New parrot parent

[LindaB]

Hi, we have just become the proud family of a Senegal parrot named Elphie. She was in my sons Science classroom and she bit one of the students. The teacher was going to send her back to the pet store but my son couldn't stand that idea and talked us into buying her for him.

We were totally unprepared for this and have no background for this at all, so any help or info on how to take care of and deal with her would be much appreciated.

 

[BruceV]

Welcome to the forum and parrot companionship! Your life will never be the same (that's a good thing). Browse the forums, ask any questions you like, LOTS of knowledgeable and friendly people here! Oh, and make sure you upload pics. We love to see pictures of the fids (feathered kids).

 

[Terry57]

Welcome! I am sure Elphie is going to be very happy with you and can't wait to see pictures!

 

[getwozzy]

Welcome to the forum!!

Thank you for saving Elphie!! The thing is, they bite for a reason...and being in a classroom full of kids can either stress a bird out really bad or not phase them at all.

What kind of diet is Elphie on? What size cage and bar spacing? What kind of perches and toys does are in the cage? Are you able to post pictures?

Are there any behavior issues you've encountered so far with her? Is she biting a lot?

 

[Kimma]

Welcome LindaB. You've come to the right place. There are so many clever people here.

 

[thekarens]

My sennie is the beakiest bird I have ever met, but once they trust you they make the most wonderful companions.

 

[SoCalWendy]

My sennie is the beakiest bird I have ever met, but once they trust you they make the most wonderful companions.

Mine too.... She always has to be chewing on something or me

 

[SoCalWendy]

Hi, we have just become the proud family of a Senegal parrot named Elphie. She was in my sons Science classroom and she bit one of the students. The teacher was going to send her back to the pet store but my son couldn't stand that idea and talked us into buying her for him.

We were totally unprepared for this and have no background for this at all, so any help or info on how to take care of and deal with her would be much appreciated.

Sennies can a little aloof at first. So give it some time and don't flood her with attention or expect interaction. Allow her to settle in and bond slowly. Right now you want to provide her with a good size cage and good food that consists of fresh fruits, veggies, pellets, etc. and fresh water. Eventually she will need some toys, and forging toys, you can buy or make to give her something to do. But right now that's not important. Letting her settle is priority. You can look up some YouTube videos on Senegal parrots, to see what they sound like. They can be pretty vocal. But not as vocal as some. Some talk, mine is 10 months and is now beginning to talk. They native to Senegal, Africa. African grays, red bellied parrots, cape parrots, brown headed parrots, and Myers parrots are all of e same poi family, along with the Senegal.

So have fun with her

 

[TessieB]

Welcome! Good for you for taking in Elphie.

 

[LindaB]

Thanks for all the good wishes. We are obviously very lucky because Elphie seems to like us from the start. She flutters down from her cage and walks over to me at least once a day if I don't come get her when she wants.

I just bought some parrot mix food from the pet store and have been adding dried fruits and vegetables to it. Also peanuts and pistachios in the shell, she really likes nuts. At night she eats fresh fruit with my husband in the evenings before bed.

Her new cage is 22x24 and just has a wooden perch inside and on top and a small perch that's supposed to sand off her toenails.

I posted some pictures of her earlier. She's a big ham!