Senegal Parrots Make Excellent Pets

Earning their name from the far western African nation where they are found, Senegal parrots (Poicephalus senegalus) are loyal, friendly, and affectionate pets that can live anywhere from fifteen to thirty years of age! Found across a great swath of western Africa, wild Senegal parrots live in the forest and are spread across the Savannah; furthermore, though they are fairly common, wild parrots may no longer be caught for the pet trade. This is partially because wild caught Senegals typically never lose their fear of humans. Also, in 1981, the trade of all wild-caught parrot species for the pet trade as made illegal by a World Conservation Union agreement first passed in 1963.

Senegal parrots may be identified by their gray faces, green feathered bodies, and tufts of orange stomach feathers. Though they cannot speak as well as many other popular parrots, Senegals can learn a fair number of words, and may also be taught tricks. However, they are also quieter, and more mellow in attitude than most other parrots. They range in size from eight and-a-half to eleven inches long.

Housing should be located in a warm, draft-free room where the temperature never drops below room temperature nor raises above ninety degrees. An idea cage size is three feet wide, two feet deep, and three feet high; this provides enough room for perches, a food bowl, and a water bottle, in addition to a water bowl. A water bowl should be provided because most parrots love bathing. Also beneficial, it helps to prevent adult feather plucking.

Senegals need to be feed two to four heaping teaspoons of a specialty small parrot food every day, in addition to a vitamin and mineral supplement to provide any essential, uncovered nutrients. Most fruits are suitable served fresh, in addition to numerous vegetables, among them peas, corn, tomatoes, and eggplants. However, under no circumstances should you feed your pet avocados. Avoid artificial sweets like chocolate in addition to "people food."

It should be noted that Senegals are best kept in a single-bird household; they require much attention, bond easily with their owners, and often become attached to one person if not regularly handled by a multitude of individuals. Senegal parrots are best purchased from a local breeder; expect to pay anywhere from four to seven hundred dollars, slightly more for the colorful orange-bellied variety.

For a friendly, long-living pet that requires little maintenance but lots of love, consider a Senegal parrot!