So you've decided to get a canary, perhaps as a result of reading my previous article: Canaries as Pets. I will assume that you've already decided that a canary is the right pet for you and you understand their basic nature and requirements.
You first need to decide how many birds and what gender. Most people want one male canary because of its song. Adult males are very territorial and will fight with each other, and sometimes even with a hen when not breeding season, so just get one or else keep each male in its own cage. A few people prefer the more sociable hens because they want less noise, or they would like to keep several in an aviary or large flight cage together.
It is very important to realize that young canaries are basically androgenous. Both males and females may sing a baby song from about age 4 weeks until the summer molt. By fall, males start to sing their adult song, but some do not and some hens continue to sing the baby song. It is not until the following spring when the birds come into breeding condition that an experienced breeder can confidently tell them apart by examining the vent area.
It is a common mistake to buy a young bird and accept the seller's word that it is a male. Dealers realize that most people get attached to the bird and are reluctant to return it when they discover they have a hen. Since males are more valuable and usually cost more, ask for a written guarentee that it is a male, if that is what you want. If the bird does not sing within two weeks, return it or ask for a refund of the price difference between male and female.
I cannot emphisize enough that if you care whether your canary is male, then do not buy before fall! Experienced breeders and some pet shop owners may be able to do better than 50/50 in telling them apart before then, but no one is infallible. Anyone claiming to know for certain what the gender of a canary is before it is finished with its first summer molt is either naive or unethical, in my opinion.
The way to tell the age of a canary is to look for a closed (seamless) metal band with the year stamped on. This type of band can only be put on the chick when it is about a week old and is proof of how old the bird is. In addition to the year, the band may have letters and numbers on it to indicate the society or club that issued the band. If you buy a bird without a closed band, you have to just trust the seller about the age and breed. Instead of or in addition to a closed band, a canary might also have a colored plastic band or a metal band with a seam. Ask the seller to explain the purpose of all bands on the bird and to decode any numbers for you.
There are many breeds of canaries and you could do a lot of research trying to decide what to get. A more practical approach may be, what is available in your area? Pet shops are not the best places to buy, but they can indicate what is popular because they are likely to carry the "culls" from the local breeders. To find these breeders yourself, contact a bird club, vetinarian, or look for ads in the paper.
If you want a singing pet, then try to pick out a bird that you have actually heard singing. A pet shop that also carries screeching parrots is a poor place to even hear a canary, let alone choose between the songs of different individuals! The ideal situation is to make an appointment with a breeder who will set up a separate "listening" room with just the birds that are for sale. Most breeders will not do this because:
It may be possible to get a breeder to allow you into their home or aviary if you are aware of these problems and can assure them you are responsible and serious about getting a good bird. The more research you do and the more knowledgable you sound, the better your chances.
If you fail to find a cooperative breeder, then the next best place to buy a canary is at a bird show. Breeders who exhibit birds in competition often sell excess birds right off the show bench at the end of the show. A show bird which failed to win is still likely to be a superior pet! Shows may also have a sales area which can be a good place to find canary breeders. There are also bird marts or bird fairs which are only sales, no judging. Good birds can be found there, but also birds that even the pet shops would reject, so beware.
Regardless of where you buy your canary, you need to recognize a healthy bird. First look at how clean the cage is. Are the droppings watery? Is the cage overcrowded? Even at a bird mart, there is no excuse for cramming so many birds in a cage that all cannot perch comfortably. A weak or sick bird will become too tired to defend itself and will quickly become pecked on. A healthy bird looks well groomed, alert, has clear eyes and no nasal discharge. When the bird is caught, it is normal for it to pant and be upset. However, it should not wheeze. Hold the bird up to your ear and listen to its breathing. Touch the bird's chest to try to feel its breastbone. If the breastbone is real prominent, the bird is too thin and may be sick. Do not make the mistake of feeling sorry for a poor looking bird and buying it to "rescue" it. That just rewards the seller for allowing the bird to get in that condition and may cause you big problems and vet bills.
If you are buying from an individual (as opposed to a business) that you do not know, offer to pay cash. In return, the seller should provide a written receipt with band number(s). A responsible seller should also be willing to give you a food sample and care instructions.
In the U.S., prices can vary from $10 for an old hen to $200 or more for a show-quality bird from a top breeder whose birds regularly win at shows. Most male canaries cost between $50-$100 at pet shops. Ironically, breeders usually charge less (because they do not have the overhead of a store) even though the birds are often better! If you are buying directly from a breeder, ask for the price in advance if it matters to you. Then, do not insult the breeder by haggling when you are ready to buy. If you are purchasing several birds, it might be ok to ask for a quantity discount, but then be prepared to pay cash and don't ask for change!
If possible, have your own small carrying cage in which to take the bird home. Pet shops and dealers usually provide paper bags or small cardboard boxes, but I believe it is less stress on a canary if it can sit on a perch and see. You should cover the cage with a light towel or cloth while carrying it outside and while in a vehicle. Once home, you can introduce your new pet to its (hopefully!) large new cage. The carrying cage will come in handy when cleaning the main cage, or if it is necessary to transport the bird in the future.
Finally, once the bird has settled in its new home, call the breeder or write them a note letting them know all is well. Thank them for the time they spent helping you with the purchase. If the bird is a singer, let them know how long it took him to start singing. I've always appreciated hearing from happy customers and that is part of the satisfaction of this hobby!
To summarize my recommendations in buying a canary: