How To Care For Your
New Canary
by Albert Montanaro
Your bird must have three seperate dishes available at all times. These dishes should contain food, water and grit.Place these items next to perches so that the bird can easily reach them.The CUTTLEBONE (placed so the bird can get at the soft side) is also a necessity.Make sure your pet bird is getting fresh food.Boxed bird seed sometimes becomes stale after sitting on the shelf for long periods of time.Bird seed that is bought in bulk qualities is freshest, stored in quart jars.If you must buy pre-packaged seed be very choosey, as some boxed seeds often cause diarrhea and feather loss.Your bird must never be without food.Be sure the food dish has actual seed in it and not just empty hulls.Give your bird fresh water every day.Your bird cannot live without either for even a short period of time. Birds require grit to digest food.Place the grit in a dish off the floor. Sandpaper perch covers and sanded cage paper cannot be substituted for grit, and should NEVER be used.Birds are on their feet both day and night and should not be subjected to standing on such a rough surface. You should supply your bird with a beak conditioner-cuttle bone, for your canary.Occassionally replace it with a new, fresh one because it loses that "fishy" smell in time - indicating it has gone stale.
ILLNESSES
A sick bird is usually quite easy to recognize. It sits low on it's perch with fluffed feathers( in an attemp to keep warm). It may appear to be dozing(eyes closed), breathe abnormally, sneeze or cough. The first step in treating the bird is to warm it up. Place a heating pad on a low setting, against the cage.Cover the cage on three sides with a blanket or several bath towels.Next you will need to phone the breeder or pet shop for medication.
If your canary should show signs of diarrhea, treat him by placing a few drops of Kaopectate on the side of his beak several times a day.You do this slowly, allowing time for each drop to roll into his beak by itself- don't pry open the beak. This should solve the problem within a couple of days.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS
Use common sense when letting your pet bird out of it's cage. Close all curtains and cover large mirrors. Do not allow the bird to eat house plants.Keep the bird away from water filled containers such as fish tanks, toilets, and the kitchen sink. He cannot swim and could easily and quickly drown. Keep poisonous substances away from the bird. Never leave your bird alone when it is loose. Other questions might be answered by the breeder from whom you've bought your pet.
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Copyright
© 2002 American Singer Canary Club of Canada (ASCCC). All rights reserved. Revised: February 04, 2002