How to Care for a Senegal Parrot
To care for a Senegal parrot, try to get the biggest cage you can find, since they need a lot of space. Make sure you change the cage's lining and wash all the dishes in it every day to help keep your bird healthy. Additionally, provide your bird with one serving of parrot-formulated pellets a day. Although pellets should make up around 70 percent of your parrot's diet, you should also provide it with 30 percent of fresh fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, apples, and bananas each day, which contain nutrients it needs.
Choose a large cage. Senegal parrots need roomy cages. The minimum size is 20 inches (50.8 cm) long by 20 inches (50.8 cm) deep by 28 inches (71.12 cm) high (for one parrot), but bigger is always better. Due to their clever dispositions, pick an escape-proof one (though some Senegal parrot owners may realize "escape-proof" isn't necessarily true). Bar spacing of ¾ inch (1.9 cm) is ideal. Horizontal bars are fun for parrots to climb on. A cage needs to be double the size to house two Senegal parrots. Decide between “dometop” and “playtop” cages. Dometop cages have a semi-circle of additional space at the top. Playtop cages are flat, with additional perches and/or toys outside of the cage. Both of these cage styles have some benefits. Dometop cages offer additional interior space for your bird. Since space is such an important issue for Senegal parrots, most owners tend to lean toward dometop cages. Playtop cages are especially attractive for birds who spend a lot of time outside their cages. You might appreciate the look of one cage design over the other. Just make sure that no matter what style you choose, your space can accommodate it. Select the best location for your cage. With such a large cage, you may not have a lot of options for where to put it. However, it is important to consider a couple of factors. Birds can be sensitive to changes in temperature and to smells. Put your bird's cage is a location that does not experience extreme temperature changes (away from open windows, drafts, heat vents, and air conditioners). Set up your bird's cage in a place that is free from fumes (such as food smells, fireplace smoke, car fumes from your garage, or strong smells from the backyard). In particular, keep the cage out of the kitchen as fumes from non-stick pans can be lethal to birds. Place a liner on the bottom of the cage. Place regular newspaper, parchment paper, or any type of paper that is free from pigment on the bottom of the bird's cage. This will catch any droppings, food, or debris. Some ink pigments can be toxic to birds. Place six to seven layers of paper in order to catch everything and absorb any liquid. Clean the cage regularly. Once your cage is set up, all you need to do is some regular maintenance. Help keep your bird happy and healthy by providing a sanitary environment. You'll need to: Change the lining daily. Wash food and water dishes daily. Sweep or vacuum the area around the cage a few times per week. Sanitize the entire cage monthly. Provide bird pellets. High-quality pellets should make up about 70% of your Senegal's diet. Look for a blend specially formulated for parrots, or use a cockatiel blend. Follow the serving guidelines on the product you choose. Provide your parrot with one serving of pellets each day. Pellets are usually given in the morning. Uneaten pellets do not need to be removed, but if your parrot is consistently leaving leftovers, you can scale back portion sizes. Offer fresh produce. Fresh fruits and veggies should make up about 20-30% of your parrot's diet. Provide your parrot with ¼ cup to ½ cup (59 to 119 ml) of fresh produce each day. Use organic produce whenever possible, and remove any uneaten food after 24 hours. Some options include: beet greens, carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apples, apricots, and bananas. Some foods can be toxic to parrots, such as avocado, chocolate, onion, and mango. Double-check any new foods with your vet. A serving of produce can be given in the morning with pellets, and a second serving can be given in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can do just pellets in the morning and just produce in the afternoon. Try to see what your parrot prefers. Provide fresh water. Your Senegal parrot will need to drink fresh water daily. You can offer water in a dish, or use a fountain-style water dispenser. Refill your bird's water container each day. Parrots enjoy bathing in water. You may want to provide a large water dish (large enough for your parrot to climb inside, but shallow) for bathing and a small one for drinking. If you allow the parrot to bathe in their cage, make sure to change out any wet liner after the bath. Take your bird to the vet. Parrots have a natural tendency to hide any pain or sickness as long as they can. To help catch any problems early on, it is crucial to bring your Senegal in for an annual check-up. The vet can also trim your Senegal's nails and wings. Your vet is likely to suggest doing expensive (but potentially life-saving) blood tests at your regular check-up. Trimming your Senegal's nails is necessary, and trimming their wings is mandatory for the safety of you and your Senegal. Watch for common health problems. Respiratory issues are the most common type of health problems for Senegal parrots, including psittacosis, aspergillosis, and infectious bronchitis virus. Senegal parrots are also susceptible to avian pox. Any of these disorders can display similar symptoms, and all must be treated by a professional veterinarian. