Canaries

[Clodagh]

Can they be kept in pairs?
MIL's old (single) boy died last year and she wants to get a new one. There are a lot of snippy remarks floating around as she knows I disagree with caged birds, especially single ones. I think I would be happier if it had a friend, can they? And will they still sing?

 

[Mule]

I think male canaries are ok with company but they have to be kept in different cages because they will fight. Females can be kept together but they don't sing. Males and females aren't supposed to share a cage as its dangerous for the female.
Perhaps you could look into getting another type of bird to keep it company. They're supposed to get on with finches.

 

[Clodagh]

Oh. So are they OK alone then, really?

 

[Mule]

Ya, they seem to be. Strange for us to get our heads around but that seems to be their way.

 

[Clodagh]

Fair enough, I will encourage her to get one, then. I do feel a bit of a wet blanket!

 

[millikins]

I think male canaries are ok with company but they have to be kept in different cages because they will fight. Females can be kept together but they don't sing. Males and females aren't supposed to share a cage as its dangerous for the female.
Perhaps you could look into getting another type of bird to keep it company. They're supposed to get on with finches.

My dad used to keep canaries, mainly in pairs without any problems. If she got a nice big cage then a trio would be fine.

 

[Clodagh]

I did a google and just looking at the first few results one said to be kept alone and one said not to be kept alone! Trouble is her animals don't have much of a life, she doesn't let them out the cage to free fly and no toys or anything, so one little bird just looks so fed up. At least two could bicker.

 

[Mule]

I'm sure there are bird owner groups you could ask for advice.

 

[Clodagh]

I'm sure there are bird owner groups you could ask for advice.

Almost certainly but HHO tends to know the answer to everything!

 

[Mule]

Almost certainly but HHO tends to know the answer to everything!

It's handy isn't it