The Canary Bird Cage.
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Size and Shape
The cage should not be tall and narrow as a cage is for a parrot or cockatiel or parakeet. Those birds are climbers and get most of their exercise through climbing up and down the sides of the cage or branch or what ever climbing apparatus is put in the cage.
Canaries don’t climb.
They fly and hop...and they fly horizontally not vertically. Its common sense really but most people don't stop to think about it.
Someone says, "Get this cute little inexpensive cage for your canary" and so they get "that cage". Yeah, it's cute...and it probably has one of those Japenese style roofs on it. But guess what...That cage is probably all wrong. If it is, your canary will suffer, weaken, and live a short miserable life.
How would you like to live in a 5 story closet? It would be impossible--even WITHOUT all my wife’s clothes in it!
Even pet store employees will give bad advice about canary cages, so don't feel bad if you've picked out the wrong cage. It's not your fault.
The Right Canary Bird Cage
Cages for canaries should be at least 20 inches wide with 2 perches...one at each end of the cage. This is the bare minimum. 24 inches wide or wider is much better. Now the bird can flutter back and forth between the two perches and get plenty of exercise.
Excercise
An exercising canary is a healthy canary and a healthy canary is a happy canary and a happy canary is a...
S-I-N-G-I-N-G canary!
This size not only gives your pet bird plenty of room to exercise but it gives plenty of room to organize his feeders, waterers, toys, and snacks within the canary cage.If your budget is tight and every dollar counts (hey, I've been there) you can go a bit smaller but try not to go smaller than 20 inches wide. Your pet canary bird needs room to flutter back and forth.
If for some reason you're going to use a small cage--and even if you use a large cage--let your canary out for a flight around the room a few times per week. He'll have a good ole time. Obviously...
You'll want to make sure the room is "hazard free". Pots of boiling water, cats and dogs, and small children can cause problems. Also, make sure all windows and mirrors are covered to avoid collisions at full-speed.
Furnishings in a Small Cage
With a small pet bird cage the feeders and waterers almost always have to be placed under the perches. This creates a problem with your canary’s droppings getting into his food.
Cage Bars
The bars on the canary bird cage should be no farther apart than 1/2 inch.
Shape
Don't get a round canary cage.
Your canary will feel more comfortable and secure in a cage with corners. Round cages confuse him. He finds security in corners.
While Your Shopping...
Make sure it has a slide out tray at the bottom for easy cleaning.
FINDING The Right Cage
I'll admit, it can be difficult to find a bird cage that is the proper size and attractive at the same time. But there are plenty of rectangular canary bird cages that are tolerably attractive and affordable.
Here is an example of what NOT to get...
This distinctive pagoda-style cage is just the WRONG size for canaries. Sold by Petsmart.
Cute?...Yes. Good size?...NO!
Petsmart is a great place to shop but this cage is just too small for canaries.
Here is thecanary bird cage you want...also available from Petsmart. This MIDWEST Collapsible Small Bird Cage is for canaries and similar sized birds. It comes with 2 food cups plus 2 different sized perches which is important.
If price is of no concern and you just want to get a really nice canary bird cage check out these beautiful cages at Birdcagedesign.com.
Another canary bird cage is the breeding cage. Big enough for a family of canaries during breeding season.
Well, that about does it for size and shape of the canary bird cage.
Next...Keep in mind cage location--A subject that could mean the difference between a happy singing canary or an unhealthy lethargic canary. Click here. Click here to return from Canary Bird Cage: Size and Shape to CanaryAdvisor.com Home.
