Canaries are bright and alert pets that bring their owners much joy. But before you bring your new songbird home, make sure you have everything you need. Find out more with our checklist.
Housing
A good-sized cage
While budgies are likely to climb around their cages using their beaks, canaries aren’t able to because their beak is a different shape. They need a roomy space so they can move around from perch to perch.
A cage cover
If your home tends to get a little draughty, a cage cover is a good idea. It’ll make your canary’s home cosy and warm and they’ll be able to enjoy a good night’s rest.
Bird bath
Choose a bird bath so your pet can keep themselves clean – they’re likely to take well to water. You can find plastic options that clip onto the side of the cage.
Cage liners
Keep your canary’s home spick and span with cage liners that can be easily removed.
Cleaning pad
Choosing a good cleaning pad will help you keep your canary’s cage in good shape. You can use it to scrub the sides and bottom of the cage so make sure its texture will be able to cut through any dried mess.
Nutrition
Food and water dishes
Depending on the height of your cage, it’s a good idea to have dishes at the top and bottom to ensure your pet is able to access their food and water at all times. A plastic tube water feeder is ideal for a canary.
Seed or pelleted food
Find a high-quality food specifically formulated for your canary to give them the best start in life and keep them healthy.
Millet spray
Canaries enjoy eating from a long branch of millet. You can find differing varieties of this seed at your local Petbarn store.
Vitamin supplement
Talk to your local Greencross Vets team or Petbarn staff member about supplements that your canary will need.
Cuttlefish or mineral block
Help your canary get a good dose of minerals with a block. Cuttlefish will also help them keep their beak in top shape and add to their calcium intake.
Egg-based conditioning food
Talk to a Petbarn team member about the importance of this element in a canary’s diet.
Treats
You can find all sorts of treats for your canary, including millet sprays, but just be sure that treats only make up 10 per cent of their diet.
Health
Grooming spray
Your canary should take to their bird bath like a natural, but if they’re hesitant, don’t be afraid to groom them with specialist sprays.
Wormers
Talk to your vet about the best one for your pet, but using a syrup that is added to their water works well for most canaries.
Parasite powder
Canaries can contract mites or lice, so your best bet is to have a treatment powder ready. Talk to your local Greencross Vets team to find out more and get the best treatment for your canary.
Toys
A variety of toys
Canaries are not as playful as budgies or cockatiels, but there are still toys that will take their fancy. They enjoy toys such as leather strips that they can use their beaks to play with.
Perches and swings
Canaries love a perch and it’s good to include lots of options in their aviary. You might like to find a good branch that can rest along the full width of the cage. Note: Don’t place their food or water bowls under a perch or swing as they could get messy.
Talk to a friendly Petbarn team member for more advice on caring for your canary.