Seattle Vet Clinic

Teaching Your Bird to Talk

There are many species of birds known for their ability to mimic human speech. It is important to know that not all birds that can talk will. Birds usually use their mimicking abilities when they wish to get their owners attention. If your feathered friend also has a winged companion, they are less likely to speak because they will already have the attention they desire.

Who Does the Talking?

The following bird species have the ability to learn to speak and are very likely to actually do it:

• African Greys
• Quaker Parrots
• Indian Ringneck Parakeets
• Budgies
• Cockatiels
• Amazons (species from the Rain Forest)

Words for Birds

Pet birds are just like humans in that when they are learning to speak it is all incoherent babble. From that they learn to form words and phrases. Repetition is crucial when teaching your bird to talk. The more language you expose them to, the more they will learn. A good idea is to play a CD with the words and phrases that you want your bird to learn.

Your bird will not repeat things while he or she is learning them. It is more likely that they will say them later on at a time when they wish to get your attention. That is why these birds speak in the first place, for attention and entertainment.

Contact a Seattle Veterinarian Clinic

If you are interested in teaching your bird to speak or have other questions regarding your pet bird’s health, contact your local Seattle vet clinic today.