Hi from South Carolina

[Strawfrawg]

My name is Jen and I am about to purchase my first Senegal parrot. This will be the second bird I've owned...the first was a cranky but loving whitefaced cockatiel, Weebo, who passed away in April 2012. It's taken me almost a year to grieve and prepare for my next companion, but I'm ready now and am actively looking for a chick from a reputable breeder. I have bought a cage, and a couple of perches and starter toys, but I'm going to wait to fully outfit the home until I see what my chick's personality is like. I figure s/he should have some input.

I do have history with a Senegal...an old boyfriend had a very tame, well-trained one so I know some good information about the species and its care, but I think it's important that I join a community or two so I can get feedback from experienced owners. I plan to feed Roudybush pellets, which was my vet's suggestion and my cockatiel's food of choice.

I want my new baby's life to be the healthiest and happiest it can be. I'm so excited to start this journey!

[friend2parrots]

welcome to the forum!

This place is senegal central - as I'm sure you already know! Have you had a chance to read the forum owner Michael's blogs? you can find a n index of all articles in the sitemap at the bottom of the blog page). and also type in senegal in the search box to find gazillion very educational posts about senegals in the forum, going back several years. there is a TON of erudite senegal advice in the forum archives!

also, since you have not yet purchased your bird, I wanted to mention that Michael and several other forum members are very knowledgeable about senegal rescue - senegals are a species that are quite readily available through rescue centers. Here is one blog entry you should definitely read:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9452

there's tons of info here on the forum about rescuing senegals. i'm sure that the large number of people on this forum who have rescued senegals will have lots of encouraging advice for you!

sounds like youre going to be a great parront - looking forward to hearing more about the bird you decide to bring home!

[marie83]

Welcome to the forums.

I am another who would encourage you to take on a rescue rather than go to a breeder, you will find alot on here who feel the same way too but wherever you do get your bird from I am sure we will all be here to try to help you along if you need it

[Strawfrawg]

Thanks for the welcome, and for the wise words about the option of adoption. My two small dogs are rescues, but I'm almost shy to say that I really want to raise my Senegal from as close to egghood as possible. It's a personal thing, but I do recognize that there are birds in need out there so I donate to bird rescues. And your words aren't wasted, by any means: My mother is also considering getting a Senegal...due to her age, she would prefer to adopt an adult so it's great to hear that people here think it's a good option.

I may have found my new baby...hatched on 2/3. Just waiting to hear back from the breeder, who comes well recommended.

[Strawfrawg]

Ooops, forgot to thank you for recommending that I dig around the site...I'm on it! I have looked around some. It's easy to get lost in the threads...bird forums are a new time vampire for me. I'm sure I'll be reading the whole archive before long!