Canary Diet - Providing Extra Vitamins and Minerals

The major component in keeping your canary healthy is its diet. A canary's diet is no different than any other birds. It should consist of a wide range of fruits, vegetables and seeds. Many of the seeds that you purchase are already loaded with minerals, vitamins and amino acids. If you find that your canary's food is lacking in any phase, there are supplements available that will add to the foundation of your canary's nutrition.

One thing to note is that if your canary's food intake will contain natural fruits and vegetables, it is imperative that you verify it is free from toxins and pesticides. Since canaries are so small and fragile in nature, they depend on their owners to supply them with positive food sources. Even the smallest of toxins built up over time will aid in an unhealthy immune system for your canary.

If you want your bird in peak condition, you should try and replicate the food your canary would eat in the wild. In nature, a canary will eat a variety of foods including; vegetables, nuts, fruits and grains. The fresher these foods when consumed, the more nutrients and more easily digestible it will be for your pet.

You should also provide a mineral grit in an easy to reach container along with a cuttlebone in your canary's cage. These will help give any missing minerals or nutrients that may be lacking from their diet.

Another way of supplying your bird with extra nutrients is through adding a supplement to their water. You can go to your local pet food store and purchase vitamins that are water soluble. Always check with your local vet to determine exactly what vitamin or mineral deficiency your bird may be experiencing. As with any foreign substance being introduced to the body, too much is probably a bad thing.

Speaking of water, you should provide your canary with fresh, clean drinking water at all times. Due to all of the additives that are placed in tap water for human consumption, it may be a good ideal to provide your canary with bottled drinking water or distilled water.

As a final note, here a few tips to tell if your canary is suffering from a deficiency of vitamins or minerals:

1) Feathers are falling out.

2) Eyes smaller than normal and/or seem extremely wet.

3) Color will not be as bright

4) Discharge from their nostril

If you see any of these signs in your canary, get them to a vet immediately. Because birds are wild animals, it is natural for them not to show sickness to keep predators away. If you do see signs of sickness engage your vet immediately.