Sweeney
San Jose, CA
Breed
Senegal
Age
Senior
Gender
Type
Bird
My Story
Hello, I'm Sweeney, a Senegal parrot with a gruff demeanor but a soft heart. I came to Mickaboo after my previous guardian passed away. It's taken some time for the volunteers to understand me, but I'd like to share a bit about myself.
In my previous home, I lived in a small cage and didn't get much interaction beyond my owner. While I was attached to her, I wasn't given out-of-cage time or introduced to other people, which left me with a limited comfort zone. I also naturally tend to flee when I'm scared, but I never learned to fly well, so I often panic and try to hide when I'm overwhelmed.
My foster dad is gently helping me adjust to new experiences -- things like toys, play gyms, and healthy foods -- without stressing me out. It's been a challenge, but we're both making progress. I now take food from his hand, let him scratch my head in the evenings, and eat a healthy diet with the occasional treat. I've learned to come out of my cage and go back in on my own. I can say a few words and make kissing sounds (though I still like to snarl!), and I've even improved my flying skills to navigate and land safely.
I've also started spending supervised time with other Poicephalus parrots in foster care. Since I didn't grow up around other birds, this is a new but rewarding experience. I've even made a best friend, Otis, an older Red-bellied parrot whom I adore; you can read about some of our adventures here. I like to roughhouse a bit, so my caretaker should keep me away from small, shy, or much larger birds.
According to Mickaboo's avian vets, I'm in good health, though I'm still a bit nervous about vet visits. With time and patience, I'm hopeful I can continue to do well in a human world, but I do have my limits and need my human companions to accept me as I am.
I'd thrive in a home where I can be near other birds and with someone willing to spend hands-off, ambient time with me. Once I've had time to adjust, a large aviary with other birds might be ideal. I don't need constant one-on-one attention, but I appreciate a calm, encouraging presence nearby.
If you think you could offer me the right environment, please contact Mickaboo's Poicephalus coordinator. I'm looking forward to finding a place where I can truly belong.You can see more about me at https://mickaboo.org!
In my previous home, I lived in a small cage and didn't get much interaction beyond my owner. While I was attached to her, I wasn't given out-of-cage time or introduced to other people, which left me with a limited comfort zone. I also naturally tend to flee when I'm scared, but I never learned to fly well, so I often panic and try to hide when I'm overwhelmed.
My foster dad is gently helping me adjust to new experiences -- things like toys, play gyms, and healthy foods -- without stressing me out. It's been a challenge, but we're both making progress. I now take food from his hand, let him scratch my head in the evenings, and eat a healthy diet with the occasional treat. I've learned to come out of my cage and go back in on my own. I can say a few words and make kissing sounds (though I still like to snarl!), and I've even improved my flying skills to navigate and land safely.
I've also started spending supervised time with other Poicephalus parrots in foster care. Since I didn't grow up around other birds, this is a new but rewarding experience. I've even made a best friend, Otis, an older Red-bellied parrot whom I adore; you can read about some of our adventures here. I like to roughhouse a bit, so my caretaker should keep me away from small, shy, or much larger birds.
According to Mickaboo's avian vets, I'm in good health, though I'm still a bit nervous about vet visits. With time and patience, I'm hopeful I can continue to do well in a human world, but I do have my limits and need my human companions to accept me as I am.
I'd thrive in a home where I can be near other birds and with someone willing to spend hands-off, ambient time with me. Once I've had time to adjust, a large aviary with other birds might be ideal. I don't need constant one-on-one attention, but I appreciate a calm, encouraging presence nearby.
If you think you could offer me the right environment, please contact Mickaboo's Poicephalus coordinator. I'm looking forward to finding a place where I can truly belong.You can see more about me at https://mickaboo.org!