Senegal Parrot: Distinctive Features, Personality, Diet & Care

Love playing games and planning tricks with your pet? Well, that makes one a perfect owner for a pet Senegal parrot. Also known as Sennies, they are one of the most popular species of parrots to be kept as a pet. They can prove to be quite an entertainer for the others around them. Senegals are originally found in the woodlands of Western Africa. They are well-known for their quiet and calm behavior. Of course, they are not completely silent but comparatively less talkative than others. They can still learn to talk and mimic like any other parrot. 

Senegals are not very tough to take care of, which again makes them efficient as a pet. However, like any other pet, it still relies on its owner for housing, diet, entertainment, and affection. It would be better to make a special note for the last one. Senegals crave love and care. They are not only attention-grabbing but also attention-seeking creatures. It is not as big a burden as it sounds (quite opposite, in fact). Well, from their meals to their mood, here’s everything a Senegal owner needs to know.

Distinctive Features of Pet Senegal Parrot 

Senegals prove to be amazing pets for a whole lot of reasons. There are numerous things that make the Senegal parrot stand out from the rest. From their unique personality to easy adaptability, there are a lot of things that will leave their owners amused. However, before diving deeper into that, here’s a quick glance at some of the basic characteristics of the Senegal parrot. 

As promised, now the discussion will head towards some other features of the Senegals. These features are not only a distinction but a list of must-know information for Senegal owners. Knowledge of these things will come in handy while understanding and taking care of the little bird.

• Compared to other parrots, Senegals are quiet in nature. They do learn some talking but aren’t much into it. This can be considered an advantage for those living in apartments.
• Senegals are generally attached only to a single person. That one person is the only buddy the bird needs, which seems like a hurdle for it to become a family pet. However, if it is being socialized with a lot of people since its early days, it won’t be an issue.
• Senegals are quite active and like to play around a lot. It is suggested to provide them with toys that they can use to play, exercise, and keep themselves engaged.
• The owner should make sure to spend enough time with the parrot. They can even be possessive about their owners so it’s better not to give them a chance to complain.
• Senegals are not very disturbing. They would be happy enough just to sit on the shoulder of their favorite person. 
• Senegals tend to breed well in captivity. If they are given proper love and care by a human, they won’t even mind not having a companion from their own breed. 

How to Take Care of Pet Senegal Parrot?

Senegal parrots are among the easiest to deal with. They are low-maintenance and don’t ask for much. However, it is still a pet and needs care. What they need the most is your attention! They can get frightened and once they sense danger, they can become aggressive. Hence, it is essential to spend time with them and make their fear go away. Giving them things to play with can go a long way in keeping them satisfied. They like to chew wood so wooden toys can be a good way to keep their hearts happy and bleak healthy. Also, they need at least 8-10 hours of darkness to have adequate sleep. Apart from that, an appropriate cage setup and a healthy diet are of utmost significance. 

How to Set up a Cage for a Senegal Parrot? 

Senegal parrots are small in size, which makes it convenient for the owner to set up a cage for their pet bird. That goes especially well if someone’s short of space in their home. As for the exact size of the cage, it should at least have a base of 20 inches x 20 inches and a height of 28 inches. That’s the minimum but it’s better to have larger cages, especially if it is going to stay inside for long durations. 

As mentioned, Senegals are playful in nature and would prefer to stay active inside the cage as well. That being said, keeping a few toys in the cage will be a great add-on and would make the bird happy. Regarding the bar spacing in the cage, it must be around 3-4 inches. And, don’t forget to add a few horizontal perches for your Senegal to climb on. Keeping the cage clean at all times is of utmost necessity. 

What to Feed Your Pet Senegal Parrot? 

When it comes to food, one may consider the Senegal parrot a blessing. It’s because they are not very picky about the food. A good nutritious diet is enough to keep them happy and healthy. They can be fed with blossoms, seeds, and fruits. For seeds, one can go for tree nuts, hemp and chia seeds, or flax. It is suggested to serve them a pelleted diet as well. Fresh fruits and vegetables must be a regular part of their diet to ensure that they get enough nutrition. 

Senegals should be fed a quarter cup of food a day. It goes without saying to keep a bowl of clean and fresh water around them. The water needs to be changed every day. Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential to avoid any kind of illness. It is to be noted that if they are being served with only seeds or grains, it can make them extremely unhealthy. In the worst cases, it can even be fatal. 

What are the Health Concerns of Pet Senegal Parrots? 

Senegal parrots are usually very healthy and active. If provided with proper attention and care, illnesses can easily be avoided. There are just a few things that should be considered for their well-being and good health. Following is a list of the same:

• Similar to other Poicephalus parrots, Senegals are vulnerable to a disease named Aspergillosis. It is a common fungal disease among birds. To avoid the infection, all you need to do is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping their cages fresh and clean, and offering them a balanced diet and proper ventilation are a few examples. 
• Another infection that is likely to hit Senegals is the bornavirus. This is a transmissible disease passed on from one bird to another. It is to be noted that it can infect a bird for years without any symptoms for a long time. However, you can still look out for symptoms like weight loss and poor digestion when it develops.  There’s no permanent cure for the bornavirus. It is better to avoid it from the beginning. Since the transmission occurs from other birds, one needs to carefully quarantine the birds before introducing them to each other. 
• Apart from this, there are other basic things that need to be taken care of to maintain overall health. They should be bathed regularly to prevent any kind of skin problems. Besides, a good amount of physical activity is essential for them to avoid being overweight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Senegal Parrot

Is Senegal parrot friendly?

If socialized properly, Senegals can be quite friendly. However, they are likely to become a ‘one-person bird. To avoid that, it is essential to let them meet different people.

Is Senegal parrot a good first bird?

Senegals possess all the qualities of a good pet and aren’t difficult to deal with. However, they need proper attention and care. So, a person with at least a little experience will be preferred. You can still keep it if you’re willing to learn a bit.

How much is a Senegal parrot worth?

Senegals can cost you anything between $200 to $500. They are cheaper than the other birds of the same genus.

Does Senegal parrot talk?

Senegals are generally less talkative when compared to other parrots. However, they are perfectly capable of talking and mimicking others.