SENEGAL PARROT  

A sweet, cuddly and talkative bird, the Senegal Parrot is a favorite pet to many people, often attaching more to one person. Senegals can learn a limited vocabulary and are much quieter and smaller birds than many other parrots like the Conure or African Grey, making them an ideal apartment pet. Originally from Africa, their average lifespan is 30 years and can live up to 50 years.

Diet

Feed 2-3 teaspoons per day of fortified small parrot seed or pellet. Supplement with small amounts of fruits and vegetables: spinach, dandelion greens, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, cucumber, green peppers, tomato, zucchini, pineapple, apricot, banana, and apple. Occasional leaned cooked meats or “monkey chow” biscuits can also be offered. Do not feed avocado. Vitamins can be added to the drinking water or food 2-3 times a week. A cuttlebone or mineral block is important for beak condition and oyster shell or gravel for important minerals.

Housing  

Provide a roomy cage, minimum 20"L 20"W 28"H with horizontal bars ¾” apart to make climbing easier along with an outside play area. Wooden hanging chew toys are favorites of Senegals. Use various sized perches and branches for healthy feet along with ropes, chains and swings for climbing and exercising. Where you place the cage is important; if their environment is too stressful they may pull their feathers out. Place the cage where they can socialize with people in a quiet, stress-free environment. Cover the cage at night to provide a sense of security and prevent drafts.

Care

Basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Change paper bottoms daily and litter coverings every 2-3 days. Clean and disinfect the cage weekly. Wash and completely dry the perches and toys whenever they become soiled.

Grooming

Senegals generally maintain their nails and beaks on their own through climbing and chewing. Your birds will enjoy a bath or a light spray mist of lukewarm water 2 to 3 times weekly. Wings should be kept trim if you want to discourage flight and prevent flight through an open door or window. Occasional beak and nail trims may be needed.

Health

A balanced diet, cleanliness and plenty of exercise will prevent most parrot illnesses. Boredom and lack of socialization can lead to feather plucking, biting and screaming. Some signs of illness: sitting with eyes closed, ruffled feathers, lack of appetite, irregular breathing, nasal discharge, sneezing, resting with its head turned back, and any change in the dropping. Consult an avian veterinarian if any of these signs are noticed.