In captivity, Senegal parrots can live over 30 years. Some individuals live into their 40s or 50s. Their lifespan depends on diet, environment, and health. In the wild, they live around 25 years.
Senegal parrots are small, weighing 120 to 170 grams. They have a relatively large head and short, wide tail feathers. Their plumage is mostly green. They have a gray head, yellow underparts, and an orange “vest” on the chest. The tail has a blue tip.
Many people like Senegal parrots as pets because they are affordable and easy to handle. However, they can live over 30 years. So getting one is a long commitment, longer than for dogs or cats.
In the wild, Senegal parrots eat fruit, seeds, and buds. As pets they eat a variety of foods. With proper diet and care, some live to 50 years. But that is rare.
Senegal parrots make various loud, screeching noises. They can learn to mimic whistles but are not the best at imitating human speech. They tend to bond only with their owner. Socializing them young helps them interact with more people.
Can Senegal parrots be left alone?
Senegal parrots require time, patience, and attention. They are very social creatures, and do not do well alone for long periods. It is important to have time to devote to interaction with Senegal parrots.
Senegal parrots are very social creatures. They do not do well alone for long periods. If you work long hours or are frequently away, a Senegal parrot may not be the right pet. Senegal parrots need a large cage and plenty of out-of-cage time. Without a lot of space, a Senegal parrot may not be suitable. Caring for Senegal parrots requires a lifetime commitment. They can live over 20 years. They need nutritious food, enrichment, and vet care.
Senegal parrots are quieter. They can learn some words but are not gifted talkers. All parrots may bite when upset or scared. They usually give warning signs first. Parrots bite when frustrated, lonely or bored. Eliminate these by providing toys, space and attention.
In the wild, Senegals live alone or in pairs, or in small flocks. They enjoy human company. Biting and screaming signal boredom and loneliness. Senegals do not like loud noises or chaotic environments.
Senegal parrots live 25-30 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. Wild caught birds can be tamed into good companions. As long as parrots have food and water, they can be left for extended periods. But they are social and need interaction daily.
Senegals can be shy or bold. Most like attention and enjoy company. Senegals originated in West Africa, named for Senegal. Their playful nature makes them great pets. But their long life requires long-term commitment to their care.
Senegals eat fruits, beans and more. Despite belly color differences, the subspecies share needs and traits. In the wild Senegals live 30-40 years on average. Captive lifespans reach 50 years. All subspecies require similar care.
Can Senegal parrots live with other birds?
The Senegal parrot is a medium-sized parrot resident breeder in West Africa. It makes migrations following the availability of fruit, seeds and blossoms it eats. The V-shape markings on the abdomen are longer in females. The female’s head is smaller than the male’s. Senegals are charming, playful, social flock birds. They are active and should have a good sized cage.
Younger Senegals have brown eyes changing to orange or yellow with maturity. Although quieter than other parrots, they whistle, chatter softly and even screech loudly when excited. They can live up to 50 years in captivity. Senegals are intelligent and can learn some words but are not known for talking ability.
Senegals can be aggressive to other birds so do best alone bonded to their human. They tend to bond with the human they spend the most time with rather than the entire family. And like to spend most of their time with their preferred human. You need to spend at least one to four hours a day providing mental stimulation and training.
Senegals make great pets for beginners as they are easy to care for. They are very friendly birds who love to spend time with their owners showing affection. They are playful and love to explore and interact. Senegals are moderately priced from $200 to $500 depending on where you live.
Can Senegal parrots eat meat?
The Senegal parrot is a resident breeder across west Africa. It makes migrations within west Africa, feeding on fruit, seeds and blossoms. Considered a farm pest, it often feeds on maize or millet. In the pet trade, the nominate subspecies is most common. Senegal parrots are about 23 centimeters long and weigh about 120 to 170 grams. Feathers form a short broad tail.
They eat various seeds, grains, and fruits. Figs and seeds of certain trees are favorites. They also raid drying crops like millet, maize, and peanuts. In captivity feed them pellet mix, fruit and vegetables like apples, cucumbers, carrots and bananas.
These parrots live about 50 years. They learn words and mimic sounds well. Their intelligence allows them to pick up tricks when interacting often. The contrast of the gray head with black eye rings and yellow eyes against the green body is striking.