How can you get a parrot to say something on queue?

Question

My African Grey is very "talkative" and has a wonderful singing voice. He can say many funny things very clearly and imitate sounds to perfection. I've been watching some Petstar videos where parrots can say (or do) something when told or asked to. How do their owners train them?

Answer 1

Out of my 4 African Grays I can get 3 of them to say words when I ask them something, they are so smart and have a very good memory. There are somethings I can get them to say without saying a word to them, but I will show them something that they like and they will say the correct word. Their favorite thing is an apple. I can show it to them and they will say Apple! and then keep asking for it when I have it out of site. To prove to myself that they do know the word I will show them an Orange instead of an Apple and they have not learned the word Orange yet, and they can tell that is not an apple, therefore they may not say anything, but yesterday my 2 year old CAG questioned me when I showed her the Orange and said Apple? I told her no, its an Orange, and I asked her if she wanted a bite. I peeled it for her and offered her a peice, she took it then dropped it on the floor then asked me again Apple? So I got her an Apple and sliced it up. She was very excited to get it and did eat it as did the other birds after they said the word Apple they are get a piece of it. So the more you repeat the word and show them what it is you expect them to do to get a reward you shouldnt have a problem trainning your bird to speak on command. I specialize in CAG's and have studied their behavior for years, they never ceased to amaze me everyday.


Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 2

This is generally done by rewarding the parrot when he/she has done something good. You have to provide treats. If you know what your parrot's favourite treats are, then these are the best things to use. You say what you want the parrot to say while showing it what you have got. Keep repeating it until the parrot gives in and copies you. Then you give the treat. Only use this particular treat for this purpose. You have to be strict though and use discipline and it's difficult not to give in, but you must. It's the only way. But it can be quite fun. I use d to make my African Grey say thank you for every treat I gave him. Then he started saying thank you in advance.

Answer 3

Every time your bird says something click a clicker and give it a treat. Give that treat only when you are trying to train. When you are training make sure that all noise is off, like the t.v. and radio etc. get a clicker. Start with the clicker and every time you click give your bird a treat and soon your bird will know that when you click the bird gets a treat. You must keep this up untill bird understands. Give alot of praise, I mean a lot! It may take a while and then it may not. Again, when bird talks click and give a treat and praise alot. Before you know it, bird will talk on que by clicking and give treat. Good luck!

Answer 4

It takes hours and hours of training, My African Grey caught on only a few things on cue, I used food as a reward when he did something on cue.

You want more info e-mail me at [e-mail]

Best Of Luck Joe

Answer 5

Set him/her Free, HE/SHE will surely sing the natural song in a queue

Answer 6

just speak to your parrot in a low and loud voice...

Answer 7

Like my pet bird (im taking picture) all you say grrrrrr and he will say AAAAAAAAAAA Dont hurt me Dont hurt me!!!!!! oh and when were in trouble he'll say s*** or Mother f****r

Answer 8

THaNK YouToM! Can I get an Amen?

Answer 9

It's cue.

Stimulus ---> response ----> reward

Answer 10

use a pointy stick,