Serinus canaria domestica

Canaries

Canaries make wonderful pets with their bright colors, melodic songs, and playful personalities. Their cheerful nature and low maintenance care requirements make them a popular choice for bird lovers.

Size: Very Small Personality: Shy Lifespan: 10-15-years Care & Maintenance: Easy, Low

Common Species

Genus: Serinus

Red Factor, Atlantic Canary, Gloster Canary, Swiss Frill Canary, Green Canary, German Roller

Origin/Habitat

Mexico and Central America to the Caribbean and South America

Colorful, Harmonious, and Captivating

Canaries are delightful pets known for their vibrant hues, melodious tunes, and charming personalities. Originating from the Canary Islands in Spain, these birds have been domesticated for centuries and come in various colors with diverse singing abilities.

In their natural habitat, Atlantic Canaries are native to Spain, specifically to the Canary, Madeira, and Azores Islands. Since they don’t migrate, they inhabit different terrains and climates on the islands. Flocks are commonly spotted in areas ranging from tall trees to sandy dunes, provided there is ample food and water.

While domestic canaries can vary in color and song ability, all canaries can be traced back to the wild Atlantic Canary. Over centuries, humans have domesticated canaries and through selective breeding, different variations have been developed. Some popular species of pet canaries include the Domestic Canary, Gloster Canary, Border Canary, American Singer Canary, and Waterslager Canary. Canaries are valued for their singing ability, color variations, and some for their unique physical characteristics like the crested Gloster Canary or the elliptical shaped Parisian Frill Canary.

Breeding canaries is a rewarding hobby for enthusiasts interested in creating specific characteristics in their canaries, such as color variations and high-quality singing abilities. It offers a chance to learn about genetics and bird behavior, making it an educational and fascinating experience for passionate bird lovers.

Whether you prefer a canary for their soothing singing or striking appearance, these birds are sure to bring joy and beauty to any home. With proper care and attention, canaries can thrive in a domestic setting, providing their owners with endless entertainment and companionship.

Physical Description

Canaries are about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length and depending on type, can vary in weight between 9 to 12 grams. The Altantic Canary found in the wild is best described as a yellow bird with brown streaks. The triangular structure of the beak allows them easy access to small seeds. Specific types of canaries can vary in color and body style due to manmade genetics and generations of selective breeding that result in variations of colour, as in the Red-factor as well as feather structure such as the Swiss Frill Canary with an elliptical body structure. Most canaries have almost all yellow feathers. Swiss Frill Canaries have a unique elliptical body structure than can be almost described as a “half-moon” as well as frilly body feathers.

Gloster canaries were developed from crested canaries by a canary breeder in Gloucestershire, UK. Gloster canaries have head crests that resemble wigs that fall down the top of the head.

The German Roller Canary, also known as the Harz Mountain Roller, was developed in Harz Mountains Germany and is known to sing with their beak closed.

Health Booklet

Keeping track of bird health by recording their growth, development, behavior and environment in a booklet can help ensure that your companion parrot will be healthy and happy for many years to come.

View Health Booklet

Sex

To determine the sex of most canaries requires a bit of experience, but many canary specialists can visually determine the sex a canary by examining the vent area. During non-breeding season (summer) the vent of a male is usually visually larger and protrudes a bit from the body, whereas the female vent will be smaller. Observed behaviours can also be used to determine the sex of an adult canary as males will vocalize with a strong complete song to impress the female, whereas females will only sing small fragmented song sounds. Also, female canaries will show an increase of nest building activities in preparation of a nest. An avian veterinarian can also be of assistance in determining the sex of a canary.

Personality Traits & Behaviours

Pet canaries are known for their lively and cheerful personalities. Canaries can be a bit shy and timid, yet love being rewarded with their favorite treats. They are mostly active during daylight hours.

Noise Level/Speech/Song

Canaries do not imitate sounds but are known for melodious songs and twitter sounds.

Intelligence & Learning

While canaries are not usually willing to set on a person’s hand, they do learn and react to family members with a cheerful twitter or song.

