African grey parrots are good at reproducing human speech.In order to fit in with their flock, parrots mimic speech to be like their owner.If you have an African grey parrot, you might want to teach it to speak.Encouraging your African grey parrot to speak can be a great way to spend time with your pet.
Step 1: Don't forget to talk to your bird.
Before you start training your bird to mimic what you say, make it a habit to speak to it.African greys want to chat with you.They will learn to talk in order to fit in with the household.If your bird recognizes how you communicate, it will learn to talk.Tell them what you are doing.Time to feed Henry, "Let's watch TV," or "Bedtime" are examples.
Step 2: Simple words are what you should start with.
Begin by saying hello, goodbye, and your bird's name.You can try to teach your bird phrases once it has mastered simple words.
Step 3: Each time, say words and phrases the same way.
Consistency is important as your bird learns through repetition and recognizing patterns.You can teach your parrot to say "Hello" when you walk in.If you say things like, "Hey," "What's up," or "Howdy," it won't learn to greet you.
Step 4: Use a positive tone.
It is best for your bird to learn phrases with energy.When owners spend weeks trying to get a bird to say "Thank you" only to have it learn "Shut up!", they are often upset.When you say what you want the bird to learn, use an excited tone so that it mimics the word or phrase.
Step 5: Speak clearly and loudly.
Don't shout, but use a volume that makes the word or phrase easy for your bird to pick up.This will help your bird hear you clearly.If you mumbling your words, your parrot won't be able to mimic the sound if it's muffled.Birds like to listen to a recording of their voice.You should play it for 30 minutes at a time.
Step 6: In varying tones, repeat the same word.
To make your bird pick up on the sound, say the word you want it to learn.African greys are good at mimicking household sounds like the doorbell, phone ringing, or sounds made by other pets.You will need to do the same with the words you teach.Try to vary your voice, pitch, and how you say the word.It will make the word stand out to the bird.Use a high pitched voice.
Step 7: If you think your bird is trying to say something, repeat it.
If you think your bird is saying something, repeat it.Show your bird that you are excited by smiling and being enthusiastic.If it hasn't already had too many treats, give them to it.
Step 8: Use learned words and phrases.
When your parrot learns a word or phrase, don't assume that it will keep saying it, because it can forget what it learns.You need to reward your bird for continued success by using the words and phrases you want it to remember.
Step 9: Give your bird a reward.
Give your birds a small treat and a lot of praise.Say the word and give the treat.Wait for your bird to try to say the word before you give him a treat.The bird will learn to say the word on its own.
Step 10: Common phrases should be focused on.
It is easy for your bird to learn greetings.The bird can use these phrases in context because they are repetitive.Make a habit of saying the same common phase to your bird at the appropriate time.When you remove its cage cover, tell it good morning.
Step 11: Talk to others in front of your bird.
A friend or another member of your household can help train the bird by welcoming you home after work or asking about your day.Your bird will try to imitate them.Your bird will ask about your day when you return from work.
Step 12: Tell your bird what it eats.
Your grey is able to remember what each food is called.This means that your bird can tell you what it likes to eat.Say the name of the food when you put it in the cage.Give the bird a piece as a reward when it tries to say the name of the food.
Step 13: They should be told to label things.
African greys can learn to label other items, like toys and wood, just like they can memorize the names of their food.They can identify the colors of objects.
Step 14: Call and response games can be used to teach.
Some parrots will be able to answer questions.To teach them responses, quietly state the question.The excited response is what you want the bird to mimic.You can ask the question and get a response.The first example is "Who's a pretty bird?" followed by "I am!"
Step 15: Don't teach your bird anything.
The parrots like to repeat things that get attention because they want to be part of the household.They learn profanity because it attracts everyone's attention, and the response is often humor.Ask your guests to follow your language around your bird.If the bird says something, tell your family and visitors not to react.People should not curse in front of the bird.
Step 16: If you want your bird to stop repeating, ignore words and phrases.
Ignore the bird if it is saying the same thing over and over.Don't respond to your bird.You can say a different word when the bird says something.
Step 17: Give your bird a break.
Space out training sessions for the bird.Spread training periods throughout the day and use the same word about six times per session.If you put too much pressure on your bird, it could refuse to learn.
Step 18: Some African greys may not be able to speak.
African greys are known as being the best speaking birds, but they may only learn a few words or not speak at all.If your bird is unable to talk, don't be angry.When it tries to make sounds, reward it.
Step 19: The bird should be placed in a high-traffic area.
Secluding your bird in a closed off bedroom is a bad idea.A focal point of your home is your pet.Treat your bird like a member of the family.Treat your bird like a child if you live alone.When you get home, greet your bird and say good bye.Good morning and good night.Whenever you can, let your bird fly outside its cage.