How to Train a Bird to Talk
- 1). Give your bird time to settle into its surroundings, if it is a new bird. If your bird is an existing flock member, consider the location of its cage. Birds that are in high traffic areas in the home will be more exposed to potential prompts, such as human conversation, television, and radio.
- 2). Select a phrase you wish to learn and begin repeating it around your bird. You can choose to associate a phrase with an action, such as saying 'food' or 'yum' every time you put food in your birds dish or give it a treat.
- 3). Say your phrase with enthusiasm. Birds respond to the excited pitch of a human voice.
- 4). Observe your bird as she attempts to talk. Many birds will practice their words before actually speaking them in front of you. The practice may appear mumbled or garbled. If you hear your bird practice the phrase, praise it. You want your pet to associate positive reactions with their words--they will be more apt to talk in front of you and others as a result.
- 5). Repetition is key. The amount of time it takes for your bird to learn its phrase will vary from bird to bird, so don't give up.