Threats/Conservation

In the wild, the Atlantic Canary as a nominate species to the better-known domestic types of canaries kept as pets is of least concern.

Relationship with humans

Canaries can be a bit shy and timid and do not like to be handled compared to a larger “parrot” type bird, but they may enjoy the coming and goings of a family setting. Canaries, due to their quiet nature, are perfect for apartment dwellers.

Care

Housing/Cage Placement

The general rule of thumb when buying a bird cage is to buy the largest cage you can afford. For optimum health and safety, the cage should be at least two and a half times the width of the birds’ wingspan in all directions. Cage bar spacing should be less than ½ inch (1.27 cm) so that your bird could not stick their head through, and their tail feathers should not be able to touch the bars when they are perched comfortably. A rectangular cage that offers horizontal space for flying as opposed to height is recommended.

A rectangular cage with horizontal bars in which your bird has plenty of room to climb and play is the best environment for your parrot. Your parrot will be happiest in a well-ventilated room with as much natural light as possible, yet away from direct sunlight and drafts. Your bird will want to be part of the action but not right in the middle of it. Avoid placing your bird’s cage in the kitchen as there are many hazards including vapors from heated PTFE coated pans (PTFE is better known as Teflon^TM), hot stoves, pots of boiling water, and cooking fumes all of which can be very harmful to your bird. The cage and accessories should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected weekly. Make sure your bird stays healthy by providing them with fresh food and water every day. Don’t forget to wash their dishes daily!

Time out of the cage every day for socialization and exercise is important. Parrots enjoy supervised activities on a play gym loaded with their favorite toys and enrichment food.

Make sure they do not have access to open doors or windows, toilets with the lid up, hot stoves, moving ceiling fans or large panes of glass. It’s also a good idea to ensure he does not chew on or ingest anything unsafe such as treated or painted wood or unsafe house plants. Do not keep your bird in a room where sprays such as perfume, hair spray, air fresheners or aerosol sprays are used frequently. For the safety of your beloved parrot, we advise against leaving them unattended with other pets like dogs, cats, or ferrets.

Diet/Nutrition

Canaries are predominantly seed eaters, but can be fed a high quality extruded formulated morsel such as Tropican Egg Granule Our philosophy is to provide canaries a high-quality extruded diet such as Tropican Egg Granule as the base diet and to supplement with other healthy enrichment foods to provide variety. Just like people, canaries love a bit of variety. While a pelleted bird food can make up a large part of the diet, Gourmet seeds Mix for Canaries, HARI Spray Millet, and mixtures of dried fruits, vegetables, and enrichment diet such as Tropimix Egg Food are also important for the variety and nutritional benefits they provide. Canaries should also be offered a source of calcium with either Prime Vitamins sprinkled on moistened food or HARI Mineral Blocks. Sensible, healthy table foods such as hard-boiled eggs, multi-grain toast, or unsalted crackers can be given in small amounts as treats. Be sure not to feed your canary any unhealthy people foods. Foods such as chocolate, salty foods, and those containing caffeine and alcohol are all unsafe for birds. And always provide plenty of fresh, clean drinking water.

Sleep

Many bird owners will cover the bird cage at night to help block out extra light and to provide a setting of security. A cover can also keep the cage warmer (for those living in colder climates).

HARI recommends that a bird’s night or sleep cage be equipped with a comfortable perch placed in the highest level possible to offer security and to keep the bird’s feet healthy. If a bird suffers from night terrors or a cage cover is not used, we recommend an infrared basking light or small night light in the room. Canaries require 9-10 of uninterrupted sleep for health.

Perches

Improperly sized or dirty perches contribute to Pododermatitis or Bumblefoot. Offer your bird at least three types of perches appropriately sized for their feet: cotton or sisal rope; natural wood perches – with a variety of diameter. Make sure the perches are the right size for your bird’s feet. You should add natural branches to the cage to supplement the standard perches. Fresh branches are great for perching and chewing – try willow, alder, ash, birch, or apple. Just remove the leaves and replace every 4-6 weeks.

