Senegal Parrot

Senegal Parrot Behavior Problems

The Senegal Parrot is generally a well behaved and quiet bird.  There is a general difference between the males and the females with the males being reported as being a bit more bold and aggressive however each parrot is different.

What is true is that all Senegal Parrots bite or scream when they’re unhappy.  This is particularly true when they’re reaching sexual maturity.  The worst thing you can do when your bird bites, or pretends they’re going to bite, is to pull away, shriek, or throw water on them.  This extreme reaction only serves to reinforce the behavior. Instead, it is important to teach yourself to not react. For example, if you’re reaching in to retrieve your bird from their cage you can position your hand in a manner that your bird is unable to bite it easily.

 If your bird does get some flesh, rather than yell and pull away, gently push your hand toward your bird.  They’ll release your hand because you’re behaving in an unexpected way and because they’re not getting the reaction they were looking for.

While you’re training yourself to not react to your Senegal Parrots aggression, maximize your time and begin training them.  Tricks like “step up” are an excellent way to avoid being bitten in the first place.  Additionally, take the time to learn your bird’s behavior. 

Do they pin their eyes before they bite? Most birds have a common signal to tell you they’re getting angry.  Learn this signal and the two of you will be able to come to a harmonious solution much faster. 

Screaming isn’t a common behavior problem with the Senegal Parrot.  While they’re capable of making a large variety of sounds, they’re generally pretty quiet birds and are considered good apartment birds.  That being said, they can and will make loud noises when they’re upset. 

If your Senegal Parrot is screeching or screaming repeatedly, it is very important that you examine their environment and make sure to remove the threat.  For example, if their cage is positioned near a window maybe a dog outside is upsetting them.  The solution would be to move their cage from the window. 

Like most all birds, feather plucking is also a behavior that can creep up on you.  So what do you do if your Senegal is prone to feather plucking?  Your first step is to take them to the avian veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.  Once any medical issues are ruled out, your next step is going to be to play figure out what is going on before your little bird is naked and cold. 

The Senegal Parrot is a kind and gentle bird.  They’re very sensitive to changes in their environment.  They do not do well with loud sounds, noisy areas or chaotic environments. 

As you’re trying to determine why your beautiful Senegal is pulling out their feathers, take a look at their environment first.  Here are some common environmental causes of feather plucking and self mutilation:

Improper or cramped housing.  Too small of a cage and your Senegal can feel trapped.  They won’t be able to stretch their wings or exercise and feather plucking can result. 

Fear is a common cause of feather plucking.  Has your Senegal been properly socialized?  Do they trust you to care for them?  Trick training is a great way to develop a bond of trust.

Improper lighting.  All parrots need natural sunlight or artificial full spectrum lighting to create vitamin K which they need for healthy skin and feathers.  Not enough sunlight can cause feather plucking. 

Changes in the environment.  If you have a new person or animal in the home, you moved the furniture, maybe you moved homes.  All of this can cause incredible stress in the sensitive Senegal. 

While you’re trying to figure out what is causing the feather plucking, give your bird plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, make sure you spend plenty of time with them, and give them things to chew on so their beak is busy.

Biting, feather plucking, and screaming are all common parrot behavior problems that even a bird as wonderful as the Senegal Parrot can have.  The best solution to preventing these behaviors in the first place, and certainly to eliminating them, is to ensure that your Senegal Parrot has an ideal environment, gets plenty of attention and stimulation both inside and outside of the cage. 

Lastly, it is critical to your Senegal Parrot’s health and happiness to make sure they’re properly socialized and trained.  Bird training is the key to a happy and well adjusted bird.  Besides, the Senegal is a natural performer and learning a few tricks is always fun.