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: Well I suppose this story is exceptional.
: Canaries are not social birds. I do NOT recommend what the author suggested. However, please make sure that your canary has a suitable cage for living.
: Amr Gohar (owner of chopper canaries).
: : There is some debate regarding whether canaries should be allowed out of the cage to free-fly around the house.  I know some people think it is highly stressful and can of course be dangerous for them, but here is my recent experience with this issue: 

: :  I have 9 birds, all pets (vs. breeders)  of various 
: : sizes ranging from budgies, a lovebird, and a parrotlet up to a couple 
: : of sun conures, a senegal parrot and a green cheek conure. They all 
: : spend time on playgyms in my living room and other areas around the 
: : house, in addition to time in their large cages.

: :   I just acquired a pair of  1 year old canaries, left at our animal 
: : shelter after their older owner passed away.  They were on eggs when 
: : they came to me, 2 of which hatched, and they raised the babies 
: : together for a little over 2 weeks.  The male then became aggressive, 
: : trying to breed again and plucking the babies, as well as knocking them off the perch.  I removed him and put him in his own cage in my guest bedroom on the other side of the house near the living room where the other birds and I watch tv and "hang out".  The other night, i left the door of his cage open by accident and all of a sudden I hear him chirping close by.  I looked over the sofa back, and here he comes 
: : hopping into the living room on the floor.  He was not distressed or 
: : nervous at all, but hopped all over the room, got up on the back of the 
: : couch and surveyed me and my lovebird who was sitting with me, then 
: : flew from gym to gym, checked out a couple of plants (safe ones) on the fireplace and was clearly enjoying himself.  I caught him easily after a few minutes and returned him to his cage, but again ,left the door open and went back into the living room.  Within 5 minutes I hear his chirp, and here he comes again, hopping around, looking under furniture and then flying back up to the couch, this time sitting on one of the cushions!  
: : After a while, he flew BACK into the bedroom where his cage was and got into his cage all on his own!  This went on all evening, in and out of 
: : his own free will,  and he even got up on the parakeets gym and messed around with some of their toys.  It was amazing to see him looking over the rooms, and finding his way through the small hallway back to his cage for a bite to eat, and then back out with us.

: : The second morning after his first taste of freedom, he started singing 
: : at 5:50 a.m. and around 6:15 I went in and pulled open the shade, 
: : turned on his radio, and opened his door.  I left the room, got the 
: : other birds up and by the time I was back in the living room, I could 
: : see that he was out and sitting on top of his cage looking out the 
: : window.  He has been in and out all day and is absolutely not afraid or 
: : stressed.  He isn't slamming into anything, but his flying is improving 
: : greatly, he is making turns and continuing to explore his environment.  
: : Right now he is standing on the bed in the guest room, stretching his 
: : wings and flapping them ready for another outing!

: : I just wanted to share this with you because I am a firm believer that 
: : birds are happier getting exercise and enjoying some time out of the 
: : cage, if the owner takes the necessary steps to minimize household risks.  I have a safe, bird oriented household, no predators or other animals, and no children, so I am able to control things better than a busy family household.  I have rehabilitated over 80 rescued pet birds left at our animal shelter over the years, and have seen just about all of them blossom and become healthier and happier when allowed out.  They become friendly most of the time, and their fear of humans decreases.  So I think under the right circumstances, canaries, too can benefit from free-flying time,if people are alert and aware of the bird's whereabouts, supervising "out time" and making the room bird safe prior to letting the canary out.  It will be interesting to see how his relationship with me and with the rest of the flock develops over time.  I have never had a canary prior to this, and am really enjoying him!

: : Just my thoughts...I would be very interested in learning other people's experiences with taming and allowing canaries out of the cage.

: : Betsy in IL


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