Keep perches clean and if you use cotton or sisal rope, check often for signs of loose strands. Often perches will need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. If a grooming perch is utilized, please avoid placing this perch at the highest level of the cage nor place it near food and water stations.

Toys

Toys should be selected based on enrichment value and durability and be size appropriate. The toys should be rotated with new ones every week or two to prevent boredom. If you’re unsure about which toys are appropriate, be sure to check the HARI Smart Play and HARI Active Play toys for purpose and size of bird recommendation.

Training/Socialization

With patience, many Canaries do respond well to consistent positive behaviour training sessions. Since Canaries are rarely out of their cage, socialization and training might include a reinforcement of the canary’s natural behavior such as a song coupled with a desirable treat.

Bathing

Daily bathing is essential to the health of your bird. Bathing moisturizes nasal passages and feet and keeps your birds’ feathers and skin in excellent shape. Canaries will often bathe on their own if opportunity is available. If your bird is reluctant to bathe on their own, you can use a spray bottle with warm water to gently mist them. Be sure to remove seeds or pellets from the cage before misting as damp food can grow mold and bacteria. Always bathe your bird early in the day and let them dry naturally in a draft free area.

Feather/Nail Care

While trimming a canary’s flight feathers is a matter of personal choice, most canary owners will choose not to clip the wings. Your bird’s toenails will also need to be inspected and groomed on a regular basis. We recommend that you have someone experienced trim your bird’s nails & wings for you since it is very easy to clip a blood feather if you do not know what you are looking for. Please keep in mind that wing trimming is never a guarantee that your bird cannot fly; even one or two grown in feathers can result in flight ability. For this reason, never take your bird outside without a secure cage.

Household Dangers

It is important to provide canaries with a safe environment to ensure the longest lifespan. The following is a list of common household dangers: Non-stick surfaces, oven cleaner and self-cleaning ovens, cigarette smoke, paint and paint fumes, scented candles, household cleaners, floor polish, hairspray, chlorine bleach, perfume, aerosol sprays, nail polish and nail polish remover fumes and ingesting harmful or toxic house plants. It’s important to make sure everyone in the household is aware of food and other products in the home that are potentially toxic to canaries, such as avocados, chocolate, coffee beans, onions, salt, and fruit seeds or pits. Ceiling fans, cupboards, blinds, and open doors and windows can also pose a risk as your pet may fly into, get trapped or simply fly away.

Vet Care

Birds often hide signs of illness so take note of any subtle changes in your bird’s health or behaviour. Canaries should see a veterinarian once a year for a thorough evaluation and preventive health care plan. Some vets treat birds and/or exotic pet species exclusively (avian vet / exotic vet). There are some clinics that can perform routine bird appointments but will refer you to a certified avian veterinarian for more involved cases. An avian veterinarian is a valuable resource for advice concerning appropriate health care for your bird.

Availability in the Pet Market

Most canaries can be purchased from an avian specialty shop or pet dealer, as well from a reputable breeder. Online rescues and adoption organizations are also an option.

Some conures species will hybridize that result in beautiful colors such as a “Sunday”, a cross between a Jenday and a Sun Conure.

Aviculture

Breeding Habits

In the wild, the Atlantic Canary will nest from January to July and perhaps even raise multiple clutches of 4-5 babies during this time. Domestic Canaries usually start breeding as young as 9 months of age in January provided the nutritional requirements and nest set up are optimal. Eggs are incubated 13-14 days with fledglings leaving the nest after 14-21 days.

Hatchling to Fledgling

Most aviculturists that cater to the pet bird trade prefer to have the parent birds raise the babies until they are fledged. Breeding canaries should be in optimal health and require proper nutrition to meet the needs of the “expectant” parents and the nestlings. Tropican Egg Granules and Tropimix Egg Food are excellent choices as well as vegetables and fruits high in beta carotenes to meet the nutritional needs of breeding birds. Adding Prime Vitamins to the diet is also beneficial for breeding pairs on a predominate seed-based diet.