Despite their intense appearance, Senegals are active, fun-loving, and affectionate parrots. They thrive when given one-on-one attention and are relatively easy to teach positive behaviors.
Senegals need a large cage (36″ w x 25″ d x 62″ h) with ¾” bar spacing to prevent accidents. No parrot should be able to squeeze its head between the bars.
All psittacine birds need lots to keep them engaged during the day (perches, toys, food/drinking bowls, etc.) Also, add a cage liner to make cleaning up feces and food waste easier.
Around 50-70% of Senegals’ diets should comprise quality pelleted food. The remainder should be a diverse combination of fruits, vegetables, grains, blossoms, nuts, and seeds.
Senegals should be fed twice daily, at sunrise and sunset (about an hour before sleep). Offer occasional nutritious snacks (like a slice of carrot or a few nuts/seeds) for engagement and mid-day energy.
Senegal Parrot Overview
Here are some of the main features of Senegal parrots:
- At about 9 inches long and 4-6 ounces, Senegals are small-to-medium-sized parrots.
- Senegals have piercing eyes, but they’re friendly and curious birds.
- Captive Senegals live for 30 to 40 years, while wild birds live for 20 to 30 years.
- Although not natural talkers, Senegals sometimes learn a few words when given training.
- Senegals are intelligent, so they need challenging toys and human engagement.
The most common Senegal parrot is the yellow-bellied Senegal (Poicephalus senegalus senegalus).
They have a gray/brown head, green V-shaped breast feathers, and a bright yellow belly. Their pupils are rimmed with bright yellow, accounting for their intense eyes.
All Senegal parrots have a gray/brown head, green V-shaped breast feathers, and yellow-rimmed eyes, but their belly color varies between subspecies.
| Senegal Parrot Type | Origins | Color |
| Poicephalus senegalus senegalus. | Southern Mali, Guinea, the island of Los. | Yellow-bellied. |
| Poicephalus senegalus versteri. | Ivory Coast, Ghana, West Nigeria. | Red-bellied. |
| Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus. | Northeastern Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon. | Orange-bellied. |
Difference Between Male And Female Senegals
It isn’t easy to distinguish males from females, but there’s some sexual dimorphism.
According to Animal Diversity, female Senegals often have slightly smaller heads and beaks than males and longer green ‘V’ shapes on their breasts.
Purchase Price And Ongoing Costs
Senegal parrots cost between $800 and $1,200 from trusted, reputable breeders.
A breeder will have the legal paperwork (if required) and detailed medical records. They’ll also be able to answer questions about the parrot’s age, parentage, dietary preferences, and personality.
The least expensive way to buy a Senegal parrot is from a bird rescue organization like Best Friends or Mickaboo. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500.
The problem with buying a rescue bird is that you don’t know why it was rehomed.
The initial cage and basic supplies (bowls, perches, toys) cost $300-400. In addition to the initial outlay costs, consider the ongoing expense of keeping a Senegal parrot (food, vet bills, insurance, etc.)
Monthly Upkeep
This table summarizes the ongoing monthly costs of keeping a Senegal parrot:
| Upkeep | Cost per month |
| Food | $15-25 |
| Pet insurance | $25 |
| Medication | $0-20 |
| Maintenance (cage liners, perches, cleaning costs, minor repairs) | $5-20 |
| Entertainment | $5-25 |
| Total | $50-115 |
This assumes you’re buying food in bulk based on a defined feeding schedule. Also, given the wide variances in vet bills, we recommend you take out pet insurance.
Cage Size Requirements
Senegals are small-to-medium-sized parrots. We recommend a 36″ w x 25″ d x 62″ h cage. The extra cage height enables them to traverse upward, see what’s around them, and feel safer.
The bars should be horizontal to make it easier for parrots to climb. The bar spacing shouldn’t exceed ¾” to prevent the parrot from getting its head or other body parts lodged between them.
The cage should be located where it has company, like the living room.
Cage Cleaning
Senegals poop often (several times an hour) due to their fast metabolism and make a mess while eating. Consequently, the following actions must be performed regularly:
- Change the cage liner as needed.
- Wash food and water dishes daily.
- Sanitize the entire cage at least once per week.
- Sweep or vacuum around the cage 2-3 times a week.
Cleaning is necessary because mold spores will become airborne, and bacterial microbes will multiply.
All birds have efficient respiratory systems and are vulnerable to airborne contaminants. Only use bird-safe cleaning products for cage cleaning, and never use chemical-based products, like bleach.
Entertainment
According to Royal Society Publishing, Senegals have a strong visual field, hence why they’re so fun and playful. Give Senegals enough stimulation to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Allow Senegals to forage for food. For example, you can buy a forage wheel from a pet store. Alternatively, hide food under lettuce or kale leaves so the parrot has to work for its food.
