Here are five simple tips developed by Steve Hartman of The Parrot University to help you teach your Parrot to talk. To read the first part of the article, where Steve discusses how Parrots talk, click here.

1.

Expose your baby to adult birds of the same species so he can learn his own species verbal language and body language. Once a baby starts to figure out how his real language works it will be easier to apply the same principles to human language.

2.

When you are going to be away from your pet during the day, provide visual and auditory stimulation by leaving a television set on. The Parrot University has created the ‘Bird Sitter Video’ for just this purpose.

3.

Spend a couple of hours recording your own voice. You may be talking on the phone, playing with your Parrot, or singing to yourself. What is important is that your Parrot can hear your voice while you are away.

If you are trying to teach your Parrot specific words, repeatedly stress the word/words on the tape recorder. Play this for your bird while you are away. The Mimic Me Voice Recorder lets you record words and phrases for your Parrot.

4.

Most importantly, talk to your Parrot regularly. You would not communicate with a young child with only a few, one-word commands; this would not enrich the child’s life or help her develop into an intelligent, independent, self-confident individual. The same goes for your Parrot.

Remember, any moment can be an educational opportunity. And while your Parrot might have a limited vocabulary, he can learn to recognize many words and phrases associated with his life.

Try talking to your Parrot more often. Explain what you are doing when you are cleaning the cage, cooking dinner, or watching television. You might be surprised at the results!

5.

Use very exaggerated vocalization, facial expressions, and body language when you respond to your babies vocalizations. (This does not include screaming) If social interaction is exciting it develops a feeling of intimacy and provides a reason for the bird to learn language.

Do you have any tips on teaching your Parrot to talk? Please let us know in the comments.

The Mimic Me and Babble Ball can help teach your Parrot to talk.

This article was originally published as part of a longer article on The Parrot University’s blog and website in 2015.