How to Teach Your Bird to Talk

Many people choose birds as pets simply because of their ability to talk. The highly intelligent African grey usually comes to mind first, but it may surprise you to know how many species of birds can learn to talk quite well. There have even been people who claim that their finches were able to speak a few basic words. Remember that birds are individuals, and some will learn easier than others.

Many different birds can learn to speak quite well. Amazon parrots, Quaker parakeets, American budgies, cockatiels, Nanday conures and cockatoos can all learn to be good talkers, although none are in the class of the African grey. other species than can learn to speak fairly well include lovebirds, Senegal parrots and many other conure species.

Birds do not naturally know how to talk, you must teach a baby bird how to speak much like you would a child. Even if you purchase a species that is typically known for it’s talking ability, this does not guarantee that it will become a great talker. Some birds may not learn to speak at all. You may want to consider an older bird that already knows how to talk if that is what you are looking for. keep in mind though, that whoever taught the bird how to talk may have trained it to say phrases that you find inappropriate.

When it comes to teaching birds to talk, it’s easier to teach new words or phrases to a bird that already talks. Obviously, teaching a baby bird or one that has never talked before is more difficult because they have never been exposed to it before. The best approach to teaching this skill is by one on one interaction with the bird, rather than just placing a CD player next to the cage, as some people do.

Just as you would a child, begin by teaching your bird the most basic words. It’s a good idea to begin with small words or phrases that have the letter ‘r’ in them. These sounds seem to be easily learned by most birds, which is why ‘pretty bird’ is one of the most common phrases to hear a bird say. Whatever you decide to teach the bird, make sure you repeat it every time you interact with him in a clear voice.

After you have done this for a while, your bird will begin to practice what you’ve been teaching him. You may find him quietly repeating the word or phrase that he has learned in an attempt to get the sound just right. When he feels comfortable with it, you will hear him say it louder and more clearly.

Most birds seem to learn better when listening to a voice that is higher than normal. If you typically have a deeper voice, this may be why your bird does not seem to be paying much attention to you. Try not to get angry and swear around your bird, because your raised voice will be very easy for him to learn to repeat.

If your bird does happen to learn some off color phrases, try to discourage it by ignoring it. Praise the bird when he says what you want him to, and maybe he will give up on the profanity.

Sometimes people will teach their bird to whistle if it seems like he is not picking up words very well. Your bird may become a very talented whistler, but this may make him never want to talk.

Finally, it’s never too early to begin teaching your bird to talk. Even if you are still waiting for your handfed bird to come home, you can have the breeder begin to repeat simple words or phrases while he is feeding him. This will give you a head start once you begin teaching him at home.

         

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