Senegals

[Fifi28]

Hey Guys,

Does anyone have any experience of senegals? How are they as family pets?

Thanks,

Fiona

 

[crimson]

I have a Senegal, named Safari. I'm not sure of the sex, but it doesn't make a difference.
they are great birds!!, but typically a 'one owner bird'...meaning they will not allow anyone to come close or be removed from you without delivering a bite.
so you have to consider how much time you can devote to this type of bird, because if it chooses you, you will be the only one to give it love, scratches, play time etc...

Senegals are quiet, playful and very entertaining.they amuse themselves extremely well when alone in their cage....at least Safari does.
look under the Poicephalus section, there is plenty of info!!

 

[ShellyBorg]

Mine likes me and my daughter, the boys not so much. Great bird, really cuddly.

 

[HalfInsane]

My senegal is still fairly young (1.5 years) but so far she's a fairly easy going bird, at least compared to my lovebird. She's usually quiet, but when she wants to be loud... she can be LOUD!! She also has moody days, though 90% of the time she's great. I do make a point of being firm and consistent in discouraging biting/other unwanted behaviours.

She likes getting scratched around her face and neck but is not overly cuddly.

She definitely has a bit of one-person-bird syndrome. She's still curious about new people, but can be unpredictable with them. She widely prefers women over men.

She's very good at keeping herself entertained, although she still chooses to spend a large amount of time interacting with me directly and following me around the house. She can be very curious, but at the same time is often afraid of new things and needs to be gradually introduced to them.

She has a great appetite and LOVES food. Beans and grains she's especially fond of, as well as crunchy vegetables of any sort. Berries and grapes are another favourite.

 

[Nocturnal]

My boss (owns a bird store) actually has decided she will no longer sell senegal or any ther poicephalus parrot babies. After years of experience they tend to be a bird that are typically "automatically mean". They pick one person they love and bite with devastating damage all others. I have owned my Senegal Mika for over 10 years and in that one she has adored my dad and carved the flesh from my fingers if given the opportunity. It has taken 10 years for her to finally decide she likes me too (an likely only because through my job I have become confident in handling large, aggressive macaws and she can tell I mean business, hehe).

If you are looking for a family bird, I would search elsewhere. If you want a bird that will love and adore one person (and no! The owner of the bird might not be that person, especially after the hormonal puberty years!!), then look at a Senegal.

 

[Fifi28]

Wonderful folks, thank you. I have read about this bad behaviour before with Senegals and have decided not to take the risk, especially where kids are involved. So thank you for your input.

 

[Karigan]

They usually prefer one person, but that doesn't mean that they will hurt everyone else. My girl prefers my husband, but loves me almost as much. After 4 months she accepted our new tenant downstairs, and will usually perch on new guests if told. If you take the time to train and socialize a sennie, or any bird, than they usually make unbelievably wonderful pets!

 

[HalfInsane]

They usually prefer one person, but that doesn't mean that they will hurt everyone else. My girl prefers my husband, but loves me almost as much. After 4 months she accepted our new tenant downstairs, and will usually perch on new guests if told. If you take the time to train and socialize a sennie, or any bird, than they usually make unbelievably wonderful pets!

Yes, I'll agree with this. My sennie very much dislikes my father (she's scared of him), and for whatever reason wants nothing to do with my one friend. But in either case she in no way goes out of her way to attack them; if strangers respect her space she'll leave them alone entirely.

Many birds can become aggressive towards people other than their primary care giver, especially if they rarely are socialized with strangers. Some species are less likely to become one person birds, 'tiels don't seem to be very prone to this. Eclectus also have a reputation for not being one person birds. That being said I know a 'tiel who will viciously attack anyone besides his primary caretaker... so species is not a guarantee. Actively working to keep the bird socialized with all members of the family is more important than the species of bird. If everyone feeds, interacts with, trains, and provides firm guidance for the bird from day one you'll be much less likely to experience aggression towards certain members of the family.