African Parrots - Care
This is a brief guide to African parrots, parrots make great pets, are intelligent and playful, but to get the best out of them you need to interact with them. Do not buy a parrot just in the hopes of it talking, a lot do, but some don’t, you need to give it your attention, by doing so it will be a friend for life.
About African Parrots.
The parrots from Africa include the Senegal, Ruppell’s, Jardines, and the Meyers, this group are on the small side, and are not expensive to buy. African parrots are also more sedate than most other parrots, and much prefer a calmer environment. Strangely, Africa is by far the largest continent where parrots are found, yet species wise has the least numbers, with only four genera
Cage For Parrots.
For Senegals, the cage for them need not be overly large, as they prefer the security of a smaller cage, but remember not to fill the cage with furniture at the expense of room required for the parrot. A cage size of 19 by 19 inches is adequate for the likes of Senegals. Never leave the cage in or near your kitchen, where it could receive fumes etc that could kill the parrot. Keep the cage out of direct sunlight, you may think some sun will be good for your African parrots, but in fact it could overheat. Be aware also that placing near doors or windows has a risk of draughts, so place away from these area’s.
As Pets.
As far as pets go, African parrots are very popular, and intelligent with it. An owner who is devoted enough in giving continual obedience training, will find they are easy to train and to talk. Being rather on the quiet side, they are really not suited for children as a pet.
African Parrots Care.
What you have to do in the first instance, is give due consideration as to the costs for you, not only the parrot, but the cost of a cage, the ongoing costs of food and vet checks, the toys you need, and most importantly what time you can give the parrot. By weighing all this up, you will be in a much better position to buy the parrot closest to what you can afford, along with the time you can give it. Remember, a parrot in good health can live 30 to 50 years or more.
African Parrots Diet.
The Diet Of African parrots is a varied one, and there is still much to learn about their feeding habits, but a varied diet consists of pine nuts, oats, millet, safflower, sunflower seeds, beans, chick peas, mung, split peas, butter beams, cabbage, sprouts, apple and pear. You may also add a vitamin or mineral supplement to the diet but this is generally not necessary if you are providing a diet that meets all the nutritional needs of the bird.