Colour, Charisma And More

There’s plenty going for the humble canary as a cage or aviary bird, says LARRY MANN. He explains what makes pet canaries – whether Fifes, Glosters or coloured – so popular.

- Larry Mann

CANARIES

THE canary is probably the first and most popular domesticated pet bird. At one time, nearly every home had one in a cage and it was rivalled only by the budgerigar as a pet. In fact, anyone who travels to Mediterranean countries will be pleasantly surprised by how many homes have canaries in cages hanging outside singing their hearts out.

There have been many articles on breeding show birds in cages, but many people like to keep canaries in aviaries. Being versatile, canaries will adapt to any cage or aviary size and are extremely hardy. The type of seed they eat provides enough energy to go through our long winter nights and cold weather happily in temperate parts of the country. However, a weatherproof shelter to retreat into from the outside flight is required. Heating to keep temperature above freezing and some extra light in the darkest months is also much appreciated by these birds.