by hercules » Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:58 am
I visited a pet store in York in August 1996 and saw 2 small green parrots in a cage. I thought they were far too expensive for such small birds and left. I went back next day and one was gone, so I offered the one left a head scratch as I thought it might be lonely, and it would have let me do it for ever. That was the start of a love affair that continues to this day. I bought the bird (a hand-reared "male" named Hercules) on the spot; it was 7 years before I confirmed that he was actually a she, but the name has stayed.
Hercules is just the best friend one could have. She is affectionate, socialises equally well with my son and I, greets all visitors most courteously and very rarely bites, although she packs a huge nip on the rare occasions she does do so. Some Senegals are one person birds, but not Hercules; she loves everybody. She loves to come out and play and is an accomplished and persistent beggar for food (refusal to give her some is dealt with in a very assertive, no nonsense way, so forbidden food can't be taken into where she lives if she's out). She has a limited vocabulary but talks clearly. Hugely intelligent, she plays nicely and is full of fun. She adores being cuddled and nibbles fingers affectionately. If she really doesn't like something, she will take your finger in her beak and put a little pressure on; it pays to take the warning and she will let go. She does everything possible to avoid biting anyone. She is a very active bird and plays vigorously with the toys in her cage as well as getting into any mischief she can when she comes out. She likes to investigate and loves visiting new places.
She lives on a commercial premier seed mix, supplemented with fruit, pulses, veg and nuts with an occasional treat such as a potato wedge or a millet spray. She is a very quiet bird; her main calls are quiet whistles. She lives with 5 other parrots (all have separate, large cages) and gets on fine with them, though she's the clear boss. The only downside was when I acquired a male Senegal as a rescue; she suffered reproductive stress due to his interest and began some minor plucking which we haven't been able to get her out of the habit of doing yet. This can happen in Senegals as they can be a bit highly strung. Still, she remains totally healthy and fit otherwise and is not stressed by him any more.
She needs a lot of attention but is simply a joy to share my life with. Would I recommend a Senegal as a pet? Well, if you have the dedication and love to give, Senegals will give it back with interest.