Many people keep canaries (Serinus canaria) as pet birds, as they make beautiful and cheerful companions. Giving a canary a good diet is a fundamental part of its care, as it directly affects the quality of its plumage, its health and its desire to sing.
Taking care of your pet's diet is one of your main responsibilities as an owner. In order to help you, this AnimalWised article will discuss food and nutritional supplements for canaries so that you can provide the best care. Keep reading to discover what is the best diet for a canary.
What is the best feed for canaries?
Canaries are granivorous animals, which means that in the wild they feed on the grains and various seeds they can find in their habitat. Of course, this applies only to adult canaries, as hatchlings and chicks must be fed with egg food; in order to control its ingredients, we recommend making egg food for canaries yourself.
There are different types of bird feed mixtures available in pet shops, although they all vary in quality and combination. We recommend you look for products that are vacuum packed to ensure freshness and nutritional value.
Professionals and amateurs often create their own bird feed mixes and look for separate high-quality seeds. The best grains and seeds for canaries include:
- Canary grass
- Flax or linseed
- Radish seeds
- Endive seeds
- Lettuce seeds
- Niger seed
- Oats
- Hempseed
Additionally, incorporating a small amount of millet can be beneficial as it is a favorite among many birds, providing both energy and essential nutrients.
What are the best vegetables and fruits for canaries?
Fresh vegetables and fruits are vital for any bird as they provide a lot of vitamins, which directly affects their vitality and overall well-being. These natural foods are essential for maintaining a balanced diet.
You can feed your canary fruits and vegetables 3 to 5 days a week, the more varied the better. Among the best fruits and veggies for canaries you can find:
- Lamb's lettuce
- Endive
- Rocket
- Carrot
- Apple
- Cucumber
It should be noted that introducing small amounts of broccoli and spinach can offer additional vitamins and minerals. However, always ensure these are served fresh and washed thoroughly to remove pesticides or chemicals.
Calcium for canaries
You need to add calcium to a canary's diet, especially during the breeding season. It is also necessary in other stages of life such as molting and growing. If you want to learn more about the specific care for these birds, take a look at our article on caring for a molting canary.
There are different ways of offering calcium supplements to pet birds. One of them are store-bought calcium stones; however, the best products are definitely cuttlebone and crushed oyster shells.
Your pet canary should always be able to access these natural sources of calcium, as they reinforce its nutritional needs and they are fantastic to sharpen their beak. These products are very common and can be found in any pet store.
Although whether it is necessary or not is now a source of debate, many people recommend mixing grit - that is, oyster shells, cuttlebone and limestone crushed into dust - with the bird seed and the bottom of the cage, as it is said to help canaries digest grain. Be it true or not, what is certain is that grit is also a source of calcium, so it can't hurt. Additionally, providing your canary with a variety of perches of different textures can help in naturally wearing down their beak.
Branches, sprigs and ears
Another great way to feed your canary and at the same time entertain it is to give it branches, sprigs and ears of grain and sticks with different seeds and fruits. These not only serve as food but also as enrichment tools that stimulate natural foraging behaviors.
You can put these into the cage by using brackets so that they stay firmly in place. They are a great nutritional supplement for your bird, and they will motivate it to exercise. These seed sticks also make canaries feed in a more natural way, similar to what they would do in the wild.
You can find this product in the usual pet shops, but for more variety you should go to centers specialized in exotic animals. Additionally, these can be supplemented with dried herbs such as dandelion and chamomile, known for their calming properties and potential health benefits.
How much water do canaries need?
Water is essential for all animals, including canaries. Your pet canary must always have a bowl of fresh, clean water at hand to stay healthy, nourished and well-hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for their physiological processes and overall vitality.
You can also add a small pool or container in the cage so your canary can wash. This is very beneficial for the quality of a bird's feathers and to prevent the parasites from appearing. And, of course, it is also a very fun activity for them. Regular bathing not only promotes feather health but also encourages natural behaviors associated with grooming.
What is the best food for nestling canaries?
Nestling food and formula are very beneficial products for canaries, both for young chicks and their mother, who also needs extra nutrition. Nestling food usually contains egg, cereals and calcium, which help keep the canary chicks healthy and without any nutritional deficiencies.
However, nestling food is not only meant for growing canaries. This nutritious mixture food is also fantastic to give to your canaries once in a while at any stage of their lives. In fact, many canary breeders prepare this kind of nestling food themselves.
Furthermore, incorporating small quantities of boiled egg and finely chopped vegetables can further enhance the nutritional profile of the nestling diet, providing a comprehensive range of nutrients essential for growth and development.
What supplements and vitamins do canaries need?
We will finish this article with a section dedicated to nutritional supplements that you should only give a canary occasionally. Everything mentioned above will provide your canary with a healthy, varied and rich diet, enough for it to be well fed.
However, people sometimes want to provide their pet canaries extra vitamins, omega-3, omega-6 and other supplements to improve the quality of their feathers. These supplements can support skin and feather health, promoting a vibrant and well-maintained appearance.
In this respect, it is important that you get advice from an expert. Some of these products contain antibiotics and other compounds that, in the long term, could eventually cause harm to your canary. Consulting with an avian veterinarian can help ensure that any supplements used are appropriate and safe for your bird.
If you want to read similar articles to What is the Best Diet for a Canary?, we recommend you visit our Healthy diets category.