Some of you might have seen my post and pics from my visit to the National Parrot Sanctuary that I posted a few days ago. While I was there, I met my first Poicephalus parrots, a Meyer's and a Senegal. I fell in love with them! I never noticed them before, but the two I met were absolute darlings: snuggly, bright, clever...

Therefore, those of you could who have Poicephalus parrots - can you tell me about them? Their likes/dislikes, personality, cuddliness, talking... whatever.

I am mentally making a list of the bird I want to get when I move back to America. I want a male Ekkie, and I want a Caique, but now....I'm really interested in the poicephalus.

Please tell me about yours!

this should be interesting
- I am meeting my friend's bird next week - she asked if I'd be Percy's caregiver/back-up if she isn't able. I am unfamiliar with Senegals as well. Percy is 15 I think.

PS - i didn't know you were moving!

Zoey, my Sennie is a doll!! She loves to cuddle with me as long as I will let her. She is a bit mischievous as well. Except for me, she does not play well with others. Zoey is a great mimicker. She can imitate my pager exactly! Her "hello" sounds like a cross between "you who" and a wolf whistle.

I don't have a Poi, but I've met and interacted with a few - a Sennie and a Red Bellied namely - and they were just darlings. In the future a Poi is definitely on my list to read up on. From the little that I have read, I think I would mesh well with them.

I think Poi's are just wonderful! Tausi is a male Red Bellied, going on a year and a half old now. He's just my Best Boy, with lots of personality and some pretty darned good talking and mimicking skills. Although he's always talking, chattering away or whistling, he's never been what I'd call loud. Definitely not a screamer. He loves to take apart his toys (I put them back together for him daily) and has always had a good appetite. Like many of the African parrots, I think they tend to be a bit on the sensitive side, occasionally phobic. Probably more prone to plucking or barbering than say conures, but that's a generalization. As far as others of the Poi genus, I met a 5 year old male Sennie in a pet store that was really hard to walk away from. I've also read some great things about Meyers, Brown Heads, and Un-Capes from their owners.

Whether a particular species is right for any one person depends on many factors, but based on my experience, I'd recommend a Poi any day!

Well you know I adore my Cory bird! She does have a tendency to be a little phobic and does not like strangers, but she is a cuddle bug. She loves to sit on the couch and watch TV. She'll put her head down to expose her neck and whisper "pet me" or "pet Cory". She loves to sit on her gym and look out the window. She would rather be with people but is perfectly capable of playing by herself. When you come back you're welcome to come visit with us anytime and spend some time with her!

I think it's great that you're considering poicephalus. To me they are the perfect bird in every way- their size, coloration, personality... everything. I don't know what I would do without my little guys, every one brings something new to the table.

I agree that sometimes they have a tendancy to get a little phobic (for example, right now Indy is terrified of any one touching his back, but he'll get over it in a few days,) but generally they have a very sweet and loving personality. They are playful, smart and they love to cuddle (which is a very important trait to me.) Of course, these are all generalizations, but in my experience, I have never picked up a poicephalus and didn't want to bring home.

Poi's aren't very good talkers, but my guys whistle and make noises all the time. Aree is awesome at mimicing the microwave. Sometimes they can be a little noisy, but I wouldn't call them loud... my parrotlet is louder!

I would definatley give poi's some consideration if i were you, but then again, i'm a little biased.

Well now, I don't know about that! Tausi talks up a storm. His repertoire includes hi, hello, how are you, hello Tausi, hello Quito, what you doing, what's the matter with you, and a couple other things he hasn't got down well enough for me to understand yet. He also does some great ring tones, and his favorite, the "boink" noise the tv makes when you turn it on. He uses it whenever I touch a button on the remote.

Lucky! None of my guys talk. I've heard that Jardine's are the best talkers, but not many of the other guys do. I guess there are always exceptions. Way to go Tausi!

And Cory has whole conversations with herself but she whispers and grumbles and it's hard to understand her. She also does a popping bubbles sound, kisses, the microwave, the squeaky closet door, and she can imitate Zen our lovebird and most of the birds she hears outside.