The feeding the canary or the serinus canaria is a fundamental part of its care that will have a direct impact on the quality of its plumage, its he alth and the desire that this has to sing. It is very important to take care of a pet's diet.
In this article on our site we will deal in depth with food and accessories for canaries, so that you know what is most important and offer them the best care. Read on to find out all about canary feeding.
Mixture for canaries
Canaries are granivorous animals, they feed on grains and various seeds that they find in their habitat.
On the market we can see that there are different types of ready-made mixtures, although they all vary in terms of quality. It will depend on the producer whether the product is more or less suitable. We recommend that you look for those products that come vacuum packed.
Professionals and hobbyists often create their own mixes Looking for high-quality seeds separately:
- Birdseed
- Nablina
- Flax
- Radish Seeds
- Endive Seeds
- Lettuce Seeds
- Negrillo
- Peeled oatmeal
- Hemp
Vegetables and fresh fruit
This type of food is essential for any bird because in this way they receive a large quantity of vitamins, which directly affects their your vitality.
You can give them between 3 and 5 days a week, the more you vary the better. Among the fruits and vegetables that you can offer them you will find:
- Canons
- Endive
- Arugula
- Carrot
- Apple
- Cucumber
Calcium
Especially during the breeding season it is extremely necessary to provide calcium to the canary's diet, although it is also necessary in other stages of its life such as molting or growth.
For this you will find calcium stones although the most recommended products are undoubtedly cuttlefish bone and ground oyster shells. They must always be available for your bird, this reinforces its food needs and is also a fantastic tool to sharpen the beak. These products are very common and you will find them in any pet store.
Grit
Especially during the breeding season it is extremely necessary to provide calcium to the canary's diet, although it is also necessary in other stages of its life such as molting or growth.
For this you will find calcium stones although the most recommended products are undoubtedly cuttlefish bone and ground oyster shells. They must always be available for your bird, this reinforces its food needs and is also a fantastic tool to sharpen the beak. These products are very common and you will find them in any pet store.
Branches and spikes
Another fantastic way to feed your bird while entertaining it is by providing natural branches or spikes with different seeds either from millet, fruits, flowers…
You can place them in the cage using zip ties to make them firm and secure. It is a great complement because it motivates your birds to get food in a more natural way and similar to what they would do in the wild.
You will find this product in regular pet stores, although to find a variety you will have to go to centers specializing in exotics.
Water
Water is essential for birds. Provide a drinker with fresh, clean water daily so that they are well nourished.
In addition, you can get a small pool or a container for them to wash themselves, something very beneficial for the quality of the plumage, to avoid the appearance of parasites and for entertainment.
Raising paste
The breeding paste is a very beneficial product for canaries to raise the chicks and provide the mother with extra nutrition. They usually contain eggs, cereals and calcium, foods that will help you stay he althy and without deficiencies.
Although it is not only used for this, breeding paste is also a fantastic food to offer our canaries from time to time. For this reason, many breeders get used to making these breeding pastes themselves at home.
Supplements and vitamins
Finally we will end with a section dedicated to occasional foods that we should only offer from time to time. All of the aforementioned provides our canary with a he althy, varied and rich diet, enough to be well fed.
Still, many people sometimes want to offer them vitamin supplements, omega 3/omega 6 or other supplements that improve the quality of the plumage.
It is important that in this aspect you let yourself be advised by an expert because sometimes there are products that contain antibiotics or other compositions that, in the long run, could cause more harm than good in the animal.
