Senegals
Senegal parrots originate from Africa. They are perfect for people who live in an apartment and can’t afford to house or keep a big parrot such as a cockatoo. Senegals are quieter and less messy, but still have the personality of a big parrot. Their price range is average, from 200 - 400 dollars, and they are exceptional talkers.
A Senegal can be kept in a small parrot cage, around 20 x 30 inches in length. Bar spacing should be no more than one inch, or you’re risking its head getting stuck. Senegals like to play with cockatiel sized toys or larger, but it depends on the individual bird, so try different toys to see which ones it likes. Some good suggestions for toys are: popsicle sticks, paper towel rolls, and wood blocks that they can hold in their feet.
A parrot such as a Senegal will do best if put on a pelleted diet that is supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Most birds like treats (in moderation) like millet and birdie granola bars. Always be weary of buying bird food at stores like Wal-Mart instead of the pet store. These foods are likely to be kept stale, whereas those of the pet foods in pet stores are most often fresher.
A common behavioural problem for parrots is biting. Don’t make the mistake of hitting or scolding your bird. It works on kids, so why not on parrots? here’s why. Parrots get excited when you’re loud, whether you’re yelling at them or playing music. So yelling at them will not get them to stop biting, it will most likely make the whole situation a lot worse. Hitting your parrot will frighten it and cause it to not trust you, and it will live the rest of its life fearing humans and biting to get away from them. So instead of these two things, there are some things you can do. First, you can say “no!” Firmly, and just once. Then put the bird down or continue holding it with caution. Second, you can give it an “earthquake”. This does NOT mean that you shake it up and down. It means that, while it is on your arm, you distract it from biting by gently dropping your arm a few inches, so it has to stop what its doing to stay on you. If these don’t work, be drastic and put it back in its cage after telling it not to bite. Keep it there for five minutes and then give it another chance to be with you. Parrots certainly aren’t dumb, so they’ll quickly learn what you’re getting at: don’t bite me!
Senegals truly are a nice species of parrot. They live for up to 50 years, have playful personalities, and make all-around great pets. I recommend them to almost anyone, since they are loving, kind, and can learn tricks.
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