How to Teach Parrots to Talk

If you thought a dog was man's best friend, you haven't owned a parrot. Parrots can cuddle, do tricks, keep you company, and even talk!.Have you ever heard of a dog that can talk? Parrots are not born knowing phrases and sounds, you have to teach them what to say. This training can be drawn out and tedious at first, but once your parrot udders his first word, you are instantly rewarded. Since parrots can live up to 60 years, the phrases and words you teach him will be around the the majority of your life. Think wisely before you teach your parrot profanity or a dirty phrase. This best friend will keep repeating an offensive phrase even when you stop thinking it is funny. Here is a guide to correctly teach your parrot how to speak.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird treats

1. Purchase a parrot newly out of the nest. While this is preferable, you can still train your old parrot to talk as well.

2. Maintain a normal routine with your bird. For example, feed her, clean her cage, and play with her like normal.

3. Speak appropriate phrases while you tend to her needs. When you feed her, for example, you could say, "Yummy, that tastes good." This gets your parrot used to interacting.

4. Schedule two 10-minute training sessions per day. These should be in a location as quiet as possible to avoid distraction.

5. Start by saying a one-word or two-word phrase over and over again in these sessions. If the bird responds with a squawk or a squeek, praise her and give her a treat.

6. Continue with the one-word phrase. This could take weeks or months for your parrot to repeat. Once she does repeat the first phrase, move on to the next. It will happen much quicker than the first.

Tips & Warnings

• Each bird is an individual. Some birds will never be great talkers. Others won't learn how to say much before they are one, but will then talk your ear off.
• Training CD's don't work very well. They simply talk at your parrot.
• Parrots tend to find whistling easier than talking. Prevent teaching your parrot to whistle since there is a chance she will switch from talking to whistling.

Resources

• Petcare information