Senegal Parrot
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poicephalus senegalus |
| Origin | West Africa |
| Size | Small-Medium (9-10 inches, 120-170 grams) |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years (up to 50 with excellent care) |
| Noise Level | Low to Moderate |
| Talking Ability | Moderate (can learn words and phrases) |
| Diet | Pellets, vegetables, fruits, limited seeds |
| Care Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Space Requirements | Minimum 24x20x24 inch cage |
Recommended for Senegal Parrots
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Harrison's Bird Foods - Certified organic pellets | Lafeber - Nutri-berries and Avi-Cakes | Kaytee - Complete parrot nutrition
Top Food Choices for Senegals
Harrison's Bird Foods - Organic fine or superfine pellets | Lafeber Nutri-Berries - Foraging nutrition | Kaytee Exact - Daily parrot diet
A small Poicephalus with a strong opinion
Senegal parrots are Poicephalus senegalus, from West Africa. Adults are about 9 to 10 inches. Many live 25 to 30 years, and some reach 50. Care is beginner to intermediate, and talking is moderate. The green body and yellow or orange belly are the usual picture. They are a common recommendation for someone who wants a parrot and cannot live with a sun conure's scream.
A cage of at least 24 by 20 by 24 inches is a starting size. Bigger, with time out, is the life. Pellets, vegetables, fruit, and limited seed are the diet. They can be nippy, especially if hands smell like food or if the bird is bonded to someone else in the room. Shoulder time ends the day the bird starts diving at guests. That boundary is easier to set early.
Captive-bred, and a gram scale
Wild-caught Senegals are a poor buy, and casual import is not legal. Buy captive-bred. Weigh the bird. A small parrot loses weight before it looks sick. A fluffed Senegal that stays on the cage floor needs an avian vet from AAV. The pattern is described on the quiet bird page.
Senegal parrot questions
Are Senegal parrots quiet?
Quieter than a conure or a macaw. Noise is low to moderate. They still whistle, click, and shout at times. Quiet is relative.
Do they bond to one person?
Often. A Senegal may love one adult and bite the rest of the house. That is a husbandry and a handling issue, not a broken bird.
How long do they live?
25 to 30 years, and up to 50 with excellent care. Use the longer number when you decide who inherits the bird.
Decision Guides for Senegal Parrot
Use these only when comparing food, insurance, ownership budget, or beginner fit for this specific pet.