who knows about african gray parrots?

Question

i bought an african gray parrot since a year now, but it didn't start talking yet, it does give some sounds and westel but never said a word,, some people told me to let it eat red peper,, i so want it to talk what should i do??

Answer 1

You can't do anything to make your Grey talk. Well, with the exception of training, but even then it is the birds decision. Some African Grey's never talk, but that is unusual. If it get's enough verbal stimulation, it more than likely will speak. Consider this, your bird feels that it is part of a flock, your flock. It will want to communicate the way other flock members communicate, so if it is spoken to often and hears the spoken language from others in the flock it will try to communicate in its flocks language. Dr. Pepperberg, owner of the renowned African Grey "Alex" uses a method she calls "Model Rival" an example goes like this: Two people and your parrot play this game. You hold up something your wants, say a nut. You ask the bird what it is, likely your bird won't respond. Do it several times. When you get no response turn to your partner, ask him (or her) what it is, if she answers incorrectly (and sometimes she should) shake your head , say "No" and turn your head away. When she answers correctly make a big fuss "What a smart girl. That's right, it's a nut. You get the nut." Give her the nut and she should get very excited about it as well. Now she takes over asking the bird then you. After she's had her turn let the game be over. Your bird did not answer correctly and did not get the nut. It won't take long before the bird says the word in order to get the nut. African Grey's love attention and will do what they can to achieve a prize be it verbal or physical. Most importantly you should know that they don't generally start speaking before a year to a year and a half. Just enjoy the bird for what it is, in the wild it would be beautiful and loveable without a human voice.

Answer 2

i have 2 Grey's and they will talk when they get ready. my oldest Grey started to play around with words when he was about 9 months and my youngest is just starting to say a few words, he's 11 months. i do know of some Grey's that never say a word. just make sure your Grey is not bored and has plenty of time with you and your family that way he will pick up words by hearing you talk..... if you have a Congo Grey it is very likely he wont start saying words for a few more months. as far as the red peppers, I'm not sure why when the people have answered this question they are telling you not to give any birds peppers. my Grey's love peppers but they are dehydrated peppers that are in the foods i buy my parrots. i have never read or been told peppers are unsafe. be patient with your Grey, its like a child, they all learn at different paces...

Answer 3

repitition if you want the bird to talk make a recording repitive of what you want it to say over and over like pretty bird 50 times and tape it then play it for the bird, i have many parrots they all talk and this is how i trained them i read the pepper thing but that means nothing trust me ive had birds for 20 plus years

Answer 4

I know nothing about African gray parrots. Sorry.

Answer 5

I know I wish I had one they live as long as a human 80-100 years old
I do not know anymore regardng health risks, habits but I do know to own one as they are beautiful they range a good $900-$3000 depending on the age

Answer 6

Don't give him red peper!!! Ever!
Speak to him a lot and be patient, because they start speaking after 2 years. And when you speak to him repeat specific words to him, associating them with food, you , him, etc.

Answer 7

http://www.parrotparrot.com/articles/parrot_talking.html


great website in teaching parrot to talk...........
Do NOT ever give red pepper to birds or any other animal or bird.

Answer 8

Well i know that they taste sooooo good. And there is so many ways to cook them. My favorite is so fry them in a pan and add some hot sause. Delicious!!!