Acquired: Other
Gender: Male
My first pet was a canary and he lived to be 10 years old. He was intelligent and very friendly. When my dad and brother whistled to him, he'd whistle back. When I played the piano, he would sing along. He'd also sing along to the wild sparrows and finches, mimicking their songs. He was a bright-eyed little bird and a great comfort to me when I was young.
Canaries are quite docile, so they make great pets for beginners. Males will sing, while females chirp. Their care and maintenance is rather simple. Keep fresh water available at all times. A canary likes to bathe in the water, so always replace the water after it does. Along with seeds, you can provide a slice of fruit or vegetable, but remember to discard it after a couple hours. Replace the lining weekly, or as needed. Disinfect the cage, but use natural products as household chemicals may adversely affect the bird. A canary's nails needs to be trimmed (by a professional, to avoid injuries), as it will affect the bird's ability to grasp the perch. Keep the cage in a well-lit (but not in direct sunlight) and well-ventilated area.