Finch & Canary Care Guide
Finches and canaries are small birds belonging to the order Passeriformes, also known as passerines. Many different finch species are commonly found in the pet trade, including zebra finches, society finches, and Gouldian finches. Canaries have been bred in captivity for years and many breeds are available, such as the Gloster, Yorkshire, and Norwich. People keep these birds for their beauty, attractive songs, and entertaining personalities. These birds can be hand-tamed if raised by people shortly after hatching. Most finches can live 5–10+ years and canaries can live 10–15+ years as pets.
Enclosure
These birds love to fly across their space, so a long cage rather than a tall one is recommended. Minimum dimensions of 18″ wide × 24″ long × 18″ high are recommended, though larger is preferred. Numerous perches of varying diameter and texture should be placed at various heights throughout the cage. Sand paper coverings on perches are not recommended as they can cause sores on the feet.
Temperature
Finches and canaries prefer warm temperatures in the 70–80°F range. Supplemental heating may be required if the temperature drops below 60°F.
Humidity
Finches and canaries prefer a humidity level of 30–50%, which can be measured with a hygrometer. A small shallow dish can be temporarily provided for bathing 1–2 times weekly.
Lighting
Finches and canaries should have access to sunlight. Ultraviolet-B rays in sunshine help maintain a normal skeleton by allowing birds to produce vitamin D3, which enables calcium absorption from the diet. Placing a bird near a window blocks UVB rays, so getting your bird outside in the sun is the most effective approach. Due to their small size, these birds should remain in their cage while outdoors. Always monitor closely to prevent overheating.
If safe outdoor access isn’t possible, a UVB lamp such as ZooMed’s Avistar 5.0 is a good alternative. Place it 12–18 inches from the bird and run it for about 6 hours a day.
Diet
A balanced diet is essential for optimal health. Seeds alone are not sufficient — just as with parrots, a seed-only diet will inevitably lead to nutritional disorders. Small-sized pellets are available for these species from brands such as Lafeber’s, Harrison’s, and Roudybush. Many veterinarians recommend that finches and canaries receive at least 50% or more of their diet as pellets, and several populations have done well on 100% pellet diets.
Seeds can be offered but should not make up a large portion of the diet. If seeds are offered, a high-quality option such as Nutriberries crushed into smaller pieces is recommended. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains should be offered as well.
Diet conversion can be difficult and is best done under veterinary supervision. If you are switching your birds to a pellet diet and need help, please refer to our handout on tips for diet conversion.
Enrichment
Toys should be provided to keep these birds mentally engaged. Small passerines enjoy sticks, twigs, and paper to play with. Bells and leather strings can also be used. Rabbit hay can be turned into a foraging device, and treats can be hidden in various locations around the cage or tucked under hay. Hanging fresh vegetables or fruits for foraging is another easy enrichment option.
Cotton fibers and small strings should not be used — they can become entangled around the feet and cause injury.
Wellness & Preventive Care
Finches and canaries should have an annual wellness exam and fecal evaluation. Depending on your bird and individual circumstances, infectious disease screening may also be appropriate.
