Meyers or Senegal?

[Deueller]

If I am looking for a cuddly bird, that doesn't mind being independent sometimes, a good apartment bird that I can form a strong bond with, which is better, a Meyers or a Senegal? and yes all individual birds are different, I am strictly talking generalizations.

 

[newtobirds]

These two species are closely related enough that I think it comes down to personal preference! They are genetic cousins of sorts. The red belly is right in there with them and I think they are really cute.

I own a Meyers. Mine is a nasty shark! Very fun and interesting birds! I love the family. I also have a Jardines and he is unbelieveably wonderful and gentle. The Jardine is in the same family but is significantly larger.

I prefer the Meyer's to the senegal. I am told that they are more laid back (typically) and I prefer the look. Either one should make a good pet! Good luck!

 

[Eloy]

I also prefer the Meyers. But I guess that you can find a very nice Senegal and a bad Meyers too.

So why taking a chance, get a Pionus directly.

 

[Deueller]

I also prefer the Meyers. But I guess that you can find a very nice Senegal and a bad Meyers too.

So why taking a chance, get a Pionus directly.

I thought about getting a White Capped for awhile, but I wanted something apartment suitable and also cuddly.

 

[MacawGuy]

meyers...my friend has one n he talks up a storm

 

[Eloy]

I thought about getting a White Capped for awhile, but I wanted something apartment suitable and also cuddly.

But a white capped is apartment suitable and VERY cuddly. (much more then Meyers and Senegal)

But I was only joking, of coarse you should get the bird you want.

 

[Shade]

I would say if you can meet both, then do so and see with which individual bird you "click" more. There really isn't any "benefit" for one over the other.

I have a few of the smaller Poicephalus, including a Senegal and two Meyer's. My Senegal is the sweetest of the three and the one I have a strongest bond with; however I did get her as a weaned baby whereas the two Meyer's came from a rescue. But to put things in perspective, my eldest Meyer's is absolutely in love with my significant other.

One thing, since you seem keen on generalizations, "cuddly" isn't necessarily a term to qualify Pois, at least not in the way most people think of when they think of "cuddly".

 

[Deueller]

I would say if you can meet both, then do so and see with which individual bird you "click" more. There really isn't any "benefit" for one over the other.

I have a few of the smaller Poicephalus, including a Senegal and two Meyer's. My Senegal is the sweetest of the three and the one I have a strongest bond with; however I did get her as a weaned baby whereas the two Meyer's came from a rescue. But to put things in perspective, my eldest Meyer's is absolutely in love with my significant other.

One thing, since you seem keen on generalizations, "cuddly" isn't necessarily a term to qualify Pois, at least not in the way most people think of when they think of "cuddly".

How would you describe their "cuddly" or not so cuddly nature?

 

[newtobirds]

My experience is that they are active and engaged and sure of themselves. They are busy and playful. They love their toys, they love motion. While they may be fine with some handling, they don't want to snuggle in and be handled like a cockatoo might.

My Meyers uses every inch of her cage. She goes through toys like crazy. She loves to fly. By contrast, my Jardines is quite stately and still.

My Meyers isn't exceedingly quiet either. She isn't a screamer, but she talks and calls and makes noises much of the day. In some apartment settings, I think she might be a little too loud. Very cool birds though.

Is there any chance that you could spend some time with someone who has one or even foster one for a while and see what you think? I just dove in and it's been one heck of a journey... I made a lot of mistakes. I was not prepared for the aggression.

 

[Deueller]

My experience is that they are active and engaged and sure of themselves. They are busy and playful. They love their toys, they love motion. While they may be fine with some handling, they don't want to snuggle in and be handled like a cockatoo might.

My Meyers uses every inch of her cage. She goes through toys like crazy. She loves to fly. By contrast, my Jardines is quite stately and still.

My Meyers isn't exceedingly quiet either. She isn't a screamer, but she talks and calls and makes noises much of the day. In some apartment settings, I think she might be a little too loud. Very cool birds though.

