Help!!

Hi Everyone, I would be very greatful for any advice you maybe able to give me. At the wkend I picked up my new Senegal Baby. Hes approx 11 wks old, weaned and full of life. The problem arises however when ever he is in the cage. Once in the cage he is very distressed and desperate to be out, the majority of the time he spend flapping around trying to find a way out along with a loud 'let me out' kind of call. Once the door is open he is out like a shot and flys directly to us. He basicly loves being with people and loves being out of his cage. He is also very content sitting ontop of the cage and falls asleep there. He just hates being inside it. Does anyone have any ideas why he is like this and have any tips to help him settle into his new home.

I be so greatful if someone can help as I hate seeing him in such a distressed way!

I have just encluded some other info for you as well that may help..
What is a Senegal Parrot?


The Senegal parrot has origins in Africa, where it is actually considered a pest because of its penchant to feed on various kinds of crops. In Africa, the Senegal parrot can be found in the savannah, as well in areas of open woodland. They are easily recognized by sound alone, as they are not a particularly quiet bird and speak with distinctive chirps and whistling noises.
Senegal parrots are distinctive physically in that their head is charcoal gray in color, their back and neck are green, while their eyes and the underside of their body are yellow. In Senegal parrots, it is not particularly easy to tell males from females, but in general it can be noted that the males have slightly heavier and longer bodies than females.

Senegal parrots have only recently been implemented into households as pets, and are still more widely found in the African wild. They make fun pets, as they are very inquisitive and playful. They have limited speaking ability, but they can mimic some sounds like the high pitched beep of a microwave.

The convenient thing about Senegal parrots is that while they like to talk a lot, they are not overly loud. It should be noted that Senegal parrots are one-person parrots, and have a surprisingly jealous streak to them when it comes to seeing their owner paying attention to others. Although these parrots do tend to bond with only one person, that obstacle can be overcome by having them socialize with other family member right from babyhood.

While domesticated versions of these parrots do make lively and fun pets, they have to have been born in captivity to be so. Wild Senegal parrots are too mistrustful of people and are thus nearly impossible to tame However, it is illegal to capture and sell wild parrots in the first place.

Senegal parrots can sometimes be found in pet stores, but to be on the safe side, it is best to do some research and find a reputable breeder. The price of these parrots will vary as well, but they generally will see for no more than $500. Regardless of the price, the Senegal parrot is an amusing little parrot that can bring many years of fun and friendship.

Also

Senegal Parrot
“There are too many parrot breeds to choose from” is what we hear over and over again from many who are interested in owning a new Senegal parrot. Fortunately for you, I personally own a Senegal Parrot and can whole heartedly recomend the Senegal Parrots as one of the easiest birds to raise.

Here at Bird Tricks, we pride ourselves on helping all Senegal Parrot owners to become calm and gentle with their new found friends. We can help you learn the secrets to taming Senegal Parrots with training practices that will help both the owner and bird develop a loving and trusting relationship.


The Senegal Parrot is a unique species of bird. Senegal Parrots originate from West Africa. It moves about in the territory it lives in, spending the day following the fruits and blossoms that make up their main diet. Because Senegal's often feeds on farmer’s crops, it has gained the nickname of “pest.”

Sengal Parrots nest in holes of trees and can lay white eggs. Senegals continuously chatter in the wild with a variety of whistling and chattering calls. Their life expectancy is 25 to 30 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity.

When you hand raise a Senegal Parrot, you are creating a wonderful pet. My own Senegal Parrot, "George" is an absolute ham... talks constantly and continues to learn new words and behaviors even in his early 20's... which makes the Senegal Parrot one of the better talking species of smaller parrots available.

The Parrot Senegal is a much calmer parrot than its cousins. It can play by itself for long periods of time, although it does enjoy its human family when they are around. They are truly known for their jealousy of other family members and pets. They also love undivided attention by the hour. And unlike an African Grey Parrot, the Senegal Parrot is not nearly as prone to behavior problems like feather plucking and has such a small voice that screaming is not nearly the problem it is in other birds.

Hand raising a Senegal Parrot can also help it become a mellower family member. By treating it with respect and giving it a lot of attention and allowing it to be handled from birth by many different people, a new Senegal can become very comfortable around their human companions.

Senegal Parrots are excellent at mimicking sounds, and my own now speaks over 20 words quite clearly.

