FINCHforum

Hi there,
My Mum has had this canary for years. He was my Grandmother's.

I think he is male(based on his singing ?) and he must be getting older.
Basically I'm worried that hes lonely also I want to do the best for him we need advice.
I find it quite strange to see a bird in a cage and further more to see him alone.
The cage is 40x30x30cm high (15.74x11.81x11.81 inches high).
He has two perches in the middle and one up the top. He has a mirror which he often sits next to or talks to.
As the sun goes down he rubs his beak on the side of the mirror and makes chattering noises.
It has seemed to me that he looks lonely.

After reading a few website there seems to be conflicting info.

Some people say they are fine on their own and are antisocial birds but why is he always at the mirror ?
other people say to put them with other birds.

I don't want to buy another bird as he probably hasn't many years left and we would end up with another lone bird.
I have considered finding someone who would take him who has other birds but I'm not sure if thats best for him or even if someone would take an old bird.

Aside from that I would like to know if the cage is the best.
Also every time I get too close to his cage or open the door he gets quite nervous and makes this hi pitched warning like sound.
I tried to take him out of the cage one time so he could try and fly but he ended up panicking and ran into windows then just sat on the carpet for a long time looking lost and confused.

What should I do ?
thanks

I would suggest to give it away to anyone who has birds or other canaries. I'm sure it will get used to his new home and other birds.

yoko

Hi Yoko, and welcome to the Forum.

Contrary to what some people think, Canary males are quite content on their own. They are not like finches, who enjoy each others company and don't do well on their own.

If your bird is older (?) if you were to bring in another Canary, it would be asking for trouble. Another male, would be viewed as an invader to be fought off at any cost (at times to the death of the older bird). A female, may be looked upon as a potential mate, or an Interloper, depending on your bird's personality. If you're not thinking of breeding, this is not the best idea either.

Regarding free flight, if your bird is not used to it, then he definitely would panic. You're lucky, that he didn't end up with a broken neck or internal injuries.

Regarding a cage (that's an area where you can definitely improve the situation) I would offer a larger cage, with some room for flight (30' length 18' width 18' height ) is a decent size. In a cage that size, you can place several branches as perches (better than dowels) and his favourite mirror. You could also add some fake plants , like vines etc. to keep him entertained and to make his environment more natural and pleasing.

If you have any questions regarding diet, please feel free to ask.

As to your bird being flighty or nervous, if you and your Mom spend time close to him and talk to him on a daily basis, the nervousness will lessen in time. Canaries, are intelligent birds and will bond with their person and respond to them.

Please let me know how things are going, or if you have anymore questions.

Best wishes.

~Elana~

Absolutely agree with everything Elana said
best of luck

yoko welcome to the forum! There is lots of reading at the www.finchinfo.com website where you can learn more about finch/canaries!

I would consider investing in a larger cage for him, as Elana said.

I completely agree with Elana too...the only changes I would definitely make is investing in a larger cage.

Awwww thanks people. such a warm welcome.
OAvila1986 , thank you I will consider that.
Elana,thanks so much for taking the time to write such a lengthy post. I will definitely take on board what you have said if we end up keeping him longer.
delray, thanks for your valuable input and ill check the website.
Ginene and debbie276 thanks to you guys as well.

I am still tossing up if I should give him away or not. we have had him a while and he is used to it here ,if I keep him I will definitely be getting a cage upgrade.
On the other hand,I would kind of like for him to be able to see one of his own kind again but maybe its not the way. I have seen people on the internet who breed them near my area with cages of heaps of the little guys all together. I might feel a little but uncomfortable handing him over and saying goodbye without knowing for sure what kind of care he would receive.

anyway . thanks all again!

yoko - Welcome to the forum. I also agree with suggestions from Elana.
I have never had problems housing a male canary by himself or in a large flight with a couple elderly finches. Such lovely singing!
Mary

yoko

Goodluck, with whatever path you decide to take.

~Elana~

Welcome!

@lovezebs has it right!
I would opt for a larger cage but other than that, I think you're good to go.

Male canaries are often kept solitary and most seem quite content with this.

Hi there,
canaries CAN be social birds but it depends on the canary. I had my kevin with other finches for several years (zebra finches and star finches) but all were in separate cages. Alse remember some birds just won't get on. I got my current star finch merl as a companion for my other (now deceased) starfinch fruit - and the two of them hated eachother from the start! Some canaries will attack mirrors; some won't maybe try a bird in a separate cage. Good luck. ZEBRAFINCHER

Excellent post from Elana.

It strikes me as a little odd though, that you're considering giving the bird away, and you haven't mentioned your mother's feelings on this. If she has had him for years as you say, and he was initially your grandmother's, I would think she would be rather attached to him. I know I would be.