Canary

The Canary (Serinus canaria domestica) is a small, vibrant songbird originating from the Canary Islands. These 4-5 inch birds are prized for their melodious songs (especially males) and bright plumage in colors ranging from classic yellow to striking red. With a lifespan of 7-10 years (up to 15 with excellent care), canaries are relatively low-maintenance but require proper diet and housing. Unlike parrots, they’re less interactive but fill homes with beautiful music.

ESSENTIAL FACTS
Scientific Name Serinus canaria domestica
Size/Weight 10-12 cm (4-5 in) | 15-20g
Lifespan 7-10 years (up to 15)
Native Habitat Canary Islands (domesticated)
IDENTIFICATION
Male Vibrant singers, longer tail feathers
Female Quiet chirps, less colorful
Color Varieties Yellow, orange, white, red, variegated
DIET
Base Diet 70% canary seed mix, 30% vegetables
Favorite Foods Spinach, broccoli, grated carrot
Avoid Avocado, chocolate, salty foods
HOUSING
Cage Size Minimum 18″W × 14″D × 18″H
Essential Features Horizontal bars (for flying), bath dish
Toys Swings, mirrors, small bells
BEHAVIOR
Vocalization Males: complex songs; Females: chirps
Social Needs Solitary (can be territorial)
Activity Diurnal; enjoy flying horizontally
Canary care guide and products

🐤 Canary Care Guide

Daily, weekly, and monthly care for your songbird

🌞 DAILY CARE
Task Details Portion/Time
Seed Mix High-quality canary seed blend 1.5-2 teaspoons
Fresh Greens Chopped vegetables 1 teaspoon (kale, spinach)
Water Change Fresh filtered water 2x daily (AM/PM)
Cage Cleaning Remove droppings, food debris Quick clean each evening

📅 WEEKLY CARE
Task Details Frequency
Full Cage Clean Disinfect trays and perches 1x week
Bathing Offer shallow water dish 2-3x week
Egg Food Protein supplement 2x week (breeding season)
Perch Rotation Change positions for foot health 1x week

🗓️ MONTHLY CARE
Task Details Frequency
Cage Disinfection Complete tear-down cleaning 1x month
Nail Check Trim if overgrown 1x month
Diet Review Adjust portions if needed 1x month
New Cuttlebone Replace calcium source 1x month

🍂 SEASONAL CARE

  • Molting (Aug-Oct): Increase protein (egg food daily)
  • Breeding (Spring): Provide nesting materials
  • Winter: Ensure room temperature remains stable
  • Summer: Avoid direct sunlight on cage

💡 Canary Care Tips

  • Singing: Males sing most – ensure 10-12 hours daylight
  • Stress Reduction: Avoid sudden movements/loud noises
  • Health Signs: Watch for fluffed feathers or changes in song
  • Cage Position: Place at eye level in active family area