary with a canary seed blend, calcium treat and fresh water. Treats such as boiled eggs and bee pollen are also acceptable.

    Basic Health

    • Canaries can be poisoned by household cleaners, perfumes, candles and even nonstick cookware. Baths are important to canaries, and you should give them a bath three or four times a week. A canary's nails should be trimmed about twice a year.