How to Teach Your Cockatiel Bird to Talk

We love our pets. Whether it is a dog, cat, reptile or bird, we think of them as a very important part of our family.

Americans spend billions of dollars on our beloved pets every year, and to us, it is well worth the price.
Even in a recession, people will (for the most part) take care of their pets.

Cockatiel Birds originate from Australia. They grow to an average height of 9-11 inches (including the tail), and are a very loving, smart breed of bird. They live to be twenty to twenty five or more years old, so this is not a short term relationship with your bird.

Cockatiel' s offer the friendliness and intelligence of the larger Parrot birds, but, are smaller and easier to handle. These birds are great for a family. They love to interact with people and usually, if hand fed are gentle and friendly.

To be able to teach these birds, you must form a relationship with them. I highly recommend you purchase a baby that you can hand feed. This allows the bird to connect with you as their leader rather than the parents. The most important issue of teaching your bird to talk is that they connect you. You need to have their total attention.

I have found if you place a couple or more of Cockatiel' s in one cage, they bond with each other and will not bond with you, thus preventing them from talking and whistling.

If you are getting the birds as a breeder pair, you will not have much luck handling and rearing these birds, as they will not relate to you, as they can be quite aloof and will not want to connect with you. They only relate to their mates, generally.

I strongly suggest all parties involved with the bird hold it and interact with it daily. For families, you want a family bird, not just a "one person specific" bird.

This adventure can create many wonderful times for the bird and your family, so spend time and give lots of love.

You will reap the benefits of a loving pet.

Good luck with your beautiful Cockatiel, and many happy years to you all.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A ROOMY Cage, complete with perches, toys, feed cups and water bowl.
• A baby Cockatiel
• Hand Feeding Formula for Cockatiel' s (available at pet stores)
• Time and Interest in your Bird
• Constant communication with the bird
• Seeds and treats for an older bird

1. 
    
   I'm Home

   Before you purchase the Cockatiel, you must be prepared with the hand feeding formula food. This bird will eat every 3 hours or so.
   You also will want the cage to be set up, so the bird has their own "space".
   Make a nice padded "nest" on the bottom of the cage as a baby bird will not perch completely until at least a month old.
   Make sure there are some low perches for the bird to get on, helping them to mature.
   You are their parent....they look to you as a human baby would.

2. 
    
   I'm hungry and paying close attention

   Start with feeding the bird. You will hold it with both hands applying mild pressure so they feel secure. Make sure you are in a relaxed environment, with no loud noises or activities going on.
   
   You will not get a birds attention with chaos going on around you.
   
   Feed recommended amount of food with a sterilized syringe (minus the needle). Make sure all family members feed the bird at different times. The bird needs to bond with everyone, so you won't have to worry about biting later on.
   The bird will let you know when it is full by simply not eating anymore.
   
   It is very important to start talking and bonding with your bird at these feedings, as they are dependent on you to keep them fed. They will pay close attention to all that you say and do.
   You will also want to start with socializing the bird at other times besides feedings.
   You have a Cockatiel' s complete attention when their "crest" on the top of their head is up. Watch for this as it means your bird is really interested in you and your actions.

3. Every day start with simple words like:
   The birds name; "I love you"; "pretty bird", "mama's/daddy's baby", "hey, baby bird", "hey bird face", etc.
   Gradually start adding small sentences. It is amazing how quickly these birds learn.
   
   REPETITION IS KEY!
   
   If you do not socialize your bird every day, you will not get the results you are looking for.
   
   Make sure all family members handle the bird, and everyone's on the same page with what to teach the bird to say.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed bird at recommended times. A full, happy bird is much easier to socialize and train.
• Make sure the cage will be big enough for your bird, and is kept in a clean state. Dirty cages makes ill birds. Ill birds do not talk.
• Keep a light, happy calm tone to your voice. No one will respond to anger or harassment.
• Make sure when feeding/training a bird you are in a relaxed environment. Nobody needs to be stressed at this time.
• Teach the family members how to hold the bird. Discourage children from holding bird around the neck.
• Train bird to come to you. Never grab and chase a bird. They will bite.
• Be VERY careful what you say to your bird. They will repeat what you say. Very loudly, at the top of their lungs. This can be embarrassing!
• Never allow children to feed or interact alone with the bird. ALWAYS BE PRESENT.
• Be prepared for the bird at any time to start flying.

Resources

• Bird Resource
• Avian Web

[blindsquirrel]

on 10/16/2009 This article has great information for bird lovers who want their birds to speak. I know this method works! Loved the illustrations.