Senegal Parrot

How to Care and Keep Your Senegal Parrot

The Senegal Parrot is one of the most commonly kept, and loved, parrots in the world.  In the wild they eat seeds and fruit.  However, in captivity a better and more nutritious diet will be very different

Senegal Parrot Food About 25% to 30% of their diet should be based in color free organic pellets.  It is important to feed them pellets without color because the color can affect their molting. For our suggested organic pellets you can check out FeedYourFlock.com Besides, the coloring is added sugar and your beautiful Senegal doesn’t need it.  The remaining 75% of your Senegal’ diet will be fresh fruits and vegetables.

Introducing a variety of fruits and vegetables early on is a good way to keep your Senegal Parrot healthy and prevent them from being picky.  Most fruits and vegetables are healthy for your parrot. 

They generally enjoy apples, pears, bananas, melon, carrots, green beans, peas, squash, corn on the cob, and green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and collard greens.  You can also feed them healthy table scraps like brown rice, tofu, chicken, lean fish, egg whites and so on. 

Senegal Parrot Cages

The cage requirements for a Senegal are different.  Even though they’re only a diminutive 9 inches  long, they require a much larger cage than you’d imagine. Minimum cage requirements are a cage that is 20" long x 20" deep x 28" high. 

Of course bigger is always better.  This gives them the room to spread their wings and exercise and it is tall enough that they can follow their natural instincts and climb on multiple perches.

Cages that are square are optimal.  Other ideal cage features are casters, stainless steel construction, drawbridge type doors, and a wire grate bottom with a removable tray below the grate to make cleaning easy and fast.

Where you place your Senegal’ cage is of great importance.  They are intelligent, structured, and gentle birds and do not do well in a noisy or chaotic environment.  If their environment is too stressful, they have the tendency to pull all their feathers out. 

Take a look around your home and consider where the quietest and most structured area may be.  Try to place your cage against a wall or in a corner to help your Senegal Parrots feel safe. 

Toys are another area of concern. Their intelligence demands a wide variety of toys.  They enjoy toys that enable them to climb, chew, and solve problems.  When purchasing toys, offer a variety including toys that make noises, are made of various materials, and that are in different colors. 

You will also need to supply your Senegal several perches of a variety of diameters and shapes will help keep their feet healthy.  Fruit tree branches will give them something to climb as will chains, ropes, and swings. 

Weekly cleaning of the cage is necessary and your Senegal will enjoy the benefit of a weekly shower.   Basic exercise includes time out of the cage every day.  The best way to build a bond of trust and to keep your Senegal’s brain engaged and active is to also spend time trick training them every day.  The Senegal is generally a kind and gentle bird and when properly cared for, they can be the perfect companion for life.