How to Teach a Quaker Parrot to Talk

Quaker parrots are popular pet birds because, even though they are relatively small in size, their talking ability rivals that of the larger parrots. Even if you don't make a special effort to teach your Quaker parrot, most will pick up at least a few of the words that they hear regularly. While it's not guaranteed that every Quaker parrot will talk, there are several training techniques you can use to help bring out your bird's linguistic talents.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take every opportunity you can to talk to your Quaker parrot and to expose it to human language. Converse with the bird while doing routine chores like feeding it or cleaning its cage or even when passing by. Leave a television or radio on when you're not in the room.

2. Use words in context whenever possible. For example, when you are giving your bird a goodie, say "Want a treat\?" Praise positive behavior by saying "Good bird!" and tell your Quaker parrot "Nite-nite" when you cover its cage for the evening. Quaker parrots are smart enough to not only learn how to mimic words but to use them in the correct context if you use the same works consistently.

3. Make a big deal out of it when your Quaker parrot talks. Quaker parrots love drama and feed off strong emotional displays. Lots of praise and excitement will give your bird a positive association with talking. You can use treats as rewards, too, but don't overdo the food rewards. Attention and praise are the best and healthiest forms of positive reinforcement.

4. Don't limit your lessons to words and phrases. Many Quaker parrots become talented mimics of sounds like laughter, kissing or even blowing a raspberry. They can also learn to sing entire songs with enough repetition.

5. Be patient. Although most Quaker parrots will start talking at a fairly young age, some might not say a word for months and will then suddenly become prolific conversationalists. Quakers will often mumble and quietly practice words to themselves before perfecting them and speaking them out loud.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it's never guaranteed that any particular Quaker parrot will talk, you can increase the odds by buying a bird that shows speaking aptitude even at a young age. Find a breeder who can tell you if any of her young birds are already starting to say words. You can then purchase a Quaker parrot that is already starting to speak, since the odds are good that it will continue to expand its vocabulary.
• Be careful what you say around your Quaker parrot. Some birds are smart enough to pick up words after hearing them only once, especially if those words were accompanied by a lot of excitement. If your Quaker parrot learns an inappropriate word and you overreact, that will only reinforce the new word. Instead, remain calm and choose an appropriate word that sounds similar to the curse word. Repeat the appropriate choice as much as possible, saying it with enthusiasm, and your Quaker parrot should eventually switch over to the new word.

Resources

• Helpful forums and information on Quaker parrot care and training.