The right pet for you?
Budgies and canaries are colourful and friendly companions that need to live with other birds in a large aviary. This can be expensive to build or buy and needs regular cleaning, for health reasons.

What do budgies and canaries need?

• Companionship - to be with other budgies or canaries and to have human company.
• A balanced diet of bird food, seed shaken through a fine sieve to get rid of dust, and regular treats like fresh washed lettuce, carrots and apple.
• A constant supply of fresh, clean water.
• A large aviary, safe from predators and with sleeping areas or nesting boxes to give protection from cold, wind and direct sunlight.
• Daily exercise. There must be plenty of space for flying in the aviary.
• Lots of wooden perches for sleeping on. Budgies like to perch high up and all at the same level, while canaries need bark-covered twigs to perch on.
• Branches, toys and vegetation in the aviary to create an interesting environment.
• Clean water for bathing.
• Grit to help digestion.
• A cuttlefish bone to peck at.
• The aviary to be cleaned regularly.
• To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.
• To be looked after when you are on holiday.

Life span
Budgies can live for up to 10 years, canaries for five to six years.

Behaviour
In the wild, budgies and canaries live in large groups so it is unkind to have just one bird. Get a pair or a group of male or female birds at the same time to avoid jealousy. Canaries and budgies should not be kept in the same aviary as canaries are smaller and may be bullied. All captive birds need a stimulating environment and space to fly around.

Handling
Budgies can be trained to land on your finger and can be handled quite frequently without stress. Canaries should be handled as little as possible. To pick up a bird, place one hand over its back. The tail should lie along the inside of your wrist and the head should rest between the first and second fingers, while the thumb and other fingers restrain the wings. Relax your fingers to make your grip as gentle as possible - never squeeze the bird.

Breeding
The RSPCA advises that you do not breed from budgies or canaries as it is very difficult to find good homes for the young. The best way is to keep males and females apart. Female budgies come into season from early spring until autumn, and will lay up to six eggs in one clutch. Only breed if you are able to provide or find good homes for any offspring.

Health
If your budgie or canary is huddled on its perch, wheezing and gasping for breath, it may have an infection that could lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Keep the bird warm and seek veterinary advice straight away.

Budgies may suffer from an overgrown beak or claws. The beak can usually be kept in trim by pecking at a cuttlefish bone, but it may need to be trimmed by a vet. Claws can be kept short by providing perches with a rough or bark-covered surface. If they need clipping, a vet should do this.

Budgies may develop a contagious condition called scaly face, a grey crust that spreads around the beak and face. It is caused by a tiny parasite and can be treated by your vet.

Canaries may suffer from digestive disorders, causing listlessness, sleepiness and loss of appetite. If a canary has constipation, diarrhoea or blood in its droppings, keep it away from the others, make sure it is warm and seek veterinary advice straight away.

Feather plucking can be a sign of boredom or stress. Make sure your budgie or canary has suitable companions, lots of room to fly and plenty of interesting toys and perches.

Download a print-friendly care sheet: 

 

Budgies care sheet