by S. August Abbott (TheCaretaker)

Created on: April 04, 2009

Did you know that your little parakeet is a parrot? It seems that quite a few people out there aren't aware of this fact. Parakeets are psittacines, just like cockatiels, love birds, amazons, right up to the biggest macaws. So yes, how to train a parakeet to talk is the same as teaching any parrot to talk. It doesn't make it any easier, but it sure opens up a whole new bunch of articles and books to refer to.

Before we can teach someone our language, we need to learn theirs. At least enough to communicate what we want and understand why they might not be learning. A bird will fluff and ruffle their feathers under several circumstances, including when they are annoyed, frustrated or feeling threatened. Their pupil (center of their eye) expands and contracts for light regulation, but also to flash', a warning before a bite is coming. "Flashing" is a very quick pinning of that iris (it gets pin point small), goes back to normal and may pin again as the bird lunges to bite. Recognizing the flash will save you flesh! The bird communicating that for whatever reason, now is not a good time to be interacting. Sometimes this is done after spending some very nice, quality time together. It's not that you did anything wrong, it's just that the bird is tired of it now.

Also, you can forget the tapes that promise to teach them for you. They have never been known to work. Your bird needs to learn what you want and most of all, has to want to talk to you. If your bird isn't bonded to you or interested in interacting, you're not likely going to hear much in the way of chatting.

Stick to the basics to begin with and repeat sentences like "hello, I'm Polly " or "Hi beautiful!", etc.. Be vocal with your bird at all times during the day and tell the bird what you're giving them or what you're doing, for example, "Water" whenever you see your bird taking a drink. "Poop" whenever you notice it happening. "Cookie" whenever you give the bird a treat. At first when you hear words back the bird will be unclear. You might even notice them practicing when they don't think you're around. The more attention, surprise and praise - the more enthusiasm you show for those moments, the more they'll happen.

Keep in mind that anything the bird hears that is said with feeling or emotion, unfortunately this may mean some choice words or phrases muttered out of anger or frustration, the more the bird is likely to repeat it. Using this same technique, if you raise your voice and say positive things with the same force you may get those words back.

The fact of the matter is that some birds just aren't going to be talkers. Some people aren't much for public speaking or being the center of attention either, right? Don't be disappointed. Chances are that over time it's something you won't even notice because in learning their language, you'll have no doubt about what they're trying to communicate.

Remember that you might not have a talker, but you could have a talented puzzle worker, a bird that rolls over on command, fetches, or other things they think is fun.

You can always buy a stuffed bird that talks, but there's something wonderful about having an individual bird with unique personality that communicates with you on a much higher level. A bird that nuzzles, snuggles and trusts a human enough to lower it's head for neck scritches is a fantastic accomplishment and those actions truly speak louder than words.

This is a secret we bird owners know above all else. The bird owns us!

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