Canary OK with Natural Light?

[FinchLady]

Had previously considered getting a single Canary but was put off by lighting requirement posts. Is it possible to keep a single pet Canary healthy with natural lighting? Our Grandmother's generation kept Canaries as pets without special lighting. Their care was the same as other finches. Is this viable for a single indoor pet bird?

[Dave]

Canaries don't need special lighting. What they do need is to not see artificial light when it is dark outside. They need the same day length as outside.

I've wondered about Canary keeping over the last 500 years. Artificial light has been around for less than 100 of those years. Room lighting at night, in the 1800's for instance, was so dim that it wouldn't affect a Canary in the same room.

Room lighting now is bright enough to throw the birds out of balance. All that's required is for the bird's area to be mostly dark when it is dark outside. And mostly light when it is light outside.

[FinchLady]

So, simply covering and uncovering the cage will suffice? That's doable for a certain retired lady who doesn't want high maintenance pets at this stage of her life. (Doesn't that sound more noble than getting old and lazy?) lol

[FinchLady]

Do Canaries need a nightlight like other finches?

[Dave]

FinchLady, I give my Canaries a night light.

Covering and uncovering works. In fact, you can uncover the cage when you go to bed (lights out). That way, if you sleep later than dawn the bird can see light through the window.

[Babs _Owner]

FinchLady Dave

I've been contemplating a canary as well (male for the song) and I've put it off due to the same thing.

If I can talk Bill into it, I just might go for it now.

[FinchLady]

Babs: I'm also trying to talk my husband into getting a canary.....or Societies....or Budgies.....or (.........). If you come up with a winning argument, let me know. LOL

[Babs _Owner]

FinchLady

Okay let's huddle.

I use the "honey, I would sooooo enjoy the sound of.." And I show him videos of the birds and do stupid , awkward cheerleading pom pom dances in my chair while he watches the videos. And I squeal like a schoolgirl. (awkward silence from the rest of y'all)

For some weird reason it works. Swear. The truth. hahaha

[Babs _Owner]

Babs _Owner

Thats how I went from one little cage of societies to two entire rooms of flights.

Almost forgot.......pouting. A day or two of it, and he gives in. (damn I am immature, but I am honest)

GO FOR IT!

[FinchLady]

Babs: LOL Already planning my pompom moves and practicing first-class pouts. He will be absolutely stunned. Or at least think I'm slipping into dementia...at which time I will point out 'birds' are used in Senior homes as therapy....yes, yes, this might work.

[FinchLady]

Just listened to several Canary songs on my laptop in our office while my husband was working at his desk. ('Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize I had my volume turned up that high")....Operation Sweet Tweets is underway... HaHa