How to care for a canary?
Canaries - these are birds of the genus of canary finches. Canaries are appreciated for their wonderful singing, they are kept and divorced in captivity since the Middle Ages. Canaries live from 15 to 18 years old, and feel good in captivity if they are provided with sufficient conditions for their existence. If you decide to have a canary, then you will find useful tips for caring for this little songbird.
The first thing to take care of is cell or an aviary for a canary. Cells are usually made of hard wood or metal. The most common form of cells is rectangular. The cage should be sufficiently loose that the canary can move freely in it and fly. The length of the cell should be at least 30-35 cm, width - 20-22 cm, height - 27-29 cm. The distance between the rods of the cell should not exceed 1.2-1.4 cm.
The bottom of the cell is usually made double,retractable. Then the cell will be easier to clean. The cage should have several perches with a diameter of not more than 1.5 cm. The surface of the perches is roughened so that the bird does not slip. Place the perches at a distance sufficient for the bird to move freely around them. For one canary, 2-3 perches are needed.
Also in the cage for canaries should be located drinking bowl, feeder, swimsuit. It is desirable to make these elements retractable,To deliver as little as possible to the canary. Water should be changed frequently in a tumbler so that it always remains fresh. The feeder should be divided into three parts or you can purchase three separate feeders. This is necessary for three different types of feed: grain, soft and mineral top dressing. The bathing should be fixed on the outside of the cell door, so that water does not get inside the cell. The bath should be cleaned after each bath. Wash the bathing every day. The optimum temperature of water for bathing canaries is room.
Place the cell in well lit place, avoiding drafts and direct sunlight. You can not put the cage in a dark corner. A canary can be let out to fly around the room, but it is necessary to carefully monitor the safety of the bird. Take other pets from the room where the canary flies, remove all sharp or hot objects, close all windows and doors.
TO cleaning the cageand you need to approach carefully. At least 2 times a week, you should clean the cell tray, feeders and drinking bowls, perches. To do this, remove all the inventory of the cage and rinse it with hot water. After scalding and disinfection with a solution of chlorophos or chamomile solution, the cell and its contents. After disinfection, wash it again, then dry it. A clean pallet can be covered with white paper, which should be changed every 2-3 days, or clean dry river sand mixed with chopped eggshell. Such bedding will serve as a mineral dressing for the canary.
Feed the Canary can be daily, filling in 1-2 teaspoonsfeed, or once every 2-3 days, but pouring 2-4 spoons. Feed the canaries with a special ready-made mixture that must be constantly in the trough (1.5 teaspoons per day) and once or twice a week give the birds protein food, for example, a boiled egg or low-fat cottage cheese. 2-3 times a week canaries are fed with grated apple or carrots as vitamin supplements.
To ensure full development of your canary, you should take care of the duration daylight. Therefore, in winter, when a natural light dayshort, you can install additional lighting near the cage. If you do not want to wake up early in the morning, cover the cage for the night with a piece of dark cloth.
It is necessary to carefully monitor the state ofhealth of your singer friend. A healthy canary should have a good appetite and a dream, a bright plumage. A healthy canary is active and sings. Be sure to contact a veterinarian in case of canary disease. He will examine the bird and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Take care of your canary and she will delight you for a long time with her wonderful singing!
