A Senegal parrot consumes a wide range of seeds, grains, fruits, and leaves. Figs and seeds from numerous local trees are a particular favorite of theirs. They are also notorious for invading crops that have been left outside to dry, such as millet, maize, and harvested peanuts.
However, it is a natural part of their nutrition. It is impossible to recreate in captivity. What should you feed a captive Senegal parrot? You can feed them pellet mix, fruit, and vegetables, based on my knowledge as a veterinarian.
The nutrition and feeding regimen of Senegal parrots in the wild and captivity will be discussed here. We will also examine foods that are extremely harmful to Senegal parrots. So, keep reading.
Diet of Senegal Parrots in the Wild
Senegal parrots eat a variety of seeds (including sprouted ones) as well as a variety of fruits, plants, greens, blooms, grains, nuts, and insects as part of their natural diet. Their movements within their normal range are driven by food availability.
They frequently graze on crops in various locations, making them pests to local farmers. Locust beans and fresh tree buds are particularly popular among Senegal Parrots.
Local farmers consider them a menace as well because they raid corn and millet crops and steal sun-dried peanuts. The natural diet of Poicephalus parrots will necessarily fluctuate with the seasons, and much remains unknown about their natural diet.
Captive Senegal parrot diet
Senegal parrots require a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. Here is what you should feed your Senegal parrot to preserve its health and longevity.
Seeds
Wild Senegal parrots devour a wide variety of seeds throughout the year. Market seed and nut mixtures may contain two to five different types of seeds.
They do, however, have a high fat content and are not the same as wild bird seeds. Seeds and nuts are frequently fed alone, resulting in sickness and possibly shortened lifespan. Senegal parrots prefer one or two varieties of seeds and nuts above the others in a mixture.
Peanuts and sunflower seeds are the most popular seeds. They are, however, particularly heavy in fat and low in calcium and vitamin A. It frequently leads to malnutrition. Seeds should not form the majority of the food in a balanced diet.
Furthermore, because nuts are high in fat, they can raise blood cholesterol levels and produce cholesterol deposits in the arteries (called atherosclerosis), which can lead to strokes and heart attacks in birds. Giving your bird more nutritionally balanced food will eventually replace seeds.
Diets for Pellets
There are many commercially manufactured pelleted meals available to fulfill the nutritional needs of birds of all sizes and colors. Pellets are the greatest feed for parrots in general. Seed-eating birds should be gradually transitioned away from seeds and toward pellets.
Parrots from Senegal should consume at least 70% pellets. For grown parrots, the shift from seed to pellet diet might be difficult. A baby that has been raised by hand is usually the easiest to transfer to pellets.
Vegetables and fruits
Fruits, vegetables, and greens should account for 20% of the daily diet. Pale vegetables with a high water content (iceberg lettuce, celery, etc.) have minimal nutritional value.
To remove chemicals, fruits and vegetables must be cleaned. Cut them into extremely small pieces based on the size of your bird. The skin does not need to be removed. Fruits and vegetables should be presented separately.
A bird that develops a fondness for one food item should be given less of it or temporarily stopped eating it in order to urge it to accept other items.
Water
Fresh, clean water must always be available. If your tap water is of low quality, you should think about buying bottled water. Every day, carefully clean food and water dishes with soap and water.
Senegal Parrot Feeding Routine
2 teaspoons pellets
Give your parrot one to two tablespoons of pellets every day. A heaping tablespoon or two will provide the Senegal parrot with all of the pellets it needed for the day. This pellet can be given to your parrot in the morning and nibbled on throughout the day.
Pellets should account for at least 80% of your parrot’s diet. If you have more than one parrot, be sure that each bird has an adequate quantity of pelleted food.
2 tbsp of fruits and vegetables
Every day, give your parrot 1-2 heaping tablespoons of fruit and vegetables. In addition to pellets, the Senegal parrot prefers fresh food. Fruit and vegetables should account for at least 20% of your parrot’s diet.
It is a good idea to provide a range of fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce contains vitamins and minerals that will improve your parrot’s eating experience.
If necessary, supplement
There’s no need to enhance your bird’s meal with grit, gravel, or vitamins. If your veterinarian believes your bird need such supplements, they will propose one and tell you how often to give it to him.
Furthermore, your veterinarian will advise you on how much supplement to give to your pet bird. Supplements are typically in powder form and are sprinkled over fruits and vegetables.
However, you should carefully read the supplement’s directions and visit your doctor if you have any problems.
Things not to feed Senegal parrots
Caffeinated drinks
Caffeinated drinks should not be given to your parrot. Caffeine consumption can raise your Senegal parrot’s heart rate, which can cause hyperventilation. As a result, hyperventilation may cause seizures and death in your bird.
Alcohol
Alcohol is harmful to your bird. Even a trace amount of alcohol might result in alcohol toxicity in Senegal parrots. If you don’t want your bird to suffer this destiny, don’t offer it alcohol or allow it to play or fly in an alcohol-filled environment.
Chocolate
Make certain that your bird does not consume chocolate. Chocolate contains chemical ingredients that can make your Senegal parrot sick, depressed, damage their liver, and cause seizures. To keep your parrot healthy, keep chocolate away from it.
Avocados
Avocados should not be fed to your bird. Avocados are high in oil, which leaches toxins into the meat. Make sure your Senegal parrot never comes into contact with avocados or guacamole.
Shellfish
Shellfish are poisonous to Senegal parrots. Shellfish can poison Senegal parrots. Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crab, or crayfish should not be served to parrots.