info needed on senegal parrot

davecomedy · 23-09-2008 2:57pm #1

hi,

im getting a senegal parrot in few week, getting the cage this weekend. just would love to see someone elses set up for one or a similar parrot if possible.

a reply would be great.

living in dublin.

dave

EGAR · 23-09-2008 6:14pm

Don't shoot me but I always thought that most parrots are social beings and should not be kept alone?

tallus · 23-09-2008 6:34pm

Kept one for a year, around 10 years back. Great little parrrots if you get them hand reared and young. Just make sure it's a square or rectangular cage and put it in a corner so the bird can feel safe.
Use branches from a fruit tree (clean them first) as well as whatever perches come with the cage. Get chew toys too.
They are very clever birds, and will learn a few words. The care is as with any other parrot species.
You should try some of the parrot based forums on the web, they won't steer you wrong.
http://www.parrotforums.com/
I'm just too lazy to type any more heh

davecomedy · 23-09-2008 10:12pm

hi guys,

thanks for te reply.

Egar, you are correct from what i have read nd understand what you mean, but the bird i am getting will be hand reared and will have company around it, also when not around there will be a radio left on and good toys.

Taalus, you were correct about the bird been kept in a corner, it is vital they feel secure and safe. any idea where i might get the type of branches you mentioned?

cheers again guys!!

davecomedy · 23-09-2008 10:12pm

hi guys,

thanks for te reply.

Egar, you are correct from what i have read nd understand what you mean, but the bird i am getting will be hand reared and will have company around it, also when not around there will be a radio left on and good toys.

Taalus, you were correct about the bird been kept in a corner, it is vital they feel secure and safe. any idea where i might get the type of branches you mentioned?

cheers again guys!!

Rory123 · 23-09-2008 10:26pm

A good petstore will have natural branches with the bark on that have a wing-nut and washers on one end to attach to cage bars. Our George loves his anyway!!!

Sigma Force · 23-09-2008 11:13pm

Usually people tend with the larger parrots to get just the one because they plan to be there a lot for it the same as you would a dog but if out of the house for more than a few hours a day two is better so they can keep each other company.

Our tiel Rocky has to be kept indoors now due to an eye injury and only goes outside in the aviary on days like we've been having this week so he gets bored and needs lots of company. He likes time to himself as well as he loves his nap time. But he has a routine and if we go outside of it he's not a happy camper. He can be very demanding and that's just a run of the mill cockatiel lol.

Any of the usual pet parrots can be great though but the one thing I would say before even getting a bird is invest in the largest cage possible. I've tried loads of different ones over the years and I'm sorry I didn't just invest in one huge indoor one (haven't got the space but now Rocky needs to be indoors will have to make room). Was so glad I built the aviary though.

If you have a space in the garden building an aviary outside so that in the summer or say May to Septemeber the bird can go outside during the day in the sunshine. I have found that no matter how well looked after that birds do well with some hours outside.

It strengthens their wing muscles as they have a little wind resistance to work with it also gives them some fresh air and the natural sunshine is so important plus it's another place of interest to go.

Have you deceided on a cage yet, if you haven't already check out zooplus.ie or this website is brilliant for toys etc www.parrot24.com there's food, treats etc on it as well.

davecomedy · 23-09-2008 11:20pm

thanks for the replies,

i have my eye on a great cage. its approx(had no mesuring tape with me)

nearly 3foot long <- ->
approx near 2 foot deep
and 4-4and a half in height

alot of openings and perch space,also the toys and wing space.

what ya think??

Sigma Force · 23-09-2008 11:39pm

Depends on how long the bird spends in there, if it's just for eating, sleeping and putting the bird in if windows etc have to be opened then it would be fine as long as the bird was allowed to pop in and out of it for the rest of the time.

Over time you can see how it goes, if you find the bird is out and about and following you around etc no need for a bigger one.

