Senegal Parrot General Information

Senegal parrots are medium sized parrots that can make excellent pets. They do mimic, but are more adept at sounds than clear speech. They are generally quieter parrots, but they definitely can let out a screech when excited. We do NOT consider them to be “apartment” birds, as many sometimes suggest. There is some contention that Senegal Parrots can develop phobias so it is a good idea to expose them to new things so they are used to change.

Be careful about taking your Senegal outside without being restrained on a harness or inside a carrier. They can fly great distances with just a few flight feathers and can at times spook very easily. Many a Senegal has been lost this way.

A medium large sized cage is required for a Senegal Parrot. It should have bar spacing no larger than 5/8" and measure not less than 24" wide by 24" deep and 30" high. It should be big enough to allow lots of room for toys and space enough for the bird to spread its wings. Senegals like to climb and hang upside down while playing. Add lots of perches, boing ropes and a swing to give them places to climb. At the rescue we house all our Senegal Parrots in cages that are 32” wide x 24” deep x 30” interior height. They are on stands and have a playtop. The cages are made by A&E Cage Company, model number 8003223

The Senegal parrot diet should consist of medium size pellets, fresh vegetables, some fruit, nuts, whole grains and some seed. Give a varied diet to keep the bird interested and also to avoid food "phobias". The amount of seed offered should only make up about 10 to 20% of their diet. It is not a good practice to allow free feed all day. The best solution is a morning and evening feeding per day with plenty of fresh water available at all times.

Senegal Parrots are generally not prone to feather plucking, but if neglected or bored can resort to that behavior. Senegal parrots thrive on regular human interaction, but also can play independently if offered a variety of toys. Foot toys should also be available because they love to play with things they can hold on to and manipulate with their foot. They are very fond of wood chewing, so be sure to provide opportunities for them to chew with non-treated wood, such as balsa block, basswood or soft pine.

Senegal parrots are capable of talking but most only say a few words and mimic sounds such as the microwave, ringing phone, etc. They vocalize with many different types of calls that can be extremely loud and very high pitched. We have several examples of this on our YouTube channel.

Senegal Parrots, and all parrots for that matter, require between ten and twelve hours of quiet and darkness to provide adequate sleep. A tv in the room, talking on the phone, or having a conversation with somebody does not provide good sleep. Even if they are covered they are still not being given the opportunity for uninterrupted sleep which is vital to their behavior. Lack of sleep equals a cranky bird.

Senegal Parrots can easily become bonded to one person and tend to become extremely defensive toward anyone else. The best solution is training and socialization in order to control this type of situation. The more interaction with other people the less likelihood that this behavior will spiral out of control.