Senegal Behavior

[JThw8]

There is a local person selling a senegal Im interested in but the owners say it just plain doesnt like women. They wont even show it to a woman to consider purchase. It likes the husband and goes everywhere with him when he is home, but he is working 2 jobs and rarely home so it is unhappy. It allows the wife to clean the cage and feed it but no touching. She says she has worked with it for 8 months with no results.

Are senegals really that gender preferential? I dont want another bird that wont let my wife touch it or enjoy it too. My Maggie hated all men when we rescued her but she evenutally warmed up to me and accepted me quite well so Im of the notion all birds can learn to accept people who treat them well. But Ive never dealt with a senegal so Im uncertian of how they might be.

Overall it sounds like a very sweet bird and one that I would love to have around the house but I really do want my wife to learn the joy of birds too.

[LMPego]

How do they know it doesn't like women if they won't show it to women? Is it just the one particular woman? Senegals have a tendency to bond to one person to the exclusion of everyone else, but they can be socialized to get along with everyone. My Cory is mostly bonded to me, but if I'm not home or if I'm busy, she has no problem being with Daddy. She will also go to most people that I tell her to, regardless of gender. And she'll go to anyone that offers her food! I think if this Senegal in particular doesn't like the wife, it may be easier for her to say that the bird obviously doesn't like women. On the other hand, you can't make them show the bird to your wife, right? And I wouldn't bring it home without making sure that what they are telling you is true.
Does that make sense?

[JThw8]

I dont think they are opposed to letting my wife come along, they just dont want females as the primary adopter of the bird. But if they are to say she cant even come along then you are very correct that it would not be a good idea to bring him home and take my chances.

I tend to agree with you that it may very well be this particular woman and she just may not be well versed in how to work with him.

I may go meet him this weekend just to get a feel for his overall disposition, from what Ive read they do seem like a very nice little bird.

And my wife has already said if it just doesnt like her she may have to get her own bird....well twist my arm and make me get 2 :) I dont think that will be an issue though, she is very patient and has been taking alot of time to understand birds and their behavior so she can be a good bird mommy.

Thanks for the advice :)

[LMPego]

Just curious - what kind of bird is Maggie? Do you still have her?
I'm sure that the Senegal will be fine with your wife, they just usually need more time to warm up to things than some other birds. I wouldn't trade my Sennie for the world - she is absolutely the love of my life (don't tell my BF I said that!).

[JThw8]

Ahh, sorry, I forget not everyone knows about maggie. She was a yellow naped amazon. We took her in when I was 10 when we were fostering rescue birds. She had been beaten with a stick and both wings and a leg were broken. She was between 20 and 30 when we took her in and held on with me for another 25 years but just recently passed due to old age. She was a good friend to me through those years but never became an ideal pet bird in most peoples eyes. She never really learned to trust again and didnt want to be handled. But she learned not to attack me and she like to be petted and share some toast at breakfast. So I guess I can say I know a thing or 2 about working with a bird who doesnt like people. And it seems this senegal is at least sociable and young enought to learn (he's 11 months) I really just dont think this lady has given it enough time, but she cannot be convinced of that.

My wife is ok if the bird doesnt snuggle with her, she knows Im the bird person and would prefer the bird bonds to me since it makes me happy. But she would like a bird that will be nice to her and allow her to handle it and I really dont see why this little guy couldnt learn that.

Im waiting to hear more from the owner, she is practically giving it away with a brand new cage. I think he will be a very nice friend to have around :)

[JThw8]

I got the chance to speak with his owner tonite and got some more insight. When he was just a few months old he bit his original owner and she hit him. The current owner was discussing this on another bird message board and when she heard about it she offered to take the bird from the lady. So it stands to reason he would be a little mistrusting of women if he was abused by one at an early age. I still dont think that makes him incorregable or unable to be rehabilitated so I am going to see him this weekend and see if maybe he wants to choose me to live with.

I just cant imagine what would drive anyone to hit any bird but especially not one so small...its just unthinkable to me.

[LMPego]

Poor baby!
I hope it works out with this little one and that you and your wife can teach him that women are okay.

[JThw8]

He's home with me! See post in Bird Talk!

[LMPego]

I saw your post over there and just want to say again how happy I am that this bird has found you!

[Beakfun]

My Senegal loves me & Im female!! In fact, I am the favorite with him!! He always comes to me and the others, it does not happen as fast!! Im the 1 he trusts most and I understand completely!! I 'm very patient & kind to him--UN conditionally!! He's warming up to 1 other person cautiously!!