Canaries and Finches – Can They Live Together?

Ever thought of keeping a canary and a finch together? Most of us bird lovers consider keeping two different bird species in a cage and then watch how they will behave towards each other. For instance, you could wish to know whether canaries and finches can live together in one cage.

Finches and canaries are friendly birds. Hence, the two bird species can live together either separately or in the same cage. They can also live together in pairs consisting of one to three pairs.  

Let’s explore more in this article on keeping these two birds happy while they are living together.

Keeping Finches and Canaries Together

Canaries and finches are perhaps the most social bird species on the globe. Their social and friendly nature makes it possible for these birds to live together in one environment, both in captivity or in the wild. These birds have so much in common that they complement each other’s personalities and make excellent companions in the long run.

Nevertheless, there are some things bird owners need to have to make these two bird species live happily together. Below are some essential things to invest in if you intend to keep canaries and finches together.

– Bigger Sized Cage

One common aspect of both canaries and finches is that these two birds love flying other than climbing. Whether in wild or captivity, a finch or a canary won’t hesitate to flap its wings around as it sings.

Therefore, consider keeping these birds in a bigger sized cage. A wider cage is the best since it allows the birds to fly from one side to the other without colliding. With a bigger cage, you can provide your birds with tons of toys for quality playtime.

Don’t forget to install perches in the cage. Finches and canaries are fond of perching when they aren’t flying around. Nonetheless, don’t install too many perches since they can injure your birds as they fly inside the cage. One or two perches on the sides of the cage are enough for your birds.

– Enough Food and Water

Canaries and finches can live peacefully in the same cage provided they have enough food and water. Wild canaries and finches get a variety of food out there, such as seeds and wild fruits. That’s why they thrive well despite the harsh conditions in the wild.

These birds also need an adequate amount of food while living in captivity. The birds won’t fight over food if there is already enough food in the cage.

Some great food choices for canaries and finches include fresh leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Other good dietary options include peppers, green beans, cauliflower, sweet potato, and sweet corn.

Water is also crucial for canaries and finches living in one cage. Apart from taking water, both finches and canaries need to take a bath to keep their bodies clean. Hence, you should place two water dishes in the cage to ensure each bird can drink or take a bath whenever it wants.

– Enough Nesting Space

Canaries and finches are highly active. These two are primarily active during the day since they are diurnal by nature. However, they like sleeping during the night, and hence you should provide them with enough nesting space. Keep two nests at each side of the cage to ensure every bird has a nesting space where it can sleep or take a nap.

Do Canaries and Finches Fight?

Both canaries and finches are non-aggressive bird species. Plus, these bird species aren’t territorial like most birds, including parrots. They can live together in one cage without fighting or indulging in territorial spats.

While living in pairs, male canaries can be aggressive towards finches during the breeding season. Fortunately, the aggressiveness doesn’t result in fierce fights, and it vanishes away after the breeding season is over. Put, finches, and canaries rarely fight even when they are competing for both food and space.

Can Finches and Canaries Breed?

Although these birds belong to different subspecies, these two birds can breed.  Breeding between these birds is rare, but it can occur especially among captive finches and canaries.

Mules are hybrids of finches and canaries. Mules have a subtle melodic tone. They also have longer lifespans and happier lives. Some widespread finch subspecies that are likely to breed with canaries include goldfinches and greenfinches.

Can a Canary and a Finch Be a Pair?

Both canaries and finches do well in pairs. A canary or a finch can’t thrive well when living alone. Thus, a canary and a finch can make a great pair. A male finch and a female canary or vice versa can end up making a great pair.

How Many Canaries and Finches Can You Keep?

Now you know that canaries and finches can live together. Nonetheless, you could be wondering how many canaries and finches you can keep together in one cage.

You can either keep a single finch and a single canary together in the same cage.  Or, you can keep multiple canaries and finches together. However, you should provide bigger cages if you want to keep multiple canaries and finches together.

Make sure the cages provide everything that the birds need to thrive well. For instance, make sure the cages are spacious enough such that every bird can have ample flying space. Furthermore, make sure there are sufficient perches to meet your birds’ perching needs.

Apart from cage requirements, it is vital to ensure your birds have enough food and water. Even if you keep three pairs of birds in one cage, make sure the food is enough for every individual bird. Whatever number of canaries or finches you intend to keep together, do whatever it takes to provide your birds with all their needs.

Wrap Up

Canaries and finches are extraordinary birds. Perhaps no other bird species can live together in one cage the way these two birds do.

Even better, canaries and finches can enrich each other’s lives. Consider keeping a canary and a finch together, and you will experience the best side of these two bird species.