Homemade egg food for canaries is made from hard-boiled egg mixed with a dry crumb base and a few finely chopped greens. It gives canaries extra protein and calcium, and it is most helpful during breeding, chick rearing and molting. Make it fresh and serve it in small portions, because it spoils quickly.
Basic homemade egg food recipe
Ingredients
- 1 hard-boiled egg, mashed very fine
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of dry crumbs, such as plain unsweetened whole-grain breadcrumbs, crushed plain oats or commercial egg-food crumbs
- 1 teaspoon of finely grated carrot
- A pinch of crushed, clean, dry eggshell for calcium
Directions: mash the egg, mix in the crumbs until the food is crumbly (not wet), then stir in the carrot and shell. Serve one to two teaspoons per bird.
Dry vs moist egg food
- Moist egg food is the homemade version above. Birds love it, but it must be removed after a few hours.
- Dry egg food is a commercial crumb that keeps longer. Offer it dry or lightly moistened with a little water.
When to feed it
- Breeding season: offer daily for a few weeks before nesting and while hens feed chicks.
- Molt: a few times a week for extra protein while new feathers grow.
- The rest of the year: an occasional treat is fine, but it is not a replacement for seed or pellets.
Storage and safety
- Remove uneaten egg food after about 2 to 4 hours, sooner in a warm room.
- Wash the dish before refilling it.
- Refrigerate leftover mix in a covered container and use it within a day or two.
- Throw away anything that smells sour or looks moldy.
- Do not make big batches in summer.
What to leave out
- Salt, sugar, butter, oil and seasoned foods
- Avocado, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol
- Onion and garlic
- Raw egg, which is a food safety risk
Frequently asked questions
Can canaries eat eggshell?
Yes. Clean, dry, crushed shell is a source of calcium. Bake the shell first to kill bacteria, then crush it.
How much egg food should I give?
About one to two teaspoons per bird per day during breeding, and less at other times.
Do I need to add vitamins?
A balanced seed or pellet diet usually covers it. If you want to add supplements, ask an avian vet which one and how much.
Bottom Line
Mix mashed hard-boiled egg with dry crumbs and a little carrot, serve small portions fresh and throw away leftovers quickly. Use it for breeding and molt, keep a quality seed or pellet base, and see an avian vet if your canary is not eating well.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from an avian veterinarian.
Related reading: Healthy Homemade Canary Soft Food Recipe, Canary Food List and Nestling Food for Canaries.
