There is an overwhelming variety of birds. There are countless colors, vocal ranges, even price tags. Which of these birds fits your home the best? Have a look at these comprehensive profiles of a two different brilliant species, written by two bird lovers with firsthand experience with each.
1. African Senegal Parrot
Senegals, or “sennies” as they’re affectionately r by enthusiasts, are unique little birds. With dark green wings, a lime body, silver head and bright orange vest, they’re a stunning array of color, with personality to boot. The first thing anyone will say about sennies is that they’re quiet. But with birds, quiet is a relative term. Booker, my senegal, can be quite noisy. Thrice a day, without fail, he has a five minute screaming fit, with the sound being comparable to some extremely squeaky brakes overlaid with a screeching toddler. Once he’s had his fill of joyful noisemaking, he returns to his usual chatter of “baby bird” and “yummy yummy”.
Senegal parrots can be clingy, and are prone to one-person-birdedness. For his first few months with us, Booker wouldn’t let anyone but me touch him. Now we’ve learned from that, and we socialize him with every house guest we have to try keep him an outgoing bird. Because they can form such close bonds with their owners, they’re highly trainable. For example, Kili the Senegal has a fantastic show of tricks and skills that her and her owner have built together over the years. Despite his loud moments, Booker has proven to be a fantastic apartment companion who continuously charms our friends and neighbors. Most importantly, he and I are close and happy friends. And thanks to the hardiness of their health, we hopefully will be for the next 60 years. Read more on Senegal Parrot care here.
2. Parakeets (Budgerigar)
These are the little guys and gals you can commonly find at your local pet store for around twenty bucks. They come in all different colors but only one size and one place; they are from Australia. Even though they are “cheap” and easy to find doesn’t mean they require any less care than any other bird. Just like every other parrot, they need a decently sized caged in which they can move around and fly! Budgerigars have a ton of energy that they need to let out! Having more than one can make your living space full of bird chatter and screeches. Most people say that budgerigars are great starter birds! But, honestly, if you do enough research on whichever species of bird you want to have for a pet, any bird can be your first or “starter" bird.