Is there any chance that you could spend some time with someone who has one or even foster one for a while and see what you think? I just dove in and it's been one heck of a journey... I made a lot of mistakes. I was not prepared for the aggression.

My Mom had bird growing up i used to help her take care of, so I have some minimal experience, even with the aggression.

 

[Shade]

I would say if you can meet both, then do so and see with which individual bird you "click" more. There really isn't any "benefit" for one over the other.

I have a few of the smaller Poicephalus, including a Senegal and two Meyer's. My Senegal is the sweetest of the three and the one I have a strongest bond with; however I did get her as a weaned baby whereas the two Meyer's came from a rescue. But to put things in perspective, my eldest Meyer's is absolutely in love with my significant other.

One thing, since you seem keen on generalizations, "cuddly" isn't necessarily a term to qualify Pois, at least not in the way most people think of when they think of "cuddly".

How would you describe their "cuddly" or not so cuddly nature?

While mine like to be around us, they don't necessarily want to be on us and actually cuddle all that much, which really, I find perfectly fine, but for people who are looking for a bird to be on them most of them time and like to be "pet", then I wouldn't recommend Pois.

 

[Deueller]

That might be the most helpful information I have heard haha, Thank you. I had been considering a White Caped Pios for awhile now. And also a GCC. So I will definitely be looking into these more now than some of the Pois.

 

[Shade]

I think that Pois do tend to be more independent than GCCs which I've heard tend to stick more to their people. However, beware that they can go through a very nippy stage - they'll still want plenty of attention, just be more nippy.

And it's not to say that my Pois don't cuddle at all, but it's not a constant thing and they generally want it on their term - they can be quite stubborn but I tend to find that part about them endearing.

 

[HalfInsane]

My Senegal is quite young so this may change once she hits sexual maturity, but if I let her I'm sure she'd be a glue bird. I discourage it of course. She may not be extremely cuddly per say, but she's ALWAYS wanting a good 'scritch'; I could probably scratch her cheeks/forehead until she had bald spots and she'd still look at me like "what? That's it?".

She may be the exception not the rule, I'm really trying to say you never know. Sometimes its better to pick a bird on an individual basis, rather than settling on one species. So if you're considering a few different species, meet some of each, and decide from there. You may be surprised.

 

[Shade]

My Senegal is quite young so this may change once she hits sexual maturity, but if I let her I'm sure she'd be a glue bird. I discourage it of course. She may not be extremely cuddly per say, but she's ALWAYS wanting a good 'scritch'; I could probably scratch her cheeks/forehead until she had bald spots and she'd still look at me like "what? That's it?".

She may be the exception not the rule, I'm really trying to say you never know. Sometimes its better to pick a bird on an individual basis, rather than settling on one species. So if you're considering a few different species, meet some of each, and decide from there. You may be surprised.

I agree 100% with the individual birds - but it's also true that babies are always very sweet and to know how a bird will really turn out, the safer bet is to meet adult birds in need of a new home

My Cape was also the sweetest baby but right now, she's figuring out her personality and slowly shedding her baby ways - she still has her moments where all she wants is head scritches but there is also a lot of not so cute and cuddly moments - and it's perfectly normal

 

[Shade]

As well, my Senegal is probably one of the sweetest ones you'll ever meet, and loves being on me - however twice a year, in the fall and spring, she gets distant. She's moodier and given that's it's been regular for quite some years now, I know to expect it. During those times, she's much more independent and I let her be and this can last for a few weeks.

 

[FineFeatheredFriend]

I do love both species and have owned both. I lost my Meyers to a Hawk, very sad story. My wife still has not moved on because I wanted to get another one but I guess it is too soon. If you want a bird that loves you then get a Meyers. If you want a bird that acts like a dog then get a Sennie. Personally I would choose both. They both make great pets, Peace Be To U.

 

[SilverWings]

You can get a ruppell's parrot!
They're personalities are like meyers, only they're unusual looking and kind of rare