Budgies and canaries

Tips and tricks for keeping budgies and canaries

Budgies and canaries are popular pets around the world as they are simple to care for and are great for apartment living or families on a budget. Canaries can bring you hours of joy with their singing and chirping. Budgies can be trained to talk, sit on your finger and do other tricks.

Both budgies and canaries come in many different, bright colourings. It is more common to keep male birds than females, as they are the ones that sing and can be trained to talk.

Caring for your bird

Birds value space to be able to fly around which is their natural behaviour in the wild. A well protected aviary is the best home, but most budgies and canaries are kept in indoor cages. The bigger the cage you purchase for your bird the better. Make sure the cage is placed in an area with sunlight throughout the day and in a place out of a cold draught.

Place perches and toys such as mirrors and ladders in the cage for your bird to play with as entertainment.

It’s important to keep on top of cleaning your birdcage. Most are designed with a tray that you can slide out of the bottom of the cage, which makes it easy to wipe down and replace.

Training your bird

Handling

Firstly, being able to handle your bird is an important step to learn, especially if they need to be taken to the vet. Obviously your vet needs to be able to hold your bird comfortably to treat it. Start off by placing your hand in your bird’s cage. It is natural for them to fly around in fright at first. Once they begin to get used to your hand, start to move it closer towards them.

Budgies

When your budgie is calm place your index finger in front of their legs at their chest and push gently while saying the word "up". Your bird will learn to hop onto your finger. This may take a few 10 minute sessions, it is important to be patient and to not stress your pet.

Canaries

Canaries can take much longer to hand tame and placing food on your hand can help this process.

Talking

Canaries will sing and chirp, whereas some budgies are able to mimic up to 20 different words. Start when your budgie is young, if he doesn’t talk at 6 months of age he probably won’t learn. Choose one word, such as their name, or a short sentence. Every time you walk past the cage, say this word or sentence to him.

For short 10 minute stints, have your budgie sit on your finger and repeat your chosen word or sentence over and over.

Once he says what you want it to on a regular basis, choose something else for him to say. Soon you will have a little chatterbox!

Feeding your bird

A specialised seed mix is the basis for both the budgie and canary diet. Each species of bird has specific seeds that need to be included in their diet. You can easily purchase these at a pet store or supermarket.

Placing a piece of cuttlefish bone in their cage is also important as they gain important minerals. They enjoy sharpening their beaks on the cuttlefish bone as well.

Budgies and canaries also like to eat and benefit from fruits and vegetables such as apple, grapes, broccoli, spinach and peas. Fresh water should always be available. A bottle feeder can be clipped onto the side of the cage.