How to Teach a Senegal Parrot to Talk

Senegal parrots are a West African Poicephalus parrot. Senegals typically live for 20 to 30 years, or about half the age of an African Grey parrot. Like African Greys, Senegal parrots can be trained to do tricks and talk. Also like other parrots, Senegals are intelligent but strong-willed birds. Teaching a Senegal parrot to talk requires patience, repetition and reinforcement.

Things You'll Need

• Book about Senegal parrots
• Parrot treats

Instructions

1. Buy a book or check out a book on Senegal parrots from a bookstore or library. To properly train this species of bird, you should be familiar with it and its native surroundings.

2. Use repetition. Teach your Senegal parrot to talk using short phrases. Speak to it as you would a toddler. Keep the phrases simple and avoid words with multiple syllables. Limit training sessions to 10, 15 or 20 minutes to avoid boredom.

3. Reward your Senegal parrot with positive reinforcement. Use treats and affection to positively reinforce good behavior and correct "parroting" of phrases.

4. Allow your Senegal out-of-cage time. Parrots learn by interaction and exploration. Allow your Senegal to roam the house a bit each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not start training sessions when your Senegal is sleepy, hungry or eating. Training during these times is counterproductive.

• Do not shout or punish your Senegal for misbehaving. Simply walk away and do not interact with it for 10 to 20 minutes.

References

• "Parrot Tricks: Teaching Parrots With Positive Reinforcement"; Tani Robar and Diane Grindol; 2006
• "Senegal Parrots (The Birdkeepers' Guides)"; Tammy Gagne; 2009