Senegal

Maybe the most commonly kept of the Poicephalus birds, as they have been imported in great numbers in the past. It is a green bird with a grey head and sports different colored under parts, belly or sometimes known as the vest and has piercingly bright yellow iris. As its name suggests it originates from senegal, but also from many other countries, as birds do not respect political boundaries. Habitat - Lives in moist woodland and on the edges of the savannah. Feeding on seeds, fruit and grain. Particularly the seed of locust beans and newly formed buds of a variety of trees. They are a considered a pest by local farmers, because of the raiding trips they make to fields of maize and millet and the stealing of Ground Nuts (Peanuts) that have been laid out to dry in the sun. Nesting is done in hollow trees. Suitability as pets: Hand reared birds make very good pets. They are small enough to handle and can be accommodated in a medium sized parrot / parakeet cage. Not too noisy and will learn to talk and imitate sounds such as the creak of the garage door, the ping of the microwave,the ring of the telephone etc. Not with the accuracy of pitch and tone as would an African grey, but quite entertaining. My hand reared Senegal likes to whistle various tunes but not always getting the notes in the correct order. One minus point I have found is that some individuals can on occasions bite. When excited, or in protest at being put back into their cage before they want to go. This must be remembered when handling these birds. They must be allowed time out of their cage to exercise and interact with their owner. I have also found that these birds will attach themselves to one person in particular, but can also change their affection to someone else, if the mood takes them. My pet Senegal would only come to me, but has now changed her affection to mywife. I consider that adult imported birds should not be considered a good choice for a pet. I know that they will be considerably cheaper but in my experience they do not become tame. Feeding: In the wild little information is available as to the type of foods eaten and will inevitably vary with the seasons. Research of this nature is being pursued. This data when available be beneficial to our birds and may be the secret to breeding success. A good quality seed mixture of Sunflower, safflower, pine nuts, oats, hemp, millet, canary etc. along with a bean and pea mixture containing the like off Soya bean, chick peas, green split peas, yellow split peas, adulki, mung, black eye, haricot and butter beans etc. Lean chicken. Cat / dog biscuits. Fruit such as apple pear orange. A selection of vegetables cooked and raw carrot, Swede, cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, should also be made available what ever is in season to minimize the cost. Most breeders also add one of the many vitamin / mineral supplement additives to their diets to counter any shortages. But care in the use of these supplements must be observed, so as not to overdose your birds with one particular vitamin or another.