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Canaries love swings, and I make sure there is at least one in
every cage. When a canary jumps onto a swing, it sways
like a tree branch would in the wild, helping the canary to
learn balance and keeping them fit. It's great exercise for them.
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I make my own swings by bending florist wire around nails driven
through a block of wood. By using this jig, each swing is
identical.
For plans and instructions
on how to make your own swing, click the button below:

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A homemade
swing made with florist's wire and leftover perch
doweling |
Swings are much less expensive to make yourself than to buy from a
pet store, plus every time you see your birds hop up into one of
"your" swings, you will get a feeling of appreciation... that they are
enjoying something you did especially for them.
If you want to draw out your
own design, keep it simple. You may be tempted to bend the
wire in decorative or elaborate curls, but remember small toes can get
caught in sharp angles and loops.
Canaries don't really need toys to keep themselves occupied.
If you must place a toy in the cage, make sure it does NOT have
a mirror on it. Canaries are very territorial, and they may
think their reflection is another bird in their domain.
For
times that you have your birds together in flight cages, there
is value in making a few tassels of brightly colored cotton
crochet thread
to give them something to pull at besides their cagemate's
feathers.
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