Animal Antics for Students
Budgies & Canaries

Food

Budgies and canaries eat seeds, which can be bought in packets of bird food. Chopped fruit and vegies make healthy treats. The food dishes must be cleaned regularly.

Water

Budgies and canaries must have fresh water all the time. Water dishes must be cleaned often.

Shelter

Bird cages should be as large as possible. It is best to put them in a bright room, away from direct sunlight. If you have cats, make sure they can't go near the birds. Put trays on the floor of the cages to collect droppings and clean the trays every few days.

Friends

Some budgies and canaries like to have friends to share their homes.

Exercise

If possible, give budgies and canaries chances to explore the world outside their cages. Make sure they have warm, safe rooms to fly in. Ladders, bells, swings and mirrors give budgies and canaries something to play with.

Vet care

Birds must visit the vet once a year for a check-up. Vets make sure budgies and canaries are healthy and they trim the birds' nails. You should also take birds to the vet if they are plucking their feathers, sleeping most of the time or not eating.

Identification

Budgies and canaries do not need identification if they are always kept inside.

Lifespan

Budgies and canaries live for about 7 years, although some live longer.