The Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus)

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A SENEGAL AS A PET IT IS ADVISABLE THAT YOU GET AS MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARROT AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU BUY

A member of the Poicephalus family and probably the best known.

Senegals are regarded as compact, cuddly and very playful birds. They are frequently seen in pet shops around USA and Europe. Some people find that the little Senegal is one of the very few pet birds they ever could be truly comfortable with; while others may find them difficult to handle - although small they have the attitude of a much larger parrot. The Senegal Parrot can be recommended to anyone looking for the "big bird" behaviour. They also have the ability to talk and are quieter, smaller and more easily cared for.

Senegals come from the north central part of Africa, they were heavily imported into the US and Europe until their importation became illegal in 1992. The original wild-caught Senegals were an entirely different bird than those seen for sale today. Those first imports were very nervous, panicky, and sulky in personality, with a bite that was not forgotten.

Senegals bred from those original imports posses an entirely different nature. The young and especially the hand-reared, are extremely playful. They have the ability to dangle by one leg and can chatter gleefully for hours at a time.

Baby hand-reared Senegals love to be handled, they especially like to be petted like larger parrots, and they love to be the centre of attention without being demanding. Senegals that are hand-reared by professional breeders are much gentler and sweeter in temperament than their wild forebearers.

The Senegal has a charming personality with obvious intelligence and often can achieve clear speech. Senegals can make good talkers. (They will never match the incredible mimicking ability of the African Greys and some Amazons, but what they learn to say they will say well.) Their speech is clear. They can learn to micmic with intelligence. Senegals that are given daily attention and interaction tend to be undemanding.

All pet birds need time and attention when they are first purchased. Never buy a parrot until you are satisfied that it is what you want - this goes for young hand-reared Senegals just as much as for the larger parrots.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A SENEGAL AS A PET IT IS ADVISABLE THAT YOU GET AS MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARROT AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU BUY