Don't be tempted to over fill the cage with toys, two or three at most at a time so it doesn't take up the space and changing toys around every couple of weeks will create interest although if the bird has a favourite one then keep that one in.

Also keep the diet as varied as possible, feed whatever the bird is used to at first but if you find a better brand then gradually introduce the new food sticking to the more natural a diet as possible with the occasional treat.
My tiel loves a few rice krispies or crushed digestive as a treat but very hard to get him to eat fruit and vegetables so have to ad a suppliment a couple of times a week.

AngelicRaindrop · 24-09-2008 10:59am

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

Don't be tempted to over fill the cage with toys, two or three at most at a time so it doesn't take up the space and changing toys around every couple of weeks will create interest although if the bird has a favourite one then keep that one in.

i agree with almost everything you said bar that wee bit, definately rotate toys around but in my opinion any parrot needs more than 2 or 3 toys in a cage... now theres always a thing of too many in that the bird can hardly move around with the amount in there, but i think common sense needs to be used and have a look at what fits.

Also with my birds i give them a range of different textures to play with so make sure not to just go get wooden toys or just acrylic.. mix it up a little

thats a photo of my greys old set up, bit different now in that its a bigger cage and theres more perchs down low as well as the higher ones, also has 2 swings

davecomedy · 24-09-2008 12:37pm

thanks, nice photo

if possible could people send me a photoand or messurements of the cages for their birds?

cheers

Dave

davecomedy · 25-09-2008 8:31pm

today i got the biggest cage i could find!!

cant wait until i get my feathered friend, not until november 8th!!!

AngelicRaindrop · 25-09-2008 9:20pm

good to hear! it wont be long now..

davecomedy · 26-09-2008 12:27pm

hello all,

got a call from the breeder of my soon to be senegal parrot, and he wants to know if i want a hen or cock?

i know the cocks are easier to get to talk, and to train, BUT can get very exually temremental as it gets older and agressive.

but the hen is harder to get to talk, BUT are usually more loving to people..

what should i go for???

please help!!

MaeveD · 26-09-2008 4:24pm

Here's my 14 year year old senegal Dookie, I had her parents, she's not hand reared but she is very cuddly and a pretty good talker. I bought her new cage up north recently as it was way cheaper. I bought most of her toys online from the USA, but pick up the odd thing here.

Zooplus.ie have some really cheap hagen cement perches at the moment https://www.zooplus.ie/shop/birds/cage_accessories/perches/42327, also I have 2 of these http://www.zooplus.ie/shop/birds/cage_accessories/perches/33514. They also have this https://www.zooplus.ie/shop/birds/bedding_and_litter/plantbased_bedding/37606 which I find really good. I used to used the wodden pellets but prefer this stuff and its biodegradable.

Windycityparrot.com ship to Ireland have some great stuff, especially for shower time http://www.windycityparrot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=20401791001 and http://www.windycityparrot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=10401191001

Cardboard toilet roll and kitchen roll are excellent cheap chew toys and save your furniture.

She's out of her cage most of the time when I'm home and has the run fly of the house. She's a real brat

senegalsue · 26-09-2008 10:53pm

Wishing you all the best when you take home your new baby! My Senegal is coming up to 2 now and she's wonderful - spoilt rotten of course! (yes I'm pretty sure its a girl despite the name Woody!!! ) Its great to see someone take the time to get all the information before taking home the new bird - too many people think a bird is an easier option than a cat or dog and when they find out its more like a 2 year old child the poor thing gets abandoned or negected.

All birds need time with you, especially the hand-reared ones because they will bond with you as with another bird. Having said that, Senegals are a good choice if you are working in the day because they are quite independant, once they have lots of toys to keep them amused (I would say as many as you can fit in cage without overcrowding - they are very acrobatic and love to play hard!) and your time when you are home.

If your Senegal bonds with you (they tend to bond strongly to one person), getting another bird can cause problems - they see it more as a rival than a friend, a bit like a husband bringing another woman home as a pal for the wife!! Only consider it if you think they need company.

