Do not buy a round or ornamental cage. These do not provide enough space for the canary to fly properly. Pick a metal cage made out of iron or powder-coated steel. [1] X Research source
A living or family room, home office, or dining room may be good places. Do not put the cage in the kitchen. Do not use any sprays, air fresheners, furniture polish, scented candles, cigarettes, or other fragrances in the same room as the cage. Do not place the cage on the ground. It should be at least eye level.
Avoid using cat litter or wood shavings as cage liner.
Tree branches make for great perches. Place the perches about 16 inches (41 cm) apart in the cage. Place them at opposite ends of the cage to maximize their room to fly. [3] X Research source
Some good vegetables and fruits for the canary include kale, apples, broccoli, grapes, dandelion, oranges, bananas, peas, and melons. Attach both a cuttlefish bone and an avian mineral block to the side of the cage. Your canary will slowly eat away at these for calcium and minerals. Never feed your canary avocado as it is toxic to birds.
The cage liner and dishes should be washed every day.
Common signs of sickness include fluffed, ruffled, or thinning feathers, inactivity, discolored feces, discharge around the eyes or beak, or squinting. To find a local avian vet, you can use the database at the Association of Avian Vets.
Close all doors and windows before releasing your canary. All windows and mirrors should be covered so that the canary does not fly into them. Make sure to turn off all ceiling fans before letting the canary loose.
While rare, sometimes female canaries can learn to sing too. Typically, however, females only chirp.
