How to Teach Your Bird to Talk
Tips for Teaching Your Parrot Simple Phrases
You're never lonely when you have a talking parrot in your house as there's always someone to talk to. Here are some tips for teaching a parrot simple phrases.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s almost human, then adopt a parrot. Besides entertaining you, most species can be taught to talk. It’s not an overnight process but with patience and the right strategy, the average length of time can range from a week to six months, depending on the species, age, sex, and environment. But realize, at first you may hear only babbling.
Of course, not all species can be taught to talk. Although some owners can easily teach their parrots to talk, with others it takes more time. Also, if you have more than one bird it’s more difficult. Just as it’s easier to work with one student rather than a classroom of 25 kids, it’s easier to teach one bird, as you’re not competing with the other birds for its attention.
Selecting Your Parrot
Although most parrots are teachable, larger species such as the Amazon and African Greys have a greater capacity to talk and whistle. What’s more, in some situations, they can amazingly form sentences on their own.
Just as with people, some birds are more extroverted than others. If you want a parrot that’s more prone to talking, then test them out at the bird store. Look for an alert bird, interested in you and everything else around him. Start out by saying, “hello”, noting his reaction to your voice. If he lets out a fearful squawk or acts withdrawn then move on to the next bird until you find one that babbles, taking an interest in you. When you find one with just the right “chemistry”, that’s your bird. Also, the younger the bird, the better odds you have for success. And unlike humans, males are better talkers than females.
Location is Important
When you bring home your new parrot, place him in an area where he is sure to receive your attention. In other words, don’t leave him in a bathroom or guest bedroom. Also, be sure his new room is safe from any hazards. If he’s in or near the kitchen, turn off burners and be certain he’s safe from other pets (especially cats!).
First Training Sessions
Begin by speaking softly as you greet him, walking up to his cage. When your bird starts to feel comfortable with your presence and your voice, then you can start training sessions, although keep them brief. Slowly repeat short, simple phrases such as “Good morning” and “Hello there.” Also interact with him between training sessions, speaking in gentle tones, as this could prompt him to talk back to you when you least expect it. Get the wife and kids involved, as well, as birds respond better to high-pitched voices.
Resist the urge to whistle at your parrot, as this will hinder him from learning to talk. However, after he’s mastered a few words, it’s okay to whistle. Also, parrots do much better with a live trainer than a recorder. However, if you’re limited in time and feel it’s the only way to teach him, then keep the phrases on the recording clear and simple, playing it for only about 15 minutes at a time, twice daily.
If you’re consistent and calm with the training sessions, you just may be rewarded with a feathered friend that can communicate with you, if only in limited phrases. On the other hand, if for some reason you can’t teach your parrot to talk, enjoy him anyway. Even if your bird doesn’t talk back to you, he's still a delightful companion.
