Adopting a multi-home bird

[Andrea G]

I'm considering adopting a eight year old Senegal who has a terminally ill owner. The bird seems to like me, but he isn't considered hand tame, has lived caged his whole life. He has had two previous owners. I am looking for input and advice from more experienced bird owners... I have only parrotlet experience, I know Senegals are different. I welcome your thoughts!

 

[JLcribber]

If you've got the space and the time then you're a great adopter. You have bird experience. Senegals are a different species but they're still parrots. The basics are the same.

So when are you picking him up?

 

[iamwhoiam]

Go get him. Find out if there any vet records and be sure to quarantine him for at least 30-45 days.
If you have the time and the space and have made a bit of a connection with the Senegal then just do it.
Senegals are wonderful, IMHO.

 

[Mizzely]

If you feel like the bird likes you that is the biggest hurdle. After that as long as you give them respect, patience.and understanding and let them set the pace, you'll be fine. Just remember that mixing beak sizes is always a gamble, especially with feisty species like parrotlets

 

[webchirp]

Research them...they can be very aggressive to other birds even their own species. @iamwhoiam

 

[Andrea G]

Thanks everyone, I'm really quite smitten with Wilson the Senegal, I'm visiting with him regularly while I work out the details. By which I probably mean convincing my spouse... *Grumbling*

 

[iamwhoiam]

Research them...they can be very aggressive to other birds even their own species. @iamwhoiam

My Senegal is not aggressive towards other birds and I've had him for 32 years, but then every bird is different. He's definitely mellower than most of my red-bellied parrots who are not always kind towards one another.

 

[Andrea G]

Wilson is home now! I have been spending lots of time visiting him, and even got him to step up on my finger through the bars of his cage, since he has never been considered hand tame, I was surprised. We formed a bond I guess, so he is home with me now, settling in nicely.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Congrats. Take some photos when you get a chance and if Wilson is OK with that. Make sure that you supervise closely if, after quarantine, the birds are ever out at the same time.

 

[JLcribber]

Wilson is home now! I have been spending lots of time visiting him, and even got him to step up on my finger through the bars of his cage, since he has never been considered hand tame, I was surprised. We formed a bond I guess, so he is home with me now, settling in nicely.

Friendship, love, empathy and kindness can not be seen but never doubt they are powerful energies that parrots read like a book. When you've been starved of these things and then someone comes along with all this wonderful energy, you grab onto to it. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

And a little reality. You are in a honeymoon phase right now anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. At some point there is going to be a change. It may be nothing but it may be huge. Just something to be aware of and in the back of your mind.

 

[Andrea G]

Holding hands with Wilson

 

[Begone]

OMG! I really hope that you understands that you are the person for him.
To get him was the best thing you could do for both of you. You will have a friend forever in him.

Senegals are wonderful, IMHO.

I never had a Senegal, but a Meyer and a Brown headed. They where both easy to take care of, excellent flyers and loved trick training.
Loving and active birds in a small body. I also love Poi's.

 

[sunnysmom]

That's wonderful! Congrats on your new bird.

 

[Andrea G]

I'm honoured to be earning his trust!

 

[Kodigirl210]

I think Sennies are like the sneaky class clowns. They are very mischievous and have a personality the size of a macaw. In spite of that, they are also some of the best snugglers ever! The sennie I had for a while slept on my neck every night. Roxie was very opinionated though. I warned the vet that she didn't like men. He tried to prove me wrong and she took a chunk out of his palm. He said that was normal attitude for sennies and rabbits left bigger bite marks LOL. Enjoy your baby and best of luck!

 

[iamwhoiam]

Senegals generally love to swing so, if he doesn't have one, get one for him when he feels comfortable.

 

[Barbara2]

Oh my goodness, he is just beautiful, you are both so lucky to find one another!! Congratulations!