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your vet immediately: Open-mouth breathing Ruffled feathers Tail bobbing up and down when breathing Rapid breathing A change in breathing sounds Wheezing or clicking when inhaling Lethargy Weight loss Refusal to eat Mucus in and around the mouth, throat, or sinuses Wart-like lesions around the face, eyes, beak, legs, and feet Spend time with your parrot daily. Senegal parrots need a lot of attention. If you own a single Senegal parrot, they will need 1-3 hours of your attention each day. This should be the time in which you are interacting with your bird. Talk to them, play with them, and bring them with you from room to room. If you have two parrots, they can keep each other company and you may not need to pay as much attention to them. Never force your parrot out of the cage when it doesn't want to go. While your parrot is outside of the cage, they should be supervised. Only allow them in spaces that have been bird-proofed. . Socialize your parrot In addition to spending focused time interacting with your parrot, you can help them become socialized by taking some additional steps. Be sure to begin this process as soon as you bring the bird home. Speak to the bird throughout the day. Bring a variety of people around to see the bird. Let the bird out of its cage when guests are around. Eventually, let others handle the bird. Once your parrot is comfortable being handled by you, and calm when guests are around, you can begin trying to let others hold the bird. Train your parrot. Parrots are not the best birds for beginner bird owners. However, as far as parrots go, Senegals are among the easiest to train. Training your parrot reduces instances of behavioral problems, and helps keep your parrot happy. You can begin to train your Senegal parrot by: Shaping positive behaviors by rewarding your bird when they do something right Experimenting with clicker training as a means of shaping positive behaviors Developing basic tricks (such as stepping up or fetch) Practicing speech Provide plenty of toys. For Senegal parrots, toys are a necessity. Get lots of them, including puzzle toys and disposable/destroyable toys. Many behavioral problems can be prevented if your parrot can stay entertained while they're in their cage. Depending on the size of your cage, you'll want to include three or four toys at a time. Some options include: Perches Bells Climbing ropes Chains Swings Wooden toys Give it some serious thought. Senegal parrots can make excellent pets, but that's only if you give them daily attention, quality vet care, a sizable cage, many toys, and a healthy diet. You'll also have to put up with a bit of noise and mess. Senegal parrots can live up to 50 years in captivity! So choosing a Senegal as a pet is a long term commitment. Finally, you'll want to consider the cost of a Senegal parrot, and make sure that it fits your budget. A Senegal parrot can cost $200 to $500. Veterinary care for your Senegal can cost $100 to $200 per year (or more in the case of emergency). Food for your parrot can range from $100 to $250 per year. Other expenses (such as cage, toys, and additional supplies) can range from $50 to $500. Purchase your Senegal from a reputable source. Never buy a parrot from a pet store or "backyard breeder." Look for parrot breeders in your area and pay them a visit. A reputable breeder will allow you to see the birds, and the birds will be housed in large, clean cages. Seek out breeders that have been in business for a long time, and look for positive online reviews. You may also consider a rescue bird. Seek out bird rescue organizations in your area. Decide if you want one or two parrots. If you keep a pair of Senegals, the cost will increase but you will have to spend much less time with them. If you're very busy or work often, a single Senegal is not for you. You'll need to give your single Senegal at least an hour of out-of-cage time each day. Pairs will need less attention, but if you want to form any bond with them, they'll need daily out time too. Single Senegals are rather clingy. They view you as a close friend, quite possibly their girlfriend/boyfriend. If you work all day or travel often, even a pair of Senegals may not be right for you. Enjoy your Senegal! These birds are loyal, inventive, funny, silly, and lovable. If you can dedicate the time and energy to your Senegal parrot, you will have a faithful friend for years to come. 
Choose a large cage. Decide between “dometop” and “playtop” cages. Select the best location for your cage. Place a liner on the bottom of the cage. Clean the cage regularly. Provide bird pellets. Offer fresh produce. Provide fresh water. Take your bird to the vet. Watch for common health problems. Spend time with your parrot daily. . Train your parrot. Provide plenty of toys. Give it some serious thought. Purchase your Senegal from a reputable source. Decide if you want one or two parrots. Enjoy your Senegal! 