Hand Fed Senegal Parrot - Poicephalus senegalus

Noise Level & Talking Ability

Senegals are fairly quiet birds but can have their moments. Generally speaking a Senegal parrot can be kept in an apartment if you have decent walls and a good relationship with your neighbours. Senegals learn human speech quite easily. Their voices are softer quieter and gentler than their larger African cousins like the African Grey. They usually acquire a moderate vocabulary although some can have a more extensive list of words, phrases, and sounds. Most will develop an understanding of several common phrases like step up. Of course, the best way to teach a parrot to talk is to talk to it.

Physical Features

Overall mostly green with a charcoal grey head. Senegals have a ‘V’ of yellow-orange beginning from inside the "shoulders" of the bird and extending downward on the abdomen toward the bird’s tail. Young birds have a dark grey iris, at maturity (around 18 months) the iris changes colour and can range from bright yellow to light grey with a yellow tinge. The pupil remains black. The beak is dark grey, the legs and feet are light grey with black nails. The flight feathers are grey-green, and the tail is a dark green colour. 

Pet Profile

Diet

Quality pellets, like ZuPreem Natural or Tropican Alternative, should make up 60% of the diet. Fresh fruits and veggies, and other healthy chop mixes should make up 30% of the diet, and seed should only make up 10% as a treat. Almonds are a great training reward due to their calcium content. 

Housing

They are an interesting bird that thrives in routine and become accustomed to the habits of their owners. Senegal parrots do best in a cage that is between 4 and 6 square feet or so. They don't tend to stress easily, but too large of a cage will increase the likelihood of the bird overstressing and potentially plucking as a result. Cage placement is also very important, for example, a cage right in front a window tends to be extremely stressful.

Breeding Information

Wild Status

Decreasing - Least Risk
Last assessed July 2019 for the IUCN Red List.