How to teach a bird to talk

Teaching a bird how to talk can be one of the most entertaining, yet rewarding experiences you can have with your beloved feathered friend. While some may believe that birds are not smart, they really are quite intelligent. With some time, effort, and plenty of love and care of your bird, you can teach your bird simple phrases such as "Pretty bird," "Hello," and other phrases as well. Each species of birds will be different, but it is possible to teach your bird how to talk. Read on to learn how to teach a bird to talk.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Plenty of love and care for your bird
• Time and effort

1. 
   Let the bird be comfortable in its cage or your finger as you begin a session.

   Give your bird time to adjust to you and its surroundings if it is a new bird. If you have had it as a pet for awhile, make sure that your bird has gained your trust and it doesn't mind you coming around or in it's cage.

2. Begin teaching your bird with simple phrases such as "Hello," "Goodbye" and the popular "Pretty bird." Try only beginning with one phrase at a time as you teach your bird to build its vocabulary.

3. 
   Appear bright and cheerful as you say your phrase.

   Say your words with enthusiasm or make sure it sounds positive. Repeat the phrase of your choice daily to your bird. Approach its cage, or if the bird likes to perch on your finger, look into its face and say the phrase, such as, "Hello." Be sure to appear bright and cheery.

4. 
   Repeat the phrase as often as possible so that your bird can learn it.

   Continue to repeat your phrase often throughout the week. Do it several times a day. Try to have your training process at about the same time every day so that the bird will develop a routine. Make sure to take plenty of time and patience as your bird begins to learn its new words. It will take some time, but after awhile, it will begin to pick up on your phrases.

5. Observe your bird as he or she learns its new skill to talk. It may like other words more than others. If you watch closely, it may appear as if your bird is mimicking what you say. Once your bird has successful learned a new word, offer it a treat such as millet spray or its favorite snack.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with simple words such as the birds name or words like "Hello" and "Goodbye."
• Offer the bird a reward such as its favorite snack when he or she learns a new word.
• If you feel that learning to speak may be difficult for your bird, try whistling to your bird to ease it into the transition of talking.
• Do not rush your bird to learn how to talk. Trying to push a new skill on your bird could be stressful. Take just a few minutes out of each day to repeat the phrase you would like it to learn.
• Do not get discouraged or give up on your pet bird. It will take plenty of time and patience as you teach your bird to talk.