Just a tip from my experience: Don't be put off if your bird seems to be all beak and claws at first! My hands were in shreds for the first few months - baby birds tend to "beak", like all babies they want to test everything in their mouth - it doesn't mean they are biters, it will pass - just distract by giving them something to chew!

Here's a few videos of Woody
http://www.youtube.com/user/senegalsue

If you want to use natural wood then ash and willow are good choices in Ireland - oven dry the wood at 200 C for about 30 mins watching it carefully and make sure its not been sprayed with pesticide. Ash is durable and good for perches and swings, willow is soft and good for shredding.

You can get more species info on my website www.parrotfriends.com (its still under construction but should be finished soon) We also have natural wood bird toys and toy making supplies so you can make your own. I also hope to have a page with toy-making ideas online soon

Hope thats helpful and best wishes for the big day!

Susan (Dublin)

tallus · 27-09-2008 10:58pm

Your Senegal videos are cool Susan

davecomedy · 29-09-2008 8:32am

hi all,

yesterday i bought my 1st ever parrot, a tame quaker of a respectable breeder. However, ive noticed in the early afternoon when i went to hold it, its head kept nodding.

so i googled it as it didnt come up in my books, and it says it may not be well r unweened.

its apparently 11 weeks old.

what am i to do??

a big please help here

tallus · 29-09-2008 10:15am

Where are you situated ? There's a shop in Drimnagh called Sign of the Dove and the guy there usually has some of the food in stock. it needs to be mixed with water and heated to a certain temp and then fed to the bird until it's crop is full. The guy in the shop to ask for is Eugene. 01 453 4919.
Did the breeder not tell you that the bird wasn't fully weaned ? if not report him. At worst you should have brought the bird straight back to him. At least he can finish rearing the bird.

davecomedy · 29-09-2008 10:59am

Hi Tallus,

I am living over here in Beaumont. When i went down to Trudy(parrots name) it was eating the seed so i feel maybe it has been weaned.

What do you think? Also only one wing was clipped....not 2.

What would you do? Im considering bringing it back...cost me decent money!

tallus · 29-09-2008 11:49am

One wing clipped means the bird would most likely fly around in circles. There's a bit of a debate about it to be honest because some people don't believe in clipping at all.
I'm not sure what age they wean at and it probably differs with different species. The head bobbing thing does mean that the bird is hungry tho and he/she expects to be fed by the sound of it. Is it still happening ?.
The seed eating is a good sign tho.
Personally speaking I'd keep the bird and percivere. Good luck to you what ever course of action you take. Just bear in mind that they don't like too much change. Routine is very very important and moving the bird around too much will induce stress.

senegalsue · 29-09-2008 1:49pm

Hope you are getting on ok with your bird. 11 weeks is very young so keep a close eye on it. I agree it may be hungry. My Woody was about 14 weeks when I got him and although he could eat seed he has never been a big seed eater and its not enough to fill him

I make up a mix for him 1/3 each of pasta, Frozen veg and beans (not with sauce) - simmer til all cooked and blend to a puree - feed it to him from a spoon lukewarm (this is comforting to them). When he started on that he gained weight - He is now nearly 2 and still has his pasta 2/3 times a day.

Caution tho - your bird is still very young so make sure first there is no other issue with weaning - he may need the baby formula. If he seems to be eating ok then try the pasta mix, blended to a soft puree - as they get older they can have more chunks in it.

Before you do anything I would have him checked by a good vet who could make sure he is properly clipped and otherwise healthy. Tell the breeder that if there are any fees due to his negligence you expect him to pay. Unless you really can't handle the bird I would agree to persevere. As I mentioned in my previous post, when I first got Woody I wondered what had I let myself in for - he has matured into a wonderful bird. Baby birds can be hard work at first - just like human babies.

