Can Canaries and Finches Live Together in a Cage?
Canaries and finches are two of the most popular small bird species. They often interact with each other in the wild, but can they live together in a cage? Canaries are loners that enjoy living alone. They can coexist with other similarly sized birds when provided with plenty of room for flying and their own perch.
Size
Canaries and finches differ in size, activity level, and diet. Canaries tend to be more active, and are a better choice for people looking for a high-energy pet. They also tend to have a more varied diet than finches, including a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Both birds need a large aviary or cage. They also need a high-quality bird seed mix and fresh vegetables and fruits daily. It is important to provide enough food for each bird, and to cover the cage at night to simulate the dark and cold conditions in which they live naturally.
It is possible for two different types of finches to live together, as long as they belong to the same family. However, it is recommended to place a zebra finch with a society or gouldian finch rather than a hummingbird or a golden finch. It is important to monitor the relationship for signs of aggression during breeding season, and to keep the birds separate until after they have bred.
Temperament
Canaries and finches belong to the same family of birds and usually get along well. They both love to fly around the cage and spend quality time with their mates. They do not squabble often, except during breeding season. They also share a similar diet, which can be enriched with fresh leafy greens and sunflower seeds.
Finches are known to live in pairs and do not thrive if kept alone. However, they can coexist with other species of bird provided that there is enough space in their aviary and they are not overcrowded. Nevertheless, it is best to keep them in separate aviaries to avoid infighting or territorial behavior. Some popular breeds of finches that can coexist with canaries include Gouldian, Zebra, Double-Barred, Bengalese (Society) and Strawberry Finch. If you are unsure whether a specific variety of finch will be compatible with your canary, consult your local pet store. They will be able to help you find the perfect match.
Feeding
Canaries and finches can live together in the same cage, assuming the birds are of similar size and temperament. However, it’s important to provide multiple sources of food and water to avoid fighting over resources. It’s also a good idea to separate new birds into their own aviary before reintroducing them to existing flocks. This prevents them from overwhelming the established flock and potentially threatening its members.
Finches feed on a mixture of seeds and pellets, as well as fruits and vegetables. They are fond of eating kale, carrots, and spinach, and they can be served fresh or canned (without added sugar). It’s a good idea to serve them sprouted seed mixes to help them digest their food more easily. Sprouted seed mixes are especially beneficial during molting, as the seeds can help boost protein levels.
Canaries are more solitary and territorial, so they prefer to be kept alone. They don’t mind sharing a large aviary with other non-agressive bird species, but they do not like to interact with busybirds such as zebra finches.
Care
Canaries are low-maintenance companion birds that do well in pairs and in small groups. They don’t like to be handled and are happiest when they’re part of a flock. Finches are likewise social birds that thrive in groups. They don’t like to be held, but they do enjoy playing with each other. They also need a lot of room to fly and rest, so they’re best kept in large cages that are well-stocked with fresh food, water, and sticks/toys.
When introducing new canaries and finches to an existing aviary, it’s best to do so in pairs. This will reduce the likelihood that your new birds will be bullied or ostracized by the established members of the flock. It’s also a good idea to provide separate feeding stations, water bowls, and perches, and to regularly inspect each of these to prevent territorial aggression.
When it comes to finches, it’s best to only keep them with other finches in the same family (Estrildidae), such as zebra and society finches. Other finch families — including the goldfinch and savannah — are too aggressive for a peaceful coexistence with canaries.