Temperament , Diet , and Care Tips
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The colorful and relatively lowly Senegal is remarkably quiet and calm . It can talk and mimic , although it is not the most prolific talker . It has an affectionate , fun - make out inclination ; it ’s comical antics are entertaining and playful . This charming is also less expensive thanmost parrotsand is more widely available in average preferent stores than most tropical birds .
Credit:Jurgen & Christine Sohns / Getty Images
Species Overview
Common Names : Senegal parrot , Sennies
Scientific Name : Poicephalus senegalus
Adult Size:10 inches in duration , matter from 4 to 6 ounces
Life Expectancy:50 years , although 20 to 30 years is more rough-cut
Origin and History
The Senegal parrot is native to the woodlands of central western Africa . ThePoicephalusgenus of parrots is a group that includes 10 species from primal Africa , identified by heavyset dead body , short tails , and relatively declamatory head and beaks .
The trade wind of these dame trap in the wild is illegal ; fortunately , Republic of Senegal breed well in captivity . Prospective owner commonly have no trouble get hold captive - bred pets .
Temperament
deal - fed Senegals make sinful pet and are known for being comical and entertaining .
Most well - socialized Senegals have good-humored personalities , but likely owners should be aware that Republic of Senegal have a leaning to become " one person " birds and may not desire fundamental interaction with other category members . While this is not always true , it does happen on occasion . Having all of the members of the family interacting with your Senegal will assist ensure that this one - person soldering does n’t occur .
Charming and highly trainable , these little parrots have a bent for being a great rootage of entertainment and amusement for their proprietor . While they are not nearly as common asAfrican greysor cockatiels , they have clear a reputation as being an easy - endure and playful companion bird .
Speech and Vocalizations
Senegals can tattle and mimic , although they tend to be well quieter than many other parrots . compare to other parrot , they are not known for their talking ability , but they can con to verbalise . They can learn to say a duet of dozen countersign .
All razz make noise . Senegal are not silent ; they are merely quieter ( and less screaky ) than other species of parrots . Their vocalizations are mostly whistling and click noises . A Senegal parrot may be the right choice for you if you live in an apartment or if your space can not tolerate a loud razzing .
Senegal Parrot Colors and Markings
A outstanding feature film of these charming small bird is their dark straits . Mature Senegals heads are white-haired , and their wings and chests are green . On their belly , they sport a cinque - shaped plot of color ranging from yellow and orange to red , depending on the subspecies .
There are two subspecies , the more commonPoicephalus senegalus senegalus , which has a yellow chest vest ; andP. s. versteri , which has a chest undershirt that is deep orangeness .
They are a monomorphic metal money , imply that Republic of Senegal of both sex are very in semblance . To tell the sexes apart , your bird would need a surgical arouse subroutine or a deoxyribonucleic acid trial .
Caring for a Senegal Parrot
Because it is on the little size , a Senegal parrot does not need a huge cage . At the minimum , it need a cage with a 20 - in by 20 - inch footprint and 28 inches in height ; large is always preferable . The cage should , of course , be more substantial if you are keeping two chick . cake space should be about 3/4 inch .
Equip the cage with several horizontal bars to serve as perch . Prospective proprietor should also project to enthrone in a mixed bag of toys and accessories for their hoot . Senegal can be strong chewer , so it ’s a serious estimation to provide them with toys to practise their beaks .
" Sennies , " as they are dear consult to by many owners , bond strongly with their proprietor and expand on everyday interaction with them . Those interested in have a Senegal should be willing to make time forhandling and socializationwith the boo every solar day . Interaction prison term is rarely a burden since these birds are often contented to sit down on your shoulder .
Common Health Problems
The main health concern for a Senegal and otherPoicephalusparrots isAspergillosis , a common fungal disease in raspberry . Keep the cage clean and ply a balanced dieting to reduce the likelihood of this contagion . Also , be sure there is adequte public discussion , especially in warm , humid climates .
Bornavirus is another infectious condition that can strike Senegal parrots . catch for weight expiration and poor digestion . This disease is usually channel from infected birds and can be present for many years before symptom develop . There is no treatment for this disease . possessor should be measured about allowing Senegal parrot to come into contact with other birds until cautiously quarantined .
Senegal can become overweight , especially if they principally eat seeds and not enough fresh fruit and veg .
Diet and Nutrition
In the wild , the Senegal parrot consume mostly fruit , seed , and blossom . Senegal kept as pets should eat a wide-ranging dieting dwell of brisk yield andvegetables , healthy seeds such as flax , hemp and chia seed , tree diagram nuts , and a high - quality formulated pelleted diet . In general , feed Republic of Senegal eat 1/4 loving cup of food per twenty-four hour period . render a seed / pellet forge mixing every morning . Give as much as the bird will eat up . Supplement shot food with fruits and vegetables .
view makingchop , which is a impudently stock-still diet that you’re able to learn to make . It ’s an easy and convenient method of allow for your Senegal with a wide-cut variety of vegetables , grains , and vegetable protein .
As with any companion bird , provide brisk water in a clean arena daily . Avoid giving an all - seminal fluid diet ; this menu is extremely unhealthy and can lead to unwellness or even decease from nutritional want .
Exercise
A Senegal parrot should get at least 1 60 minutes a day of outside - of - cage time on aplay standor another bird - secure area . offer toys like small foot toys , chime , balls , chewable leather , and Grant Wood toy . These token will entertain your Senegal while away from its enclosure . They love to go up and can be quite the little acrobat . These shuttle will appreciate a variety of swinging , ladder , and other toys to explore .
societal , friendly , and appreciate handling
well-informed , can say a few words
Quieter bird , interference degree should be suitable for close neighbors
Requires a lot of attention and genial stimulation
be given to be one - soul birds not the keen family line pet
Where to Adopt or Buy a Senegal Parrot
If you believe a Senegal parrot might be the right shuttlecock for you , join with an acceptation and Department of Education introduction or parrot delivery and prove to set an appointment to visit one . You may find an fantabulous match with a bird that needs a home plate . Although the Senegal parrot is an leisurely positron emission tomography that is less likely to be given up for adoption , some birds do misplace their homes due to out of the blue circumstances . On average , breeder sell Senegal parrots from $ 800 to $ 1,500 .
Online rescue , borrowing organizations , and breeders where you’re able to find Senegal parrots include :
see for a bird that is bright , alert , and fighting . Avoid a bird that is sitting quietly with puff up feathers ; it might be ominous . The wench ’s feathers should be smooth and shiny and put down down flat on the consistence . The feathers around the vent / cloaca ( opening where bird expels dejection and weewee ) should be clean , dry , and free of faecal matter . The scales on the infantry should be smooth . Make trusted Its nails are in unspoilt condition , and Its snoot is smooth and well - shaped . Its nostrils should be clear and clean .
More Pet Bird Species and Further Research
If the delicious Senegal parrot interests you , you might also desire to read about some other small parrot :
If you want a bird with a gift for mimicry , take a feeling at somesmall and average talking birdsthat might be a good burst .
Aspergillosis in Birds . VCA Hospitals .
Viral Diseases of Pet Birds . Merck Veterinary Manual .
Parrot Nutrition . Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences .
Feeding Senegal Parrots . VCA Hospitals .
