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Care of Budgies & Canaries
Housing
Suitable cages capable of housing two birds are available. However, if more than two birds are kept, an outside aviary is more appropriate. This should be built in a sheltered spot, and beinsulated against the weather.
Cleaning
Cages must be cleaned thoroughly once a week without fail.
Feeding
Supermarkets and pet shops, stock a ready mix which includes panicum, millet, canary seed and hulled oats. For canaries, ensure that the ready mix also contains linseed and niga. Never give birdsgreens which have been in the refrigerator. Budgies like seeding grasses and the leaves of silver beet.
Birds must be provided with fresh, clean water. Cuttlefish must be kept in the cage for the bird to pare its beak on.
Precautions
Safety measures to protect against sudden shocks are essential,and a keen watch must be kept, should cats or predatory birds make a raid.
Danger of Red Mite
Bird cages hung outside easily become infested with red mite. This can be very irritating and can cause loss of feathers. Any cage hung outside should have a protective cover on top so sparrows and other common garden birds can't perch on the cage and spread mites through the bars.
Heat
Should your budgie become sick, an important factor in its recovery is to keep the bird warm. Birds can revive overnight if the cage is brought in and placed near the heater. Birds must always be protected from cold winds and draughts.
Healthy birds
Healthy birds have bright eyes, are energetic in movement, display a nice sheen of feather and will reward you with a joyous outpouring of bird song, this is especially true of canaries.