Senegal Parrots – General

General Information

The Senegal parrot is a lovely, gregarious, chattery bird. There are 3 subspecies. They are native to a wide range of central West Africa. Members of this group of birds are small to medium in size. Senegal parrots are very self-assured, charming, highly intelligent, playful and social flock animals. They have a compact stocky body. These widely popular pets have lively and engaging personalities. They will readily learn human speech and learn to mimic household noises like the microwave and telephone. Their voices are softer and quieter then other larger parrots. In captivity, they often bond closely with one person, and are very loyal pets. Most hand raised or well-socialized Senegals are gentle and make wonderful family pets.

"In captivity, they often bond closely with one person, and are very loyal pets."

Purchasing a Senegals

Senegals may be purchased from a pet store or a reputable breeder. When selecting a Senegal parrot, try to choose a young bird. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove challenging to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialized with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations. Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinarian, etc.) to help promote a calm, well-adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by a veterinarian familiar with birds.

Veterinary Care

Senegals parrots require regular, routine veterinary health check-ups. Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim as necessary) and laboratory tests as needed. During these semi-annual check-ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary check-ups help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.

Color

Mature

Senegal parrots have a charcoal grey head and face, green back and throat, and yellow-orange under parts and rump. The green of the throat forms a "V" pointing down over the chest. The beak is grey and the eyes bright yellow.

Immature

The color is duller than the adult; the head is brownish colored with dull grey ear coverings and the eyes are dark brown.

Sexing

No external sex differences.

Weight

Average 4.4 - 6 ounces (125 - 170 grams) but average is 150 grams

Size

Average 9 inches (23 cm) in length

Life span

25 - 30 years (perhaps 50 years if well kept in captivity)

Diet

Consult your veterinarian. Also see handout Senegal Parrots - Feeding

Breeding

Sexual maturity at 1 - 3 years depending on species

Brood Size

2 - 3 eggs hatch in 27 - 28 days, young leave the nest in 9 weeks

Cage

Minimum 3 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft long (90 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm) depending on species