Canary chicks in a nest are fed by their parents, who bring a soft mix of regurgitated food and insects or egg food. If you are breeding canaries, your job is to give the parents a rich, fresh supply of nestling food, greens and calcium. Hand-feeding is only for chicks that have been abandoned, and an avian vet or experienced breeder should guide you.
What the Parents Need to Raise Chicks
Hens and cocks work hard when chicks hatch, so increase protein and variety:
- Egg food. A soft mix of hard-boiled egg and crumb, or a commercial egg food, is the core protein source. Offer it fresh at least twice a day, and remove it after a few hours, because it spoils quickly. Try our homemade egg food recipe.
- Soaked or sprouted seed. Soft seeds are easier for parents to digest and feed to chicks. Rinse them well and discard leftovers after a few hours.
- Fresh greens and vegetables. Finely chopped kale, chickweed, dandelion and grated carrot add vitamins. See fruits and vegetables for canaries.
- Calcium. A cuttlebone and crushed, baked eggshell help the hen produce eggs and chicks grow strong bones.
- Normal seed or pellets and fresh water available at all times.
When Chicks Start Eating on Their Own
At about three to four weeks, chicks leave the nest and begin picking at food. Place soft egg food, soaked seed and a shallow water dish low in the cage so they can reach them easily. Parents usually keep feeding for another week or two. Wean chicks onto the same seed or pellets you use for adults, offering a little at first and watching that every chick is eating.
If Parents Stop Feeding
If chicks look weak, cold or have empty crops, call an avian vet or an experienced breeder immediately. Hand-feeding newborn chicks is difficult and risky because a mistake with temperature, thickness or placement can cause aspiration. Do not try it from an internet recipe.
Bottom Line
Canary parents feed their chicks, so feed the parents well: fresh egg food, soaked seed, greens, calcium and clean water. Remove spoiled soft food promptly, and get help from an avian vet if chicks are not thriving.
