Senegal noises

[Merkuri]

Hey, all! As you may or may not know, I got Soki the Senegal last weekend. She seems to be settling in nicely, but I was curious about the noises she makes. Just the other day I started hearing her making a very quiet whine. She's only done this once or twice. If she were a mammal, I would say that was a sign that she was scared or nervous, but with Soki I don't know. She's my first bird, and I'm still gettting used to reading her body language. She was also sitting on my shoulder just a few minutes ago, being very affectionate, and was making this sort of quacking/grunting noise. She would nibble on my fingers every time I got close to her mouth, but not very hard. I'm wondering, does she want me to hand-feed her? Is the grunting her begging sound? She has plenty of food. Do you think she's just still a little nervous in her new house?

[danforth3]

Mine makes a sound that is similar to a cat purring when she is being petted and if she is upset she will make a small growl like sound. I've not heard a whine, except for her high pitch chirp. Senegals mimic sounds they hear--I'm sure I'll being hearing a whine because my 5 year old whines all the time. Mine also says a gravelly hello.

[Merkuri]

Soki's only about 2 and a half months old. I thought she was a little too young to be mimicing other sounds, so I figured the whine must have been a "natural" senegal sound. I suppose it's possible she's trying to mimic the high-pitched singsongy voice I use to talk to her, though it sounds very much like an extremely quiet version of a dog's whine.

[danforth3]

Birds start learning the day they are born. If you want to see if your Soki will talk, start teaching now.

[Merkuri]

I am "teaching" now, in the sense that I talk to Soki all day long, trying to use the same phrases for the same things (like "good night" before bed and "good bye" when I leave"). Just this morning I think I heard her make a kissing sound. I guess she does learn fast! I heard that it takes most birds several months to start talking, and I thought that applied to all noises. I guess not. :icon_smil

She finally decided to sleep in her little tent last night, but unfortunately seemed to have some trouble getting out of it in the morning. :aiwebs_01 I hope that doesn't stop her from sleeping in it tonight.

[danforth3]

Let me know how she likes the tent. I've been debating on getting one for Peeps. My caique, Scooter, has a tent and loves it, but I've been unsure about Peeps.

[danforth3]

Still debating. Had old happy hut, and tried it, but she absolutely hated it. It become another potty. Thinking about trying pet-tent like Scooter has not sure she'll like the enclosed environment. Probably try that one next.

[Monica]

Sometimes, its only the color that makes a difference... interested in how things turn out!