Canaries are beautiful, small birds that are popular among pet owners and bird enthusiasts. As with any pet, it’s important to provide proper nutrition to ensure their health and well-being. A well-balanced diet is crucial for canaries to maintain good health, strong immunity, and optimal singing and breeding performance. But what do canaries eat, and how can you ensure they receive the necessary nutrients? This guide will provide an introduction to canary diets, including their natural dietary needs, types of food, and how to create a healthy and balanced diet for your feathered friend.
Canary Diet in the Wild
Canaries are classified as primarily herbivorous birds. However, in the wild, they may opportunistically supplement their food with small insects and spiders, particularly during the breeding season. This behavior enables them to obtain additional protein, vitamins, and minerals that may not be adequately present in their plant-based diet.
Canary Dietary Requirements
Canaries require a diet that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It should include a variety of different types of seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, as well as commercially available pellets and other complementary foods:
Seeds
The main component of a canary’s diet should be a high-quality seed mix specifically formulated for canaries. Seed-based diets are popular among canary keepers, and while seeds are an essential part of a canary’s diet, a diet consisting solely of seeds is not recommended. They are high in fat and lack many essential vitamins and minerals that canaries need to stay healthy.
Canary seed should make up the majority of the seed mix, as it is a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Canaries can eat a variety of seeds, the most common are :
- Canary seeds
- Nigjer
- Flaxseed
- Hemp
- Rapeseed (or canola)
- Anise
Grains and Nuts
Canaries can also eat a variety of grains and nuts, but it’s important to offer them in moderation as they are high in fat and carbohydrates. Here are some examples of safe grains and nuts for canaries:
Grains:
- Millet
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Wheat berries
Nuts:
- Walnuts (unsalted and unroasted)
- Pistachios (unsalted and unroasted)
- Pine nuts
Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants
To ensure that canaries receive a well-balanced diet, seed mixes can be supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants :
- Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, arugula, and dandelion greens
- Non-leafy vegetables such as broccoli, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and squash
- Dark-colored fruits such as berries, grapes, and cherries
- Plants such as dandelion
For more safe and healthy options read: Best fruits and vegetables for pet birds, and to avoid unsafe fruits and vegetables read: Toxic Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet Bird.
Watery fruits such as grapes, can sometimes cause birds to have loose or runny stools, especially if they are fed in excess. This is because these fruits contain high amounts of water and natural sugars, which can have a laxative effect on birds. It’s important to offer these fruits in moderation as part of a balanced diet to avoid digestive issues.
Insects
Although canaries are primarily herbivores, they are known to consume small insects and spiders as well. Insects can provide additional protein, vitamins, and minerals that may not be present in their plant-based diet. Canaries in the wild will consume insects opportunistically when they are available, but it is not a significant portion of their diet. In captivity, canaries can be offered small amounts of insects, such as mealworms or crickets, as a treat or supplement to their regular meals.
Pellets
Pellet-based diets are another option for feeding canaries. These diets are specially formulated to provide canaries with a balanced mix of essential vitamins and minerals and can help ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need.
Other Healthy Foods Canaries Can Eat
Keepers can enhance their canary’s diet by adding boiled eggs and soft egg food as additional options. Boiled eggs, being an excellent source of protein, are particularly useful during the molting phase or breeding season when they require additional protein.
Soft egg food, made by mixing eggs with breadcrumbs or cornmeal and baking it until it forms a soft, crumbly texture, can be given as a supplement, However, it is crucial to note that canaries should not rely on these as their primary source of nutrition, and they should be given in moderation. Additionally, ensure that any egg products given to their pets are fully cooked to prevent the risk of bacterial infections
Other healthy foods canaries can eat are sprouts. Sprouts are a healthy food option as they are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can sprout various types of seeds, such as alfalfa, lentils, and quinoa, for your canary to eat.
Sprouting can also increase their nutritional value and make them easier for birds to digest. However, it’s important to ensure that the sprouts are thoroughly washed and prepared in a clean environment to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.