I am thinking of raising or breeding canaries. why should I and why or why not and have you ever done this?

If you do you will be known as a 'Bird Fancier'. It takes up a lot of time and dedication. Find out from your local pet shop any bird clubs in your area, make contact and arrange a visit. This is before you buy anything - cages, birdseed and indeed birds. You will have to learn a lot before you even start as if you get it wrong you could find yourself in trouble with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and indeed the Police. Don't be put off by what I just wrote as you will find it a beautiful, peaceful and rewarding hobby when you get to know the 'ins' and 'outs'....