How Are Senegal Parrots as Pets?

[Isabell]

Hi, I would like to know how Senegal's are as pets. I have had a green winged macaw previously sadly he is no more but I am now interested in the Senegal. I have done a lot of research but there is not much information to find. I am curious about about their personality traits and would really much appreciate if you could share some of your experiences with them and stories. Also I have heard that they are pretty quiet is this true? do they like to yell? How much did you pay for your Senegal? How much money do you sped on toys weekly and how quickly do they destroy them? Also if you know any good informational links please write them down in the comments below. I would very much appreciate everything you can share with me. Thank-you

 

[Sandy19]

I have a 4 month old Senegal. She's very well behaved and good in the car and anywhere that I'm able to take her like the pet stores. She only likes me and my 5 year old daughter, however. If anyone else tries to pick her up she flies away. She doesn't even want to go to my husband or older kids. I don't think she'll ever be the type of bird that will go to just anyone no matter how much I try to socialize her.

She's pretty quiet except in the morning when she wakes up and is ready to get out of her cage. That's when she wants my attention the most. I put her on the porch and she likes to mimic the crows right in my ear which is kind of annoying. Other than that she's not loud like I've heard of some of the other parrots.

I think a macaw or a cockatoo or an electus would be more of a fun bird because they can talk well. Peanut is kind of boring lol, but she's cute and not much trouble at all.

Also I bought her a bunch of expensive bird toys, but she seems to prefer playing with stuff you can find around the house. Toilet paper rolls, junk mail, strings, water bottles, plastic cups.... even food. Yesterday she played with a brussel sprout for an hour.

 

[Birdman666]

They're one of the best trick birds out there...

They can be little clowns. Big personality birds for sure. Easy to train. They DO NOT tend to be screamers or pluckers... more prone to "plucking you" than themselves.

They can have a tendency to overbond with one person, and be aggressive with "not my person" IF not properly socialized.

Sennie's DO HAVE ATTITUDE... that's part of their charm, and what makes them big personality birds BUT it also means they can occasionally be a pain in the butt... (or more accurately, the fingers) from time to time.

They can be "Syble-ish" in their mood swings when hormonal.

 

[Sandy19]

Peanut has been very easy to train so far. She always steps up with no problem, comes to me when I call her and potty training seemed to come naturally. She automatically poops before she takes off to fly so most of her droppings are contained under her perch and not all over me and the furniture.

She's still a baby so I haven't tried training her to do tricks yet, I'm trying to get her socialized as much as possible first. But she does like to roll on her back and does that all on her own. She likes to lay in my hand on her back like a baby.

 

[RavensGryf]

Mature Pois (I have experience with males. Not Senegals, but closely related species with very similar traits) can be a hot headed species with an oversized beak for their body and a very hard bite. My boys have tempers! Robin not so much now because he's 22 and has mellowed out some. Little clowns too.

They are one of the very few species that can (depending on individual) be hands on cuddly, as well as very independent if you are busy or work. They have whistles, chirps, adorable soft peeps, etc. Robin's mimicking of a conure noise is no where near as harsh as a real conure. "Loud" is relative though. Depends on what you call loud. Even budgies can be loud if you're not comparing them to a cockatoo .

 

[Scott]

I know nothing of senegals but wish to welcome you to the forums! You've received great advice thus far, hope more is forthcoming!!

 

[Isabell]

Thank-you for all your help and input! I have another question what brand of pellets do you recommend? I have looked at a lot of websites but I'm not sure if they are just sponsored or not. Also if there is any brand you think I should avoid a nice heads-up would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Scott]

The only pellets my flock will consistently eat is ZuPreem Fruit Blend. I've tried in vain to introduce various brands but they are mostly tossed overboard or left to age gracefully in the bowl.

Be advised there are other brands and specific blends that are healthier and composed of organic ingredients. Other members will give recommendations, but you may go through a discovery process to learn what will be consumed. If you are near a bird-specific store, samples may be available to ease the burden.