Teaching your parrot to talk is an exciting prospect! If you want to learn how to show your bird to do this, then read on...
Parrots have the ability to repeat and learn words if they are given training by someone they know and trust.
Remember these key points to help get you started; Begin training your parrot at a young age, like humans, each parrot will pick up words at a different rate.
Start off with something simple and build on this each day.
For example a word which has only one or two syllables, like 'hello', could be a good start, so say this each time you greet your bird.
You need to ensure your parrot cannot be distracted by other noises around them (i.
e.
like the television, so make sure this is turned off).
Speak in a clear, calm voice as this puts your bird at ease and make it easier for them to understand what they should repeat.
Continue to slowly repeat the word you have chosen during your training session.
Your bird should try to imitate this word or at least make a sound.
This is a positive start.
Teach your parrot one word at a time, be sure they know how to say a word before you introduce another one.
Your training sessions should be regular but short, your bird will be more likely to stay focused for shorter periods of time.
Ensure you are training your parrot in a relaxed, familiar environment.
Make your training sessions interesting and fun, rewarding your parrot for saying words correctly can give them an added incentive.
The key is repetition; you must keep repeating the words you want your parrot to learn, in order to help them remember.
It is also very important to be patient; you must not become frustrated if your bird does not learn at the rate you wish.
Remember, rewarding your parrot when it has successfully imitated a word will keep them motivated to learn.
Provide lots of praise and encouragement for your bird during the training session.
Chose a time for training when your bird is at its most active and attentive, they will have more concentration and will be more likely to learn.
Parrots will find it easier if you teach them words connected with what they are doing, therefore this is known as learning by association, e.
g.
if you are feeding your bird you could say 'dinner time'.
They will soon make the association between the word and activity.
Training your parrot to talk can be rewarding and an enjoyable experience, do not be disheartened if your bird does not learn to talk however, just ensure you enjoy your time with them and in return you will form a loving, strong bond.
If you are successful in teaching your bird to talk, you may then want to extend this training into your parrot answering questions.
Good luck!