We have three pairs of Senegal Parrots and one pair of Meyer's parrots.  All of our Senegal's are the orange breasted variety.  Our Meyer's are mixed - the hen has no yellow on the crown and the male sports a yellow crown.  All 4 pair are actively working their boxes and we expect an egg from Jabu & One Eyed Jack in the very near future.   DIET: We feed our Senegals Zupreem fruit blend pellets in conure/parrot size.  These are fed in a separate dish.  We feed Goldenfeast Hookbill Legume seed mix mixed with Volkman Cockatiel (avian science).  Every morning we feed a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies along with various birdie bread, soak and cook, my bean mix, cooked pastas, etc.  These guys are not picky and we wean our babies to the same diet.  We also feed sprouted seeds & grains.   Our birds & babies are water bottle trained.  We use Lixit quart size water bottles.  We also provide a crock of fresh water which is changed daily.  Water bottles are cleaned and run through the dishwasher every couple days to prevent bacteria build up. TOYS: These guys can be little buzz saws so toys that are shreddable, chewable, or easily dismantled are relished.  They also enjoy acrylic toys and have a mixture in their cages.  Some also play with foot toys. CAGE SIZE: For a handfed baby a cage size of 24 x 24 x 24 is adequate with sufficient out time.  Bar spacing should be no more than 5/8"  by 1".  Senegals enjoy play tops and will stay on their cages to play if presented with one.  They are also easily trained to stay on a play stand or portable play stand. PET QUALITY: I really firmly believe the majority of their pet potential depends on how they were raised as babies.  I've had both male and females for pets and found both equally adorable and consistent pets.  However, as maturity sets in I've noticed the males go thru a worse hormonal phase than the females and can get moody and will bite.  This is just my experience; others may have different views.  Meyer's parrots are wonderful pets also, but are alot shyer than the Senegals.  Senegals are very acrobatic and normally quite outgoing.  Both species elicit a "contact call" that can be quite harsh, but is not as loud as a cockatoo or macaw.  Indeed, these guys make perfect apartment pets due to their relatively quiet nature.  Their compact size makes them easy to handle.  Many babies love to hang out on their owner's shoulders as they do homework, computer work, watch tv, sew, etc.  They want to be with you.  But, they are also perfectly content to play independently in their own cages when you are busy.  They live about 30 years with good care. TALKING ABILITY: Male and female senegals can learn to say a few words.  Not known for a large vocabulary, or for speaking as clear as a Grey or Amazon, they can still pick up some words and phrases.  All of my breeder senegals talk.  One is quite proficient saying "Hello"  "good morning"  Poi-Poi" (his name), "hi baby" "c'mere"  "kiss-kiss" "jabu" (his mate's name)"step up" "ouch!" to name a few.  One also imitates sounds.  I've never had a sun conure since I've had these guys but you would think I did.  One boy does a terrific cockatiel call (I don't own cockatiels) water dripping (this is very unnerving as you can well imagine) and what sounds like a micro wave beeper (perhaps left over from handfeeding days?).  I love going out in my bird room with their breakfast and being greeted by an exhuberant "Hello" and "Good Morning" from the crew.  Brings a smile every time!