JSPCA BUDGERIGAR AND CANARY FACT SHEET

History and Biology

Budgerigars are native to Australia and are small, hardy, seedeaters.  In the wild, they are green with a yellow head and black bars on the wings.  They were first brought to Europe in 1840 and since then have become very popular pets.  There are many different colour varieties of domesticated budgies.  Young birds of the common colour varieties can be distinguished from older birds by the barred feather markings on their foreheads and they are slightly smaller.  Males have blue skin (cere) around their nostrils, whilst females have a brown cere.  Budgies have the beak and toes typical of all the psittacine (parrot like) birds.  In nature, they are climbers; the strong beak is used for dehusking seed and as a climbing aid and their feet, with 2 forward and 2 backward pointing toes, have been adapted for climbing. 

The canary is the most popular finch kept in Britain.  It was used underground by miners, who had to risk exposure to several deadly gases.  To this day, the canary still has a place in mine rescue teams.  The canary is a flock bird, indigenous to the forests of the Canary Islands, from which it takes its name, and to the Azores and Madeira.  It was spread throughout Europe as a captive bird, by the Spanish after their conquest of the Canary Islands in the late 15th century.  Finches, like budgies, are seed eaters, which need to dehusk the seed before feeding on the kernel.  However, unlike budgerigars, finches are perchers.  There are a wide range of colour varieties of canaries.   The sex of a canary can be difficult to distinguish; the male (cock) sings and the female (hen) usually only chirps, although she is also distinguished by the fact that her yellow feathers have a greenish tint, and her tail feathers are often shorter and thicker than those of the male.  The average life span is 5 years, but canaries have been known to live for more than twice that age.  

Housing

All birds should have a safe secure cage.  The largest cage that you have room for is the best choice.  Cages must be of adequate size to allow the bird to extend and stretch its wings fully.  Finches and canaries should be able to fly short distances. Place the cage in a quiet room, away from damp, draughts and direct sunlight and out of the reach of cats.  Birds are very sensitive to noise and high levels of activity, which should be avoided.  Dusty conditions (which can considerably increase the chance of respiratory disease), excessive tobacco smoke and fumes from cooking utensils made from Teflon should also be avoided.  Air quality is a very important factor.  Birds must have constant access to clean water and fresh food.  

Birds are quite social creatures.  Budgies and canaries will do well in pairs or small groups, provided the cage is large enough.  Provide opportunities for play and behavioural enrichment with fresh fruits or vegetables clipped to the bars of the cage, toys, bird baths and perches at different heights and orientations to facilitate hopping and climbing.  Horizontal bars in a cage will allow the birds to use the bars as a climbing frame. To prevent boredom, toys (zinc free) should be provided for all caged birds.  Perches must be provided, as most birds have a psychological need to perch.  Perches supplied with cages are often made from plastic or wooden dowels, which are too smooth and usually too small in diameter for the bird to use properly.  This can lead to problems with overgrown nails and damage to the skin of the feet.  Perches should ideally be rough natural branches, varying in thickness, from untreated fruit trees.   Daily bathing by gently spraying the birds plumage with a fine water mist or providing a water bath (a water filled shallow dish) encourages preening, reduces feather dust and keeps the plumage in good condition.

Aviaries - the space available and the number of birds it is intended to keep will determine the size of an outdoor aviary.  It will require nesting boxes, perching areas and a concrete floor designed for drainage.  It should be situated away from draughts and damp and part of the top, at least, should be covered to provide shelter from the elements.  Ideally, an aviary should consist of a warm, dry enclosed area adjoining an outdoor flight area from which at night the birds may be cut off by closing a small connecting hatch that they use as an entrance.  The sleeping area should be well ventilated and perches should be provided for roosting.  An entrance porch with two doors will prevent the possibility of escape.  

Budgies are social birds, so it is most important to make sure they have company, preferably of their own kind.  Budgies get bored and need the company of other budgies and humans.  They also need exercise and toys.  If not kept in an aviary, they need a daily period of free flight, but great care must be taken not to let them escape.  Before allowing a bird out of its cage, ensure that all windows are closed and covered by net curtaining so that the bird will not be injured on the glass by attempting to fly through what it takes to be an open space.  Ensure that it cannot fly up the chimney and if fires are in use, whether open fuel fires or electric, they must be adequately guarded.  The cage should be equipped with three or four perches, varying in diameter, to encourage the exercise of the feet.  Budgerigars enjoy stripping the bark from wood, so natural wood perches from a hazel bush or fruit tree can be used.  They should be renewed every two to three months.  Brown paper covered with sand on the base of the cage is ideal.  The paper should be changed and the entire cage cleaned out at least twice weekly.  Old seed husks should be removed daily and the water container cleaned and replenished.  Budgies need to sleep during the hours of natural darkness, so at night the cage will need to be covered if the room is lit and then the cover removed early the following morning.  However, at dusk or after dark, light should not be switched on and off suddenly.  A bird’s eyes need time to accommodate to new light intensities.  The bird should be allowed to find its perch in half light before being placed into darkness.

