Do I give him enough attention?

[Boniface]

So I have an 8-9month old senegal called Patrick.
I'm concerned we don't give him enough attention.
My partner and I leave about 7:15 and get back about 4:30 5 days a week.
On the weekend we go shopping for a few hours but generally we're at home.

When I get home I do stepping up and recall with him.
He's still not happy about being handled and I try to play with him.

I'm concerned we don't give him enough attention.

How can you tell if he's a happy bird?

 

[thekarens]

I leave the house at 6 am and get home around 430 Monday through Friday and have 2 sennies. I let them out to play as soon as I get home and they seem fine. They are always happy to snuggle with me, but are also fine playing on their own.

Is yours eating well and playing with his toys?

 

[mh434]

I don't know if it's any help, but as long as I say goodbye to Sammy (YNA 'Zon) *last* when I go out the door, and say hello to him *first* when I come home, he's a happy camper. God forbid I should greet the dogs or other birds first, though!! Then I get the cranky, birdie cold-shoulder.

I guess a lot depends on the species of bird. Some (like 'Zons & paired Lovies) seem to happily amuse themselves all day long. Don't know about Sennies, though...

 

[RavensGryf]

I guess a lot depends on the species of bird. Some (like 'Zons & paired Lovies) seem to happily amuse themselves all day long. Don't know about Sennies, though...

This is true... Some species are definitely needier than others. Senegals (Poicephalus parrots in general) are very independent by nature. Like Karen asked, does he eat well and play with his toys?

 

[Boniface]

He eats alright I suppose. He just hasn't been making as much noise lately and we've taken to leaving him out of the cage in the day because we can't get him to go in.

He still does step up and recall. He just doesn't seem as happy.