BIRD DIET & HEALTH

Your Email:

Get the latest news, tips and
free advice every month

I provide foraging opportunities for my bird.

	Yes
	No

Previous Poll Results...

Senegal birds

Poicephalus Species Gallery »

Other »

Senegal Stats

Scientific Name: Poicephalus senegalus
Size: Small, up to 9 inches
Native Region: Africa
Life Expectancy: up to 50 years
Noise Level: Low
Talk/Trick Ability: Fair; soft-spoken

Senegal Species Profile

Traits: Senegal parrots are affectionate and need enough attention to keep them from getting bored, but is independent enough to spend time on a playgym. Senegal owners find their birds to be smart, loving as well as strong-minded. Around the house, the Senegal parrot is a curious creature that closely observes the activities taking place around. Senegal parrots are known to display their intelligence in different ways, with some of them demonstrating it by figuring their way out of a cage while others express their smarts verbally. Senegal parrots have the comical, playful and animated personality of larger parrots, but without the cost, mess or noise typically associated with bigger pet parrots.

Behavior/Health Concerns: Senegals are susceptible to overgrown beaks, so provide plenty of hard wooden toys for them to chew on. They also can gain excessive amounts of weight, so their diet should consist of pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Senegal parrots fiercely love their owners and show their affection by burrowing and cuddling with them. To keep the Senegal parrot from being friendly with just one person and snapping at others, be sure to socialize it with everyone in the family. Do not allow courtship behaviors and let the person who the bird does not favor as much provide its favorite treats. Stick training is also important for a Senegal parrot so it will step onto a stick or hand-held perch for every member of the family.

Expert Advice

“Male red-bellies and Senegals are sometimes confused with each other, and both have very similar personalities. Red-bellies seem to be the mellower of the two, but both need to be taught rules and guidelines to curb any territorial aggression problems that these birds are prone to.”

Bonnie Kenk, Peace Parrot Education and Adoption Center founder and executive director

“They are great birds, very intelligent and fastidious. I have yet to see one to these species feather pick. They are often stubborn little guys, but with daily attention and training routines they can remain quite enjoyable and social.”

Samuel Vaughn, DVM, Dip. ABVP – Avian Practice


Search: