INFO ABOUT SENEGALS

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The Senegal

 is the most common member of the Poicephalus family. They weigh in around 150 grams with males a little heavier and females a little lighter. They have stocky bodies and short tails. As these birds reach maturity it gets easier to tell males from females. The males get more width to their head and stockier bodies, and females are more dainty. Life Span: Possibly 30-40 years or more

. The full potential life span is not yet known on this species as it hasn't been in aviculture for very long. Color: The Senegal is shiney green with a greyish head and face, and a vest shaped marking on the entire belly area that is orange or yellow. Becoming more available is the Pied Senegal, which is when they have yellow patches within the green area. Babies have brown eyes, and as they mature become an amazing yellowish orange. Energy Level: Moderate. Most enjoy a good energetic burst of play, and then will contently relax and take a nap. Their mind is very active and need to be mentaly satisfied with fun toys or attention. Talking Ability: Quite good. Senegals love to listen to people talk and will often pick up words and noises they enjoy hearing without much coaching. Since their eyes are such a light color, it is easy to see their pupils flash wth excitement as you talk to them. Some will even mimic body motion, like bobing the head or swaying side to side, especially when listening to music. Noise: Senegals are not known to be very noisy.They do have an alarm sound they do when they see something unusual.

 It is somewhat of a low pitch shrill. Personally, I don't find the noise offensive. But if you have not heard the loud squawks of Macaws or the screams of an Amazon, then the alarm sound of the Senegal may be considered ear piercing to you. I suggest you visit a Senegal in person. It will not take long to hear his alarm sound as soon as he sees you, and you can judge for yourself.

 Other than that Senegals make a few low pitch "pings" and squeeks, but usually prefer some type of jumbled talking when I greet them. Unique Characteristics: Senegals are highly intelligent and are very aware of what is going on around them. They learn to mimic sound and movement ver easily. They have a comical way of galloping around when the are excited and feeling playful.

 They also love having their head scratched and will often demand a head scatch before stepping up. Senegals can be absolutly fearless and pounce the family dog, so keep a close eye. The dog will likely not be appreciative. On the other hand, Senegals can be absolutley afraid of a totaly non-threating object, like a crayon. Problem Behavior: Senegals are loyal to their owners and expect the same in return. At sexual maturity (2 years or so) they can become possesive of you and drive away others that threaten your bond.

 Males are worse than females. Be sure to have lots of people handle your baby to keep him from bonding to one person and you'll have minimal problems with that. When Senegals get frustrated they will often chomp down on a toy and grind it in their beak (usually mature males). Sometimes this bite and grind can be your hand. To avoid this, try to keep your Senegal from getting frustrated, and train him to step up on a perch that you can use when he's feeling moody/sexual. Baby Senegals go through two shy/insecure stages where it seems they have gone totaly wild overnight. One is at about 5 weeks old, and the other shows up around 7-9 mos of age. It can last a couple of weeks or months depending on the individual. Most get over it on their own, but need extra cuddling and to be reassured that you love them. I personally think it has something to do with the stress of growing in new feathers (first as a baby and then after the first molt). Recomended Equipment: - A large cage with plenty of interesting, complex toys to explore.

 Introduce one at a time as accepted. -Swings, acylic toys with movable parts, or puzzle toys would be enjoyed by a Senegal. Toys that plays songs would be of interest. Also provide toys that can be given a good chew, like leather, rawhide, or sisal rope. Replace when worn out. -A play stand that can be moved easily from place to place so your bird can see different things. -Shapable perches and others of various textures. Including one nail triming perch. -Short wooden perch for teaching the step up command and to use when your Senegal is moody. -Big dish for baths. Diet: Start with a good pelleted diet like Zupreem or Roudybush. Add some high quality nuts like almonds in the shell, and offer fresh veggies and different types of fruits to add variety. Senegals love treats and will beg often. This is a great opportunity to teach a trick. Reward for the tricks so your Senegal doesn't revert to screaming for a treat.