advice needed new canary owner

[ashlee]

I have only had my canary a short time but last night he was favouring one leg and looked as though it was painful for him to put the other one down,I am worried that I have the wrong size perches(too big ) So today I am going to change them to a smaller diammeter as anyone else had this? this morning though he is fine,can they just 'do something' when they are jumping about,like a small sprain?
The other thing is i only put sandpaper at the bottom of the cage or should I use newspaper? it seems like a silly question but I have read conflicting reports but I cant help wonder if when he jumps to the bottom of his cage he scrapes his little feet.
I have never owned a bird before, we love him so much I find I am worrying over everything,the only good thing is he must be happy as he sings all day,(and all night if I let him)
Any advice,
Ash.

[5borders]

Ash,
Not enough to go by but most canaries will stand and sleep with one foot raised if healthy. Unless you see it fussing with the foot or leg, most of the time if it has a band on its leg, they do stand on one leg. Sometimes an imbalance in diet can cause a foot problem from too much protein or fat. The lags/feet will become red or hot pink and warm. Too much egg food or too many fatty seeds such as thistle/niger/flax and sunflower can do this. Discontinue and give dry oatmeal or rolled oats, (these are high in carbs) and fresh greens for a few days and you will see a change. Remember a healthy bird will stand on one foot so don’t do anything if not needed. Look at the legs and feet if they are a normal salmon color and not hot pink it is probably fine. There is a problem that can arise called bumble foot, (Pododermatitis). Too long to explain in depth, look it up. It is a foot pad problem that can arise and is common, if addressed quickly can be corrected. Sand paper of any kind is not a good idea, on the floor or especially on perches. This does cause damage and is not healthy. You were correct in the perch size, I doubt the one you have is too big but multiple sizes and shapes is the healthy way to deal with perches, as long as they are clean and do not have any splinters. Newspaper is fine but is does tend to make the birds feathers dirty. The ink comes off on their feathers the same as it does on your fingers. If you don’t want to spend money on cage liners, go to Home Depot or Lowes and go to the paint section. There are rolls of brown/tan paper painter’s use. By the size that works for you cage and since it’s in a roll cut the length you need each time. They are around $4.99 for an 18” x 100’ roll, so it will last you a long time. Just keep watching and a little Neosporin rubbed gently all over its feet never hurts. It also allows you to examine the feet closer as well.

[ashlee]

Thankyou for your kind advice,he actually seems ok now,I have changed perches to much smaller size and have got rid of the sandpaper,legs look a normal pink colour and I have fed him kale,still singing.I think at some point I will get the ring removed from his leg,just in case,the painters paper seems like a good idea,I was also advised that I could use a small scattering of sand so will try that aswell,I do feed him a canary mix but I have to admit, I actually havent looked at whats in it,in the future I will.
thanks again,
Ash

[5borders]

Canary mixes or seed mixes are fine but there are two draw backs or rather things you should always think about. One: how long has the seed been in the bag before you use it and Two: like children, your bird will sift through it and eat what it wants to meaning not getting a very good balance. For people who don’t have much time nor want to spend a whole lot of time messing with food can do things to eliminate worries and time. When you buy your seed mix, also buy a small bag of pelleted or manufactured pelleted food, Zupreme, Roudybush, Harrisons, ect. Give it in a separate food cup for a while to see if the bird will eat it. The fruit version of zupreem is good for this since it looks different which attracts them. Some people will argue the fruit pellets are no good, because their argument is to use the plain style, but in most cases it is healthier than a plain seed mix by itself anyway. Nothing beats fresh real food but unless you want to make up your own mixes a blend of a good seed mix and a pelleted food works. If the bird after a while is eating the pelleted, you can start mixing it into the seed mix to feed all in one cup. That’s a personal choice but they will search it out in the cup, thus why the fruit one sometimes works better. It’s funny some birds will actually pick out and eat only a certain color and disregard the rest. If you’re giving other good foods such as the Kale and other such types, you’re already doing great. Some people even incorporate their own meals with their birds if they do not have many. Meaning if they are having say broccoli or salad with their own dinner they give a little morsel every night at dinner in a specific cup. The bird will start looking for it and used to it thus expanding its diet and what it will actually eat. Plus it’s fun, like visiting a horse with a carrot.