Senegals

By Julie Daigle

My Senegal, Hoagy, is a joy. I am his favorite person and he enjoys spending time with me. Although he loves to play, rolling onto his back, gleefully chewing on my fingers and growling like a dog, he will spend hours in/on his cage or play-gym trying to destroy any wooden toy that I give him. He enjoys bathing in his water dish, with regularity. He also thinks his water dish is the best place to dip his food and hide his toys. Some Senegals have large vocabularies but, at almost four years old, Hoagy is not much of a talker. He does make his wishes known with whistles, chirps, growls and an occasional attempt at speech.

In the genus, Poicephalus, Senegals are one of nine species which include Meyer's, Jardine, Cape, Ruppell's, Yellow-faced, Brown-headed, red-bellied and Niam-Nian.

Senegals, Poicephalus Senegalus, possess many qualities that make them wonderful companions. Energetic, acrobatic, mischievous, playful and affectionate describe these nine inch birds that weigh, on average, 120 grams. Poicephalus are one of the few parrots that love to lay on their backs and play.

Looking for a bird suitable for apartment or condominium life? Poicephalus have the reputation of being one of the quieter parrots, with exceptions. Poicephalus can also be very understanding of work schedules and, if supplied with lots of toys, keep themselves entertained without becoming stressed.

Senegals are shy by nature and, paradoxically, they can be fearless yet terrified by the most mundane inanimate objects and are easily startled.

Routine is important to this bird. Because of the tendency for Senegals to form excessively strong bonds to a particular individual, socialization is very important. To develop to full potential, Senegals need a stimulating atmosphere: Unacceptable behavior can appear quickly with behavioral neglect. Senegals need cuddling, play time and positive reinforcement to remain a pet you will always love.

Julie Daigle

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