For canaries, a suitable cage design may be used that is similar to the cages used for budgies.  As perching birds, canaries do not need horizontal cage bars for climbing and they usually show less interest in toys.  Unfortunately, it is not always possible to give canaries free flight in the room, as they may panic when let out.  If this is the case, a cage large enough to allow flight should be used, or preferably the canaries should be housed in an aviary.  Canaries like to bathe much more than budgies, so for them a bath is a necessary cage accessory.  Always remove the bath early enough for the birds to dry out before going to roost.   The floor should be covered with good quality bird sand, renewed at least twice weekly.  The entire cage should be cleaned out at least twice weekly.  Small vessels at either end for water and seed should be provided.  

Diet

The diet for birds should be based on a high quality seed mixture appropriate for the species, or pelleted food, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.   Birds require a cuttlebone for calcium provision, which may additionally help to keep their beak in trim.  Bird grit should also be available to help the birds with digestion.  Fresh water should be provided at all times.  Millet sprays, egg sticks, fruit stocks or seed bells may be given as treats.  Birds should always be provided with the correct avian vitamin supplement for the species. 

Budgies should be fed twice daily with a mix of canary seed and millet, plus some green food. The seeds should appear clean and shiny, with no sign of dust and dirt.  It is essential that seed should always be available, as budgerigars feed frequently and cannot tolerate starvation.  Seed may be provided in earthenware pots, or, alternatively, water and seed can be provided in separate tubular dispensers.  It is important to blow the seed husks out of the seed pot every day, to expose the seed underneath., and to give green food daily, preferably in the morning, through which the birds like to forage and pick off small pieces.

Adult canaries require a diet of seed and green food, but in comparison to budgies, canaries need a seed mixture with a higher fat content.  They should be fed twice daily.  A proprietary mixture such as canary trill is suitable.  Empty seed husks should be discarded daily by pouring the seed from the trough or hopper onto the palm of your hand and blowing gently upon it.  

Handling

Birds should not be handled much and so are not suitable for young children.  Cage birds should be handled as little as possible and even when absolutely necessary the utmost care must be taken to avoid physical injury or damage to plumage.  Enclose the bird in the hand, supporting the head lightly between the first and second fingers, ensuring that the wings are close to the body and that the tail feathers and legs remain free.  Always keep handling to a minimum and be careful not to squeeze the chest or abdomen, as serious injury result.

Budgies may be encouraged to perch on a finger if the chest feathers are gently stroked.  Budgies should not be held in the hand unless absolutely necessary; a perching bird may be picked up in the hand if the room is made completely dark after you have noted the bird’s position. 

To transport a budgie or a canary on a short journey, place it in a small cardboard box, the smaller the better (provided feathers are not damaged) as less movement will be felt by the bird.  Ensure there is adequate ventilation by punching a series of small holes in the box lid and sides.

Common Diseases and Ailments

External parasites – Scaley face is a scabby condition affecting the skin around the beak.  This is caused by a parasitic mite, Cnemidocoptes.  It is a treatable condition, but is contagious between birds.  Infestation by red mites can cause feather plucking.  Red mites are nocturnal and infest crevices in the cage during daylight, hence are rarely seen.  Therefore, it is good practice to replace perches regularly.  An inadequate diet may also be a contributory factor to red mite infestation and this should be addressed as soon as possible, by seeking veterinary advice.

Feather plucking – There are a number of causes for this problem, but nervousness and boredom are common causes.  Nervousness occurs in birds left alone for long periods and the provision of a companion bird could solve the problem.  Reasonable periods of quiet are necessary, birds should not be subjected to prolonged periods of artificial light, and they should never be disturbed once they have settled down to sleep.  A dark cloth placed over the cage from mid-evening onwards is advisable, ensuring that ventilation is still adequate.  Boredom may be alleviated by providing toys to play with, but do not provide so many that the cage becomes overcrowded.  Feather plucking can also be a sign of a parasitic infestation, such as red mites.  

Moulting – this is a natural occurrence and it’s how a bird renews its plumage each year.  The budgerigar, unlike most birds, does not moult at regular intervals.  The budgie’s first moult is at the age of ten or twelve weeks, but is rather erratic.  It may moult completely and quickly, or just cast a few feathers now and again.  October is the usual month for the moult but it may last for as long as 8 weeks.  Canaries usually begin their moult in late summer and continue for about a month.  During the moult, it is important to protect the birds from draughts, as they are very susceptible to chills at this time, and extra food should be provided to help maintain health and resistance to disease.  However, the opportunity should be provided for them to bathe, as feathers require moisture for proper growth.

Diarrhoea – can be caused by the incorrect diet, stress, infection and endoparasites (internal parasites).  A veterinary surgeon should be consulted immediately.

Overgrown claws and beak – the overgrown claws or beak should be trimmed by an experienced person.  A piece of cuttlefish bone attached to the inside of the cage will not only provide something for the bird to peck, thus keeping the beak in trim, but will also supply beneficial minerals.

Egg binding – the affected female has an enlarged vent, a swollen abdomen and is obviously unwell.  Veterinary advice should be sought immediately. 

Psittacosis (chlamydiosis) – this is a disease to which human beings are also susceptible.  The common signs in birds are depression, respiratory problems, diarrhoea and even death.  In humans the signs are indicative of a serious respiratory disease, for which treatment must be sought without delay.

If you are concerned about the health of your budgerigar or canary, always consult a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

                 

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

 

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