Looking for a new conversation partner? Parrots are talkative birds, which can add a lot of atmosphere to your home! This way you will always have someone to talk to. But How to train a parrot to talk? Start the discussion by following these tips. Fascinating debates are guaranteed!
How can a parrot talk?
There are several reasons why a parrot can speak. First of all, hearing and sound production in parrots are developed differently compared to humans.
Our vocal cords allow us to produce sounds and our mouth and lips convert those sounds into words. In contrast, parrots have a whole series of tubes that connect the lungs to the trachea. It is these connections that make the bird capable of producing sounds. In addition, their brains are also developed in terms of speech.
Their hearing is also different from ours. Our colorful mimic birds hear little difference between the “a” and “i” sounds. Finally, it depends a lot on the type of parrot you have at home. Some parrots are easier to learn to talk than others.
What breeds of parrots can talk?
There are many species of parrots that talk. But which ones are known for their ability to do so? Here are the most common. Everyone wants a talking parrot, right?
- Amazon parrot
- African grey parrot
- Macaw parrot
- Red-tailed parrot
- Cockatoo
- quaker parrot
- Ring-necked parakeet
- Cockatiel
- Conure parrot
- Senegal parrot
How do I teach my parrot to talk?
How to train a parrot to talk?
Teaching your parrot to talk is fun and good for your bird! Now that you know a little more about this intelligent bird, it’s time to practice. Of course, not all parrots are the same, but these steps are generally the ideal approach. Your parrot will perhaps soon reveal his talents as a great orator!
1. Create a stable relationship
If a bird can speak, it means it is a social animal. He loves contact! Therefore, bond with your bird first so that it gets used to you. First, talk to him regularly for a few months in a calm tone. Also, play enough together. Parrots are naturally used to having a lot of contact.
2. Work according to patterns
Parrots need structure. If you follow a training program, you will get the most out of your companion’s intelligence. Don’t do exercises that are too long, but work in sessions. Two to five times a day, in five-minute increments.
3. Work in small steps
The easiest way to teach your parrot to talk is to take small steps. So start by communicating through sounds. Make it a little more difficult for your bird each time by alternating the sounds.
4. Use easy words
Since the parrot is a true imitator, it will say the words it hears often. So use these words in your training sessions as well. Words like “hello,” “goodbye,” or the pet’s name itself are often a great place to start.
5. Be close!
Keep your bird close to you. This is important for establishing contact and will draw his attention to your sounds. Carry it with you on your arm or stay near its perch.
6. Learn together
A parrot likes to have several interlocutors. So it’s a good idea to have a training conversation with someone you know, in the presence of your parrot. This will help your genius bird understand the context of a conversation. Amazing, isn’t it?
7. Explain what you do
This step is a bit like for dogs. Every time you act with your companion, it is a good idea to name what you are doing. Are you raising the bird? Then say “Stand up”! This will help your parrot make the connection between certain actions and the words that accompany them.
8. Make it fun
Birds learn faster when they like something. Therefore, give your flying friend a treat now and then during exercise. It is also helpful to use a happy tone of voice when giving a reward. Be sure to only reward him when the desired behavior occurs. Do not reward at random times, otherwise the parrot will not understand your intention.
9. Be patient
One last note for the road: be patient. This virtue is crucial when teaching your parrot to talk. Every species is different and some understand things more quickly than others, just like humans.
Help, my parrot no longer speaks
It is possible to teach a parrot to talk, but not to teach it to stop talking. Does your parrot no longer speak? Several reasons can explain this. As noted, we are dealing with very intelligent birds. Stress can be a cause of your feathered companion’s silence. A new environment or different smells can also cause your parrot to remember his words.
If your parrot stops talking, keep an eye on his eating habits. He may be sick or not feeling well. Finally, there is also behavioral therapy for parrots which is also covered by our parrot insurance!
SOURCE: African Grey Parrot Pet
