Senegal parrot a standout member of the Poicephalus family, is highly esteemed for its exceptional qualities as a pet, including its stillness and unusually calm demeanor.
Originating from Africa, these birds are the most common among the Poicephalus species, making them readily available in pet stores. Known for their friendly nature and affordability compared to other Poicephalus parrots, Senegal parrots are an excellent choice for those seeking a larger bird as a companion.
Appearance
The Senegal Parrot, measuring about 9 inches in length, may not be as “flashy” as some of its similarly sized counterparts. However, its understated beauty is highlighted by an iridescent green throat, orange thighs, and yellow breasts, set against a backdrop of dark green and brownish-gray feathers.
Their pale yellow-orange eyes contrast strikingly with their deeper gray face, while their beak and feet are black. Despite their modest appearance, Senegal Parrots are renowned for their fantastic personalities, which perfectly complement their natural beauty.
Temperament
Hand-fed Senegal Parrots are celebrated for their humorous and entertaining nature, making them exceptional pets.
Generally, well-socialized Senegals possess affable personalities, but potential owners should be aware that these birds can sometimes become attached to a single person, potentially limiting their interaction with other family members. While this isn’t always the case, it can occur. To prevent this one-person attachment, it’s important to ensure that every family member interacts regularly with your Senegal Parrot from a young age.
Senegals are Great companions
These adorable and easily trained parrots have a knack for entertaining their owners with hours of fun and delight. Known for their laid-back and playful nature, they make excellent companion birds.
While they may not be as ubiquitous as African greys or cockatiels, their charming personalities and engaging antics ensure they are cherished by those who welcome them into their homes.
Love to make sound
Senegal parrots are the most popular among the Poicephalus species and are also one of the most commonly kept pet parrots.
They frequently produce high-pitched whistles and squawks and are capable of mimicking sounds, though they are quieter than many other parrot species.
Known for their amiable nature, Senegal parrots make excellent companions. They can be quite independent and typically require plenty of sleep during the day. To enhance their social and physical well-being, it’s highly recommended to keep two Senegal parrots together as companions.
Price in India
In India, the cost of a Senegal Parrot is approximately INR 17,000, and they are readily available in pet stores. If you’re considering becoming a pet parent to one of these delightful birds, you can start by searching for a reliable pet store in your area.
Speech and sound
Although Senegal parrots are not typically the chattiest among parrot species, some can learn to speak quite effectively, developing a vocabulary of several words. They generally prefer to whistle and cluck rather than scream, making them a quieter choice for a pet. With a Senegal parrot, you can enjoy the companionship of a vocal bird without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.
How to find one Senegal Parrot ?
The cost of a Senegal parrot varies depending on factors such as temperament, plumage quality, size, and whether it was bred in captivity or caught in the wild.
Here’s a simple guideline to help you distinguish a healthy Senegal parrot:
- Energetic and Alert: Choose parrots that are active, bright, and responsive. Avoid birds that are lethargic or have puffed feathers, as these can be signs of illness.
- Feather Condition: Look for lustrous, silky feathers that lay flat against the body. Healthy feathers should not be dull or patchy.
- Clean Vent: Ensure the vent or cloaca, where the bird discharges waste, is clean and dry, free from fecal matter.
- Smooth Feet: Check their feet for smooth scales, ensuring there are no signs of scaly leg mites.
- Beak and Nails: Verify that the beak is smooth and well-shaped, and that the nails are in good condition.
- Clear Nostrils: Inspect their nostrils to ensure they are clear and free of any discharge.
How to keep Senegal Parrot at home ?
Cage requirements
A Senegal parrot requires a cage with a minimum footprint of 20 inches by 20 inches and a height of 28 inches, though larger cages are always preferable. If you’re keeping two birds, a bigger cage is necessary. The bars should be spaced about 3/4 inch apart.
Equip the cage with multiple horizontal bars to serve as perches. Prospective owners should be prepared to invest in a variety of accessories and toys. Senegal parrots have powerful beaks, so providing toys to keep them engaged and their beaks active is essential.
Choose either a dome-top cage or a play-top cage
Dome-top cages feature an additional semicircular room at the top, while flat play-top cages may have extra perches or toys outside the cage. Both designs offer unique advantages. Dome-top cages provide more internal space, which is crucial for Senegal parrots. As such, they’re often preferred by owners.
Play-top cages are particularly attractive to birds that spend significant time outside their cages. Your preference for aesthetics may influence your choice between the two designs. Just ensure that your room can accommodate the style you select.
Decide a place
While you might have limited options for cage placement due to its size, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Birds are sensitive to odors and temperature fluctuations. It’s essential to place your bird’s cage in an area free from drastic temperature changes, away from open windows, drafts, heat vents, and air conditioners.
Additionally, ensure the cage is positioned in an area free from fumes, such as food smells, fireplace smoke, car fumes from the garage, or strong odors from the backyard. Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your Senegal parrot is crucial for its well-being.
Place a liner on the bottom of the cage
At the bottom of your bird’s cage, line it with regular newspaper, parchment paper, or any pigment-free paper. This will effectively collect any food debris, waste, or excrement. Prioritizing hygiene is crucial, so it’s essential to stay mindful of all the necessary do’s and don’ts when caring for a pet.
Regular cage cleaning
Once you’ve set up your cage, maintaining it is key to ensuring your bird’s happiness and health. Here’s what you need to do:
- Change the lining daily to keep the cage clean.
- Wash the food and water dishes daily to maintain hygiene.
- Sweep or vacuum the area around the cage several times a week to prevent buildup of debris.
- Perform a thorough cleaning of the entire cage on a monthly basis to remove any accumulated dirt or grime.
Consistent routine maintenance will help create a comfortable and healthy environment for your Senegal parrot.
Diet and Nutrition
A Senegal parrot doesn’t require a large cage due to its modest size. In the wild, they primarily feed on plants, including young tree buds and locust beans, along with occasional consumption of fruits, seeds, grains, and blooms.
In captivity, it’s essential to provide a balanced diet. On average, a Senegal parrot consumes about 1/4 cup of food daily, comprising a mix of seeds and pellets supplemented with fruits and vegetables. Consider incorporating chop—a freshly frozen diet consisting of a variety of vegetables, grains, and plant proteins—as a convenient way to offer nutritional variety.
Fresh water should be provided daily in a clean bowl. Avoid feeding a diet solely comprised of seeds, as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. Aim for a diet consisting of roughly 70% premium pellets, preferably formulated specifically for parrots or utilizing a cockatiel blend. Follow the serving recommendations on the product packaging, offering one serving of pellets to your parrot each day.