Having a senegal parrot means you will need to schedule in focused attention time everyday for your new pet. The Parrot Senegal loves to spend time with humans, and whenever you can schedule training or play time with them it is important to make your time together valuable. For more tips and tricks about adjusting to your new bird, visit Bird Tricks online at our web site. We feature a variety of helpful training tools and techniques that will help you achieve a happy and loving relationship with your Senegal parrot.

Also
Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus Senegalus)
The Senegal Parrot originates from Western Africa - in 3 subspecies.

Feeding
Feed good quality parrot mix (with dried fruit included), supplemented with extra peanuts, pinenuts, peppers, hemp and safflower but note that hemp is very fattening and should only be given in small quantities. Fresh fruit should be offered daily, grapes, apple, orange, pear, pomegranate and banana are readily taken, but most birds have their preferences. Fresh green food, i.e. chickweed, lettuce, celery, dandelion and sowthistle are all beneficial for them. Also, as a treat, offer millet sprays, various nuts including walnut, almond, brazil etc. (shells cracked but not completely removed). Cuttlefish, mineral block, grit and shell should always be available to them. Give fresh water daily. Cubed carrot and sweetcorn (fresh or tinned - drained) should be offered regularly as a source of vitamin A which they need. As a general tonic, a little Nutrobal or Avimix sprinkled on their fruit twice a week is beneficial.

NOTE: DO NOT OFFER:- CHOCOLATE, ALCOHOL or AVOCADO PEAR as these are poisonous to parrots.

Accommodation
A cage large enough for the bird to exercise it's wings should be provided, but it will expect to be out of it's cage most of the time! Perches should be of natural wood, i.e. willow or apple, if possible, as this keeps the feet and claws healthy. A small dish (large ash-tray size) of water should be offered daily for the bird to bathe in as they love water.

Talking Ability
Senegals are capable of talking although probably only a few words. They tend to learn from a woman's voice easiest as the pitch is higher than a man's. Repeat words slowly and often when there are no other distractions and your bird should learn quite quickly

Yor bird wants to be with you all the time I think that is why he might not like being in his cage.
A few toys also might help with that.

Well one thing you could do is make sure that there are TONS of toys for him to play with, and of various kinds so that you can learn what he really likes. It also sounds to me like he has trained your family that if he flaps around and acts nuts and screams he is going to get what he wants which is to be out. Basically whenever he acts this way you need to COMPLETELY ignore him. And the second that he is quiet then approach him and talk to him, maybe even bring him out or give him a treat. Eventually he will learn that he is only going to get what he wants if he is quiet not by acting crazy. And gradually make him be quiet a little longer and longer and longer before you acknowledge that he is there. THat is what I did with Ruby when I first brought her home, because where she came from she was used to being out 24/7 and the run of the house. It only took her a matter of a couple of weeks to realize that screaming and flapping about was NOT going to get her what she wanted.

I understand he is fully weaned, but before you got him was he housed in a cage or was he in a different type of environment. When baby birds are first introduced to cages it's very scary for them and they aren't sure how to walk around in it and they do as you said, "flap around and scream like he wants out." Also, check the bar spacing on the cage..it may be too wide for him to feel comfortable in.

Quote: (Originally Posted by fred)

...Their life expectancy is 25 to 30 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity...

Does anyone know if this is the same life expectancy for Meyers? I would guess so since they are related, but I've never found agreeing information about it.

Quote: (Originally Posted by phorever)

Does anyone know if this is the same life expectancy for Meyers? I would guess so since they are related, but I've never found agreeing information about it.

Ya everywhere ive read its said the same.

well i think you should try partially covering his cage and giving him lots of toys. Do not allow him out more than normal as you need to establish a routine. good luck

A lot of baby birds are actually raised in aquariums and not in cages, so it is true that he might be scared in there. Another thing is that you need to lower the perches in the cage so they are close to the ground. I don't know about Senegals, but I do know greys are clumsy as babies and get scared if they fall. If the perch is close to the bottom of the cage they feel a lot more secure. You can also put in a flat perch like a shelf too in one corner to give them more confidence. Lots of toys are not a good idea if they are scared of them. They need to play with the toys outside of the cage with you first, and be comfortable with the toys before you put them in the cage. New toys can freak a bird out too, remember some birds see new things as something that might kill them.

My two girls were scared of the cage at first never having lived in one. It took time for them to adjust. I also found that if they could see me then they wanted out and would flap and flop around. I let them out when I am home and the immediately go to the top to play.They got used to there cage and go in and out as needed and in the evening they put themselves to bed I just have to come over and cover them up for the night.