How to Teach a Parakeet to Talk

Get your parakeet a friend with whom he can practice his speaking skills.

Parakeets are members of the parrot family and as such, have the ability to speak words that humans teach them. If you don't already have a parakeet, there are some things you can do to help your project along, according to the BBC. Young, male parakeets are most likely to speak. Also, the more expensive the parakeet is, the better your chances of getting him to speak. There is a reason they are more expensive. The BBC further notes that "Several breeds of parakeet are more likely to learn to speak. The Australian parakeet - or indeed any parakeet in the Psittacidae family - is generally a relatively good talker. English, Ringnecked, Alexandrine, and Plumheaded Parakeets are good examples of a breed that is able to learn to talk proficiently."

Instructions

1. 

   To get him talking, you have to spend at least 10 to 30 minutes every day.

   Set a goal and work towards it. Practice patience. Your parakeet is not going to learn overnight. Getting a parakeet to talk takes a great deal of time and practice. Make the decision to train with your bird every day if you really want to teach your bird to talk.

2. 

   Spend as much time with your parakeet as you can to establish a bond. This will help with your training him to talk.

   Cover the cage on three sides so your parakeet does not have any distractions. This will help your bird to focus on only you. This is especially important if there are other companion animals in the household.

3. Choose a word or phrase that is very simple to say. "Pretty bird" is an example of such a phrase. You can also teach him to say his name. Birds do well with hard consonants such as k, w or t. Avoid "hello" as it is not easy for your bird to pronounce. Repeat the word over and over again while being focused on your bird.

4. Record your voice on a tape recorder and play it for your bird. Record yourself saying the same word or phrase you have been teaching him and play it for 30 minutes every day. Do this when you are away or if you don't have time to train on a particular day. It should never be a substitute for time spent with your bird, however, as the bonding and establishing the friendship is part of training him to speak.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a mirror in the cage if he does not have a friend. He may practice his words with the bird in the mirror.

• Don't give up too soon. It can take three to six months, or longer in some cases, for your bird to speak. Once he begins, however, you will find that teaching him other words and phrases is much easier.

References

• The Daily Puppy: How to Teach a Blue Parakeet to Speak
• BBC: How to Train Your Parakeet to Speak

Resources

• You Tube: How to Train your Bird To Talk