10 Parrot Training Tips
Want to teach your parrot to talk? The two videos and text below will provide you with 10 parrot training tips to help you accomplish your goal.While not a professional trainer, the author will explain how he was able to successfully train his bird to talk. You'll discover what worked, what didn't and why.
NOTE: The author uses profanity twice in the first video. If you are offended by that, please do not watch it. You can read the parrot training tips along with some explanation below.
Parrot Training Tips Video: Tips 1-5
Tip 1: Don't Clip the Wings of Your Parrot
According to current theory, the neurological development of the bird is tied to it's ability to fly. It is important, therefore, for your pet to freely fly around, especially during the first two years. This means you should refrain from clipping the parrot's wings.
Tip 2: Talk in Front of the Bird
Your parrot will more readily pick up the words spoken directly in front of him.
Tip 3: Use Words Appropriate to the Situation
Speak words and phrases that relate to your actions. If you are feeding your pet bird, say, "Fresh food." Don't ask questions using the second person like "Do you want a scratch?" but make statements using the first person such as "I want a scratch".
Tips 4: Teach "Yes" and "No" and Other Appropriate Behavior
Use "Yes" and "No" to reinforce behavior you want repeated or stopped. Express emotion so that your parrot can relate the word to your tone.
Tip 5: Talk to the Bird Not at It
Basically, treat your pet with kindness. Be conscious of your parrot's state so that you don't force him to continue training when he is tired or hungry.
Parrot Training Tips Video: Tips 6-10
Tip 6: Make a List of the Words You Want the Bird to Say
Don't try to teach your parrot whatever comes to your mind at the time. Make a list of words you want to teach him to say, print it off and hang it up near his cage or perch. Memorize the list. You may also want to prioritize it so that you give greater weight to words you think are more important to learn.
Tip 7: Communicate What You are Doing
If you are making dinner, say, "I'm making dinner". Let the bird watch to associate words with actions.
Tip 8: Talking Background Noise
Instead of playing music, play a talk show program.
Tips 9: Don't Whistle, Beep, or Make Other Strange Noises
Noises come more naturally to parrots and can be quite irritating if your pet learns them. Reduce the sounds in your home.
Tip 9: Encourage with Words
Don't use punishment to train your parrot. Use positive reinforcement, especially words. Say things like "good girl", "good bird", "that's great", etc.
Tip 10: Ignore Unwanted Sounds
If your bird begins to use sounds you don't want him to learn, just ignore them. If you give attention to him, he will more than likely continue to use them.
Remember that every bird is different and has it's own personality. While these parrot training tips should work for teaching most parrots to talk, they may not work for yours. Try them. Adapt them. Continue learning new techniques so that you can discover what works best for your pet bird.
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