A parrot that lacks things to do will become unhappy and develop destructive behaviors.
One of the most common issues experienced by captive parrots is feather-destructive behavior (FDB). This behavior doesn’t occur in wild birds.
Perches
Provide 3+ perches, each varied in width and texture and placed at different heights. Parrots use perches to keep their feet and claws in good condition. They usually sleep on a perch at night.
Parrot-safe perches include:
- Birch.
- Willow.
- Sycamore.
- Elm.
- Hawthorn.
- Natural hemp/cotton rope (trim it if it becomes stringy).
You can get pedi perches because they wear down a parrot’s nails. Note that pedi perches should only be left in the cage a few days a week to avoid harming the feet.
Toys
Another way to keep a parrot busy is to buy or make toys. While some parrots may be disinterested in toys, they’re essential for Senegals.
Senegal parrots like the following toys:
- Acrylic toys with bells.
- Puzzle toys.
- Swings.
- Ladders.
- Perches.
- Balls.
- Mirrors (distorted).
Change out one or two toys weekly to prevent parrots from getting bored. Don’t change them all because parrots are neophobic and dislike significant change.
Interaction
Let the parrot out of its cage for several hours in a secure room so you can spend time together. A Senegal will enjoy flying to explore new territory and perching on your shoulder.
Senegals are fun-loving parrots, so consider teaching them tricks. Start basic and work your way up.
They aren’t the most talkative parrots, but they can sometimes learn to talk when consistently trained.
Start by teaching them simple words with 1-2 syllables, like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Well done,” etc. When the parrot mimics you, reward it with a snack or petting.
Food And Diet
To keep a parrot healthy, feed it what it eats in the wild.
According to World Species, Senegal parrots are frugivores/granivores. Their natural diet mainly comprises fruit, blossoms, seeds, and grain (maize or millet).
Here’s what to feed a Senegal parrot:
Pellets
Pellets are fortified with vitamins and minerals, comprising 50% to 70% of a parrot’s diet.
Because pellets are nutritionally complete, they can prevent malnutrition. This is entirely different from starvation, which is when parrots lack the necessary nutrients to thrive.
Fruit
Fruit is low in fat and rich in nutrients, giving parrots the energy and vitality needed to get the most from life. Senegals should have a diet that comprises about 10% parrot-safe fruits.
Fruits that are good for Senegals include, but aren’t limited to:
- Melon.
- Orange.
- Apple.
- Banana.
- Plums.
- Berries.
- Papaya.
Senegal parrots love figs, so include them as an occasional treat.
Vegetables
Parrot-safe veggies are an essential source of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. Include orange-colored vegetables because they’re an excellent source of beta-carotene.
Senegal parrots benefit from the following vegetables and many others:
- Carrots.
- Broccoli.
- Asparagus.
- Peppers.
Vegetables should also comprise about 10% of a parrot’s overall diet.
Seeds
Seeds can be healthy for parrots, but they shouldn’t make up the entirety of their diet. According to BSAVA, parrots fed only seed mixes develop nutritional deficiencies and behavioral problems.
Regardless of the seed mix, they shouldn’t exceed 5% of a parrot’s caloric intake.
Nuts
Giving nuts to a Senegal parrot is okay, but they’re high in fat. You can feed a parrot:
- Almonds.
- Cashews.
- Brazil nuts.
- Hazelnuts.
- Pine nuts.
- Walnuts.
Feeding these over the winter will give parrots the extra body fat needed to stay warm. If a parrot is prone to weight gain, it should eat fewer fatty nuts and seeds.
Wild Plants
Senegal parrots enjoy eating wild plants, including:
- Dandelions.
- Chickweed.
- Aloe Vera.
- Plantain.
Wash plants and petals under the tap before giving them to a parrot. Some plants are toxic to parrots, so always check the plant’s safety first.
What To Not Feed A Senegal Parrot
Certain foods are toxic to parrots, so keep them out of reach:
- Caffeinated drinks (tea, cola, coffee, etc.)
- Chocolate (theobromine).
- Avocados (persin).
- Stone fruits (apricot, nectarine, and peach stones).
- Certain shellfish.
Caffeine causes the heart rate to increase, leading to hyperventilation, seizures, and sudden death. Alcohol can lead to poisoning due to a Senegal parrot’s fast-paced metabolism.
Chocolate is toxic because it can lead to heart issues, liver damage, and seizures.
You could get a same-species companion if you don’t have much time to play with the parrot. Unfortunately, parrots with a mate or same-sex friend show their owners less attention.
Ensure your pet parrot gets an annual vet check-up when it’s young and bi-annual check-ups as it ages. If your parrot stops eating or refuses water, take it to the vet because this is a significant red flag.
