Senegal parrot (Poichepalus senegalus) - the preferred choice of bird owners
Senegal parrot is a lovely, chattery bird that can be found in most pet shop across the US and Europe. Senegal parrots originated from West Africa, where they inhabit savannah and woodlands and feed on seeds, fruits and blossoms. It is estimated that in wild Senegal parrots can live from 25 - 30 years, however if bred in captivity they can live much longer, up to 50 years. It is generally considered that wild Senegal parrots do not make good pets as they have troubles adapting to the new surroundings and are difficult to tame, but that is not the case with the hand bred birds and as such are preferred choice for many bird owners.
Species and colors of the Senegal Parrot
There are 3 distinct subspecies, which can be recognized by the color of their vests:
* Poichepalus senegalus senegalus - yellow belly
* Poichepalus senegalus versteri - red belly
* Poichepalus senegalus mesotypus - orange belly
Senegal parrots are easy to distinguish from other birds, by their unique color and appearance. Their length is about 23 cm; weight is around 150 gm. Senegal parrot's feathers are short and broad, their back is gray, their head is charcoal gray, while their underpants are yellow and backs green.
Food Senegal parrots like and eat
The best diet for Senegal parrots would consist out of a mixture of good quality seeds (sunflower, pine nuts, oats etc) and beans and peas mixture (chick peas, Soya beans, green and yellow split peas etc). Fruits like oranges, pears and apples are a good choice as well, with some cooked and raw vegetables added for a good measure (carrots, sprouts, broccoli). If you are a worried that your Senegal parrot is not getting enough vitamins and minerals in its diet, vitamin or mineral supplement should be considered, however it wise not to overdo it, as there is a possibility that your parrot could overdose.
Senegal parrots accommodation
As far as the accommodation of the Senegal parrots goes they can be kept in both indoor cages as well as outdoor aviaries, or the combination of the two. If a bird owner decides on a indoor cage it should be a minimum size of 4 ft x3 ft x 3 ft while outdoors aviary should be 6 ft x 3 ft x3 ft so they can get plenty of exercise.
Senegal parrots breeding
Senegal parrots can be easily bred in captivity. Female Senegal parrots can mature as early as 12 months old, however the general age accepted is 2 years, while males take a bit longer and are not sexually mature until 3 years of age. This is only a general rule; some parrots may not be willing to breed until 6 or 7 years of age. They usually lay 2 - 3 eggs, but there is no rule it can be more but it can also be less. There is a lot of debate about the shape and size of the nesting box, should it stand horizontally or vertically, how much litter should be put it, so the nest boxes come in different shapes and sizes. The accepted norm is a nest box that is 18 to 20 inches high and 8 to 10 inches square, while at the bottom there should be a combination of peat and wood shaving mixture that is not more then 2 inches deep.
Senegal parrot trivial info
Hand bred Senegal parrots have a gentle nature, love to be petted and are in general quiet compared to other parrot species. But they will learn to talk and imitate the sounds they hear fairly quickly.