If you feel its an emergency I recommend you phone the vet Bairbre O Malley in Bray - she specialises in birds and is really good with them -I'm sure she could give you advice over the phone

Best wishes Susan

davecomedy · 29-09-2008 7:13pm

Hi Guys,

i have been watching Trudy for most of the day, and she seems in good form. Played with me, hasnt bitten(yet) and has ate the bigger parts of the seed.

She has no problem flying tho, if anything i feel to have the 2nd wing clipped may help...

the head bobbing is still happening a fair bit, also a ruffled feathers at times and semi flaps of wings when on my hand, yet wont go back to the cage or perch.

would love to know what you guys think now...

Cheers again!!

MaeveD · 29-09-2008 7:42pm

Sounds like shes just settling in to her new home and that you're worrying too much

Her behaviour sounds absolutely normal to me. Don't worry about her not eating too much for a few days, everythings new and strange so her appetite can be affected. She'll start flying back to her cage when she gets used to her new home.
I'm not mad on wing clipping, but thats your choice. If you decide to get it done, please get someone who knows what they're doing, I've seen some awful botch jobs. My parrot Dookie wasn't hand reared but when she discovered how nice it was to get her head scratched she became very tame very quickly.

Best of luck with her

senegalsue · 29-09-2008 9:53pm

Yes sounds like a fluttery little baby to me! A good old wing flap is good for them, good exercise! And if shes hand reared she'll just want to be held rather than go to cage. As for wing clipping, If she seems to be off-balance or falling then it may be good to get her evened up for now - they will grow back. They say it can help with training if they are clipped initially but I tend to think its better for exercise and confidence if they can fly - personal decision....

Its better to worry too much than too little tho - why not get a digital kitchen scale with a flat top (I have one for Woody) - you can weigh her now and again to see that she's keeping her weight or gaining weight normally ...that way you'll be able to relax if you see shes putting on weight well and will spot any problems if she's losing weight

Susan

davecomedy · 21-10-2008 11:35am

Hi,

bought a quaker parrot and due to work I cannot keep her.

Please let me know if anyone is intrested in her.

15 week hand reered.

Great condition.

0857283194

Sigma Force · 21-10-2008 10:09pm

"i agree with almost everything you said bar that wee bit, definately rotate toys around but in my opinion any parrot needs more than 2 or 3 toys in a cage... now theres always a thing of too many in that the bird can hardly move around with the amount in there, but i think common sense needs to be used and have a look at what fits."

I went by the measurements the OP gave and 3 toys would have to be the most for a cage that size otherwise the bird will be knocking off them.
I have a similar sized cage age with a cockatiel in it and 3 toys would crowd the cage. Senegal toys can also be larger.
Perches are also considered toys if they are the natural kind and if a cage comes with an open top are toys can be added up there too.

Birds can get alarmed if suddenly put into a new cage with strange new things so 2 to 3 toys is enough to start off with, they take a while to get used to new things and size them up, depending on the birds personality too but getting a new birds it's important not to overwhelm them and their space.

I had a bird here once that had one wing clipped (arrived that way) and he couldn't fly properly, he was really awkward over time he improved because I let the feathers grow back and he flew beautifully.

Personally I don't agree with wing clipping. I gather some people have wings clipped so they can catch the bird easier don't know if there is another reason, can anyone fill me in? I find the easiest way to catch a scared or stubborn bird that in general is used to handling etc is just get a long perch and the bird will step up on it.
Quickest way to catch a more scared bird is to turn out the lights and catch in a towel and place somewhere safe quickly.

Off to check out that new website sounds great

leopardus · 22-10-2008 12:17pm

Make sure the bar spacing of the cage is less than 1"; any smaller and they'll be able to squeeze their head through.
I made loads of natural perches from various sized branches (lists of safe woods to use available online); it's good for foot muscles. Make sure the metallic fittings aren't galvanized as zinc can be poisonous to birds.
A 'preening' toy is a good idea; stringy toys.
I bought a collosal new cage on ebay, with shipping came to less than €200. Similar sized one in shops cost €400-500.
Good luck.

info needed on senegal parrot

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