Senegals

Question
Hello I was visting my locale pet store to look at the animals when I saw some senegal parrots, I went over and one jumped on my hand and began nibbling at my watch, they others in the cage watched as I held there sibling, I tryed to get him off my hand so I put my ahnd to the floor of his cage....he slid off and was laying on his back! I had never seen such a thing, he then turned him self over and was looking for me to pick him up again but I had to go. Anyways since I am looking for a small pet parrot thats bigger then a cockatiel and found that senegals are so nice I am leaning towards a senegal as a pet, but I have some questions first....

Can they learn to talk?

How long would a well fed, well exercised senegal live on avrage?

Are they loud?(comparied to a cockatiel)

Would one try to attack my cockatiel when they are out of cage?

Are handfed ones really afectionet?

Answer
Hello.  Thanks for posting your questions.

I've only owned 1 Senegal parrot, so I don't have much experience with these birds.  

Obviously, the Senegal parrot you found in your local pet shop has been well socialized by it's breeder.  This does not mean that all Senegals will behave the same as the one you've seen.  They are just like any other bird...if they are well socialized as babies, they will become good, tame birds.  As far as life span is concerned, just like any other parrot, it depends on genetics and how well the bird is cared for over it's lifetime.  I don't recall the Senegal that I had being loud, but you should research this more on the Internet.  No one can tell you if the Senegal will attack your tiel when they are out of the cage...this is something no one can predict.  Any handfed parrot can be affectionate if properly socialized by the breeder and maintained by the new owner.

Chrys