Canaries in autumn: fewer draughts, more routine
As the seasons change, where you put the cage matters more than ever. How to protect your canary from draughts, sudden temperature changes and restless nights.
The canary is a cheerful, songful bird, but also sensitive to changes in its surroundings. In autumn the temperature drops, we switch the heating on and open the windows at different times. All of that affects its daily life more than you might think.
Where the cage goes
In summer you may have kept the cage on the balcony or next to an open window. With the cold on its way, it's worth rethinking its spot.
- Away from draughts: doors that open often, windows, air-conditioning vents.
- Away from radiators, heaters and fireplaces, which dry the air and overheat it.
- Out of the kitchen: cooking fumes and vapours can be dangerous for birds.
- At roughly your eye level and with a wall behind it, so it feels protected.
- In a room with natural light, but without hours of direct sun.
Light, darkness and rest
Birds are heavily governed by light. As the days shorten, their rhythm changes naturally. What unsettles them most is artificial light stretching their day out until late.
Try to give it a few hours of darkness and quiet at night. If the cage is in the living room and you stay up late, a breathable cover or moving it to a quiet room can help it sleep. Don't cover it so completely that air can't circulate.
Day-to-day care
- Clean water every day, and check it hasn't gone cold or dirty.
- Check the feeder daily: sometimes it looks full when only husks are left.
- A bath now and then during the milder hours of the day, if it enjoys one.
- Regular cleaning of the cage floor and perches.
Keep an eye on the moult and on any changes
Many canaries moult after the summer and may sing less during that time. It's normal, but keep an eye on how it looks and how active it is.
If your canary spends a lot of time fluffed up, with half-closed eyes, at the bottom of the cage or stops eating, see an avian vet as soon as possible: birds are very good at hiding symptoms, and by the time you notice them it pays to act fast.
At Petuki you'll find cages, covers, drinkers and feeders so your canary has a thoroughly comfortable autumn.