Canary & Finch Care Guide

Canaries are undoubtedly the most popular of all small birds and, having been kept and bred for their appearance and song for many centuries, have mutated through selective breeding from their original yellow-green colour to the most vivid yellows and oranges.

Neither canaries nor finches enjoy being removed from the cage or otherwise handled; these are birds for those who aren't necessarily looking for a tame pet.
Choosing a Bird

When viewing canaries and finches it's important to recognise that a newcomer's presence will often startle them, making them appear livelier than they perhaps are. For this reason, allow at least a few minutes for the birds to settle before deciding on an individual.

Because pet shop assistants rarely have enough knowledge of the different species, it's recommended you purchase canaries and finches from a breeder who will be able to give you information regarding the care of the species you've chosen.

Zebra and society finches are generally recommended to novices as they're the easiest to keep and are, in comparison with canaries with their loud song voices, quiet and unobtrusive birds.
The Cage

Red CanaryAll canaries and finches should preferably have 2 square feet of floor space per bird with the height being proportional to the width and length of the cage.

If keeping a single canary, a cage of minimum 24" long by 28" wide and 18" high should be used. Groups of finches will need larger cages with the size depending on the number of birds kept. A breeder or avian veterinarian will help you decide on the minimum required size.

Plain rounded wooden perches of the kind generally provided with cages are not a good option; use natural hardwood twigs in different lengths and thicknesses and that are free from pesticides instead.

Food and water dishes should be easy to clean and never placed directly below perches. In order to encourage the birds to exercise, place the food and water dishes at opposite ends of the cage.

Toys aren't necessary and often restrict natural movement and flight.

Finches should never be housed alone but mixed with other, compatible finches. Never house finches with parrots as the latter may harm them. If a large number of finches are kept together, be aware that a dominant bird will often harass the more submissive birds and may need moving to a quieter environment.

Hygiene is important so the cage and its contents should be cleaned once a week and thoroughly disinfected once monthly.
Feeding Your Bird

Canary and finch seed mixes can be purchased in the shop section here. These make an adequate basis for your bird's diet although optional boiled egg offered twice weekly would provide extra protein that your bird will benefit from. Crush and mix the eggs, shell included, and offer about a teaspoon of the mixture per bird. Remove any remaining egg after approximately 4-5 hours. Commercial egg mixes are also available.

Gouldian FinchCanaries and some finches also welcome chopped raw fruit and vegetables.

Hanging a millet spray from the roof of the cage encourages birds to exercise in order to reach it and will also keep their minds occupied.

A calcium supplement is necessary for all canaries and finches and is best offered as a cuttlebone attached to the cage.
Additional Information

Finches and canaries are relatively short lived birds and because they're difficult to save once ill it's important they're given regular visits to a specialist avian veterinarian.

Canaries and finches need full-spectrum lighting and should be kept close to a window that can be opened in order to allow natural sunlight in. Lack of proper lighting can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which again leads to unhealthy bones. If it isn't possible to light the cage with natural sunlight, use full spectrum bulbs.

If they're slowly acclimatised to the temperature of the room, canaries and finches can tolerate temperatures almost down to zero and as high as 32 degrees centigrade. In general, if you're comfortable then the temperature is adequate for your birds.

PetClub UK is a one stop shop for pet lovers, packed with useful tools and resources in a vibrant and interactive environment.
Click here to visit PetClub UK