New Future Bird Owner: Senegal Parrot good for first timers?

[BlondeCorinne]

Hello I'm new to this sight and I've been researching a lot of information about various parrots lately because I'm planning on owning a bird in the near future. Right now I'm planning on owning a Senegal Parrot. I have researched a lot on these birds and I know about their good temperaments and how they become very connected with their primary owner. I have owned all kinds of pets in the past and want to own a parrot. I am very dedicated and love all animals. I have rescued many birds in the past and have taken them to a rehabilitation centers.

So would a Senegal be good for a well informed first time owner?

[pennyandrocky]

my first was an so I think people should get the bird they want not look for a beginner bird. the only thing I tell beginners is to visit a rescue. they welcome people thinking about getting a parrot to come in play with and even help feed/clean up after all different types. I've had friends who met my birds then want their own until I invite them over for a visit and they see the reality of living with parrots they quickly change their minds about having one of their own.

[Michael]

So would a Senegal be good for a well informed first time owner?

I don't think it's impossible. But it has less to do with first time or not and more to do with knowledge, experience, patience, and confidence. The problem goes with learning on the job but failing without the requisite learning so it's a tough cycle some people stay in. For example the parrot bites the person because they don't have confidence and the right approach. But the person continues to lack confidence because the parrot keeps biting. And Senegals can be pretty vicious and tough so lack of confidence is the next biggest problem over lack of skills/knowledge. Here are some threads to help get you started:

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=348
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=768
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1528
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1061
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8704
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8716

[BlondeCorinne]

Thank you you guys, I really appreciate it! I'm planning on getting one in the near future

[laducockatiel]

Thank you you guys, I really appreciate it! I'm planning on getting one in the near future

Cool

[marie83]

You also have to be aware that you said they become attached to their primary owner - this is not necessarily the case, if there are other people in your house it may prefer someone else even if they do nothing for it. The bird wont feel it owes you anything just because you feed it, clean it out etc. Training and time helps establish bonds but it may still become more attached to someone else although they can learn to allow others in the extended flock to handle them.

[laducockatiel]

You also have to be aware that you said they become attached to their primary owner - this is not necessarily the case, if there are other people in your house it may prefer someone else even if they do nothing for it. The bird wont feel it owes you anything just because you feed it, clean it out etc. Training and time helps establish bonds but it may still become more attached to someone else although they can learn to allow others in the extended flock to handle them.

Yeah, many people on this forum have had this problem

[pennyandrocky]

marie is so right. I adopted mya my I do everything for her and spend all day with her but as soon as she sees my boyfriend she forgets all about me

[janetafloat]

My Senegal doesn't want to know me when my best guy friend is about & in fact will try to bite me if I approach him when he's on my friend, which I personally find quite frustrating. He is also very hard headed and has attitude which translates into him being very hard work at times and not for the faint hearted (ie me Lol) when he's in one if his nippy moods.

[Pajarita]

The thing with sennies is that they can be either the best little bird ever with you (like my Zoey - I can do anything with her but she bites everybody else) or the devil incarnate (like Sweetpea used to be, which hated humanity in general) when they are not treated right so I would not say they are the best birds for a first timer. They are not the easiest to please or the ones with the sweetest temperaments and they are the stubbornest so, for somebody with no experience and who will make mistakes (we all do), they are not the most forgiving which a first bird needs to be for the newbie to learn.