Senegal parrots are probably the most commonly kept
of the Poicephalus birds and as the name implies, originates from Senegal, Africa.
They are split up into 3 sub species, easily identified
by the color of their bellies:
Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus: (Orange
Bellied Senegal)…comes from Eastern and North- eastern Nigeria,
northern Cameroon into south-western Chad.
Poicephalus senegalus senegalus: (Yellow
Bellied Senegal)…comes from Southern Mauritania, southern
Mali to Guinea and from the Island of Los.
Poicephalus senegalus versteri: (Red Bellied
Senegal)…comes from the Ivory Coast and Ghana east to western
Nigeria
The Senegal parrot has a green body with a grey head. The
breast and belly range in colours from lime-yellow to a deep
red. At maturity, Senegal Parrots are usually eight to nine
inches in length. Young Senegals have dark brown eyes, where
as adults having a range of colours, from light silver yellow
to orange. Their eyes are influential in their body language.
Senegals are loyal and bright, and bond quickly with their
owners. The down side is the bond may be too strong to one
individual. Senegals can become jealous of their chosen person's
spouse, children, or of other family pets. Therefore it is
important that all family member share in the responsibility
of raising you new feathered friend.
Before we get into what you should feed a Senegal
Parrot, lets review some important points to keep in mind:
- A parrot's
nutritional needs are not much different than your own.
- Best way to supply a variety of nutrients
is to supply a variety of food.
- You don't always eat nutritious food, so
you can't expect a bird to do the same. So offer a large variety
of nutritious food and allow your parrot to make the right
decision.
- Good eating habits are best started at
an early age.
- Excess fat, preservatives, and artificial
ingredients are not good for birds.
Senegals are generally good
eaters who will accept new foods readily. It is very important
to provide a variety of fruits and vegetables. Vegetables
can be cooked or raw. Have available a good quality seed mixture
of Sunflower, safflower, pine nuts, oats, and hemp. Bean and
pea mixtures are a favourite amongst Senegals as is raw corn
on the cob.
We believe in the balanced approach to feeding. Go to our
"Information" folder to read more about a bird's diet.
Please before considering purchasing a Senegal or any other
parrot, do your homework. Learn everything you can. The web
is an excellent source of information. As well, books can
be purchased from our web site. Go to folder "Go Shopping",
tab "Avian Books".
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Our pairs of
Senegals
(Quita & Diego) (Carmen & Tequila)
Quita and Diego
Pair Together
Carmen and Tequila
Pair Together
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