Teaching a Parrot to Talk - The Simple Way - Family - Pets

Different species of parrot have many different talking abilities. Large parrots, especially African Greys and Amazons can talk much more easily than small parrots like budgies or lovebirds. Some larger parrots very well may learn to talk without any talking training at all, but for most birds training session will be very important to get the parrot to talk.

It is best to start with single syllable words such as hi as these are easier for the parrot to say. Make sure you say the word regularly so that the bird can copy you very easily. Be a good companion for the bird and he will want to be around you and copy what you do and say.

Parrots are very vocal animals and therefore will squawk when they feel emotions such as being excited, angry, frustrated or sad. Because of this it will be better to let the parrot associate words with feelings to encourage the parrot to talk. Try walking in to the room with saying hi. This works because parrot will get excited that you are there and will want to talk to you.

Shape the behaviour of your parrot using treats. Encourage your parrot to talk by showing that he is doing well and gets rewarded by grunting or making noises that resemble words.

It is often better to say things from his point of view like I want a tickle or Hi, [your name] because this will sound better when he starts talking.

Good luck on training him. Remember when training to only give his positive reinforcement and never punish him. Encourage him when his does things well and ignore it when he does things wrong or is being bad. Because of this, it is a good idea to get some tasty treats before training him to talk.

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Is Your Parrot Smart Enough To Talk? - Teaching A Parrot To Talk Can Be Fun For Both Of You! - Family - Pets

Is your Parrot Smart? Do you think that he is smart enough to talk? If so, do you know how to teach your parrot to talk?

Most parrot owners mistakenly believe that only Cockatoos, African Greys and Macaws are the only parrots that can learn to talk. What they do not realize, is that any parrot can learn to talk as long as their owners can provide them with the correct instruction.

Parrots love to be entertained and to entertain, so if you show a lot of enthusiasm for every word or phrase that you do say to him, your parrot will then be able to pick up on your excitement and start to pronounce those funny sounds and words too. Try not to repeat any word or phrase over and over again, as this will bore and confuse your parrot. Instead explain to him what it is that you are currently doing as you work around the house.

It is also a great idea to say hello to him as soon as you come home and remember to say good bye too, when you leave for work. Another great tip is to repeat words with the same actions and at the same time of day, such as "Good Night" every night before you cover your parrot's cage at night.

Since not all parrots are ready to be taught how to talk, you should look for clues such as noticing whether or not his pupils change whenever you speak to him, or if you notice him stop and stare intently at you when you do talk to him.

Every parrot owner wants to be able to show off their parrot's talking ability to their friends and family. Don't you? It is also a good idea to bear in mind, that the larger your parrots is, the longer he will live. Therefore you should make quite sure that you teach your parrot to talk using sounds and words that you would like to hear for a very long time!

If you really want to teach your parrot to talk quicker, you should make sure that his cage is placed in a very busy area of your home where he is able to watch and listen to your family members, such as in the living room.

Whenever you do conduct a training session with your parrot, it is best to make sure that he can only hear your voice. Therefore, do not have any background noise such as leaving a television or radio on, as this is usually very distracting for both you and for your parrot.

Also, try to choose a time of day to conduct your training session when both you and your Parrot can have each other's undivided attention.

By following these few suggestions, you and your parrot will soon become the 'talk of the town'.

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Pet Parrots and You-7 Answers to Questions About Parrots - Family - Pets

Parrots are marvelously intelligent, and beautiful birds that run the gamut in terms of color, life span, size, and temperament. If you are considering a Parrot as a pet, you'll have no trouble finding exactly the right bird for you and your lifestyle. Here are 7 answers to frequently asked questions about Parrots that will help you make a good decision for you and your bird.1. What is the typical life span? There is no typical life span, it simply depends on which one you choose. Macaws, African Greys, and Cockatoos can live anywhere from 40 to 60 years, Quakers between 20 to 30 years, Parrotlets between 15 and 20 years, and Budgerigars (commonly referred to as Budgies or Parakeets) from 7 to 10 years.

Be sure you are aware of the average life span of the Parrot you are considering, and that you are prepared to make a commitment, in some cases, for a lifetime.2. What colors are available? All the colors in the rainbow can be found among Parrots. Peach-face Love Birds, brilliant blues in the Hyacinth Macaw, spectacular reds in the Scarlet Macaw, a myriad of flashy colors in the Amazon, snowy white of the Cockatoo, and the brilliant yellows, oranges, reds in the Sun Conure are just a few of the vivid choices they present.

To say they are colorful doesn't come close to describing the amazing variety of colors available.3. What do they eat? They need a well balanced diet of fresh, organic vegetables fruit, sprouted seeds, cuttlebone, and a high quality pellet diet as a base. In fact, having a bird has been known to help the owner eat healthier.

Each species is slightly different in their needs and preferences. Your avian vet can be more specific in helping you determine what, and how much is best for your bird.4. How much attention do they need? The bigger Parrots such as the Cockatoos, African Greys, and Macaws need a minimum of at least several hours of daily human interaction to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Lovebirds if purchased in pairs can provide attention for each other.

Many of the smaller Parrots need less attention but still need the cage placed in an area that makes them feel a part of the household activities, regular time outside the cage, and human interaction.5. Are they all able to talk? Some Parrots speak better than others, and some speak not at all. Buying one for their speaking ability is risky for you, unfair to the bird, and not recommend because each bird is an individual that may or may not conform to the norm.

In general, the African Grey, Budgerigar, Amazon, Parakeet, and Quaker are all known for their ability to learn to talk. However, the only way to guarantee that your bird will talk is to get one that already does.6. How are they with children and other pets? Great care should be taken when mixing Parrots with children and other pets, including other birds. These birds have hooked bills that are capable of crushing nuts, and can inflict horrible injury to children, other pets, and even their caregivers who may be inexperienced at handling them.

Each parrot is different, and birds that are hand fed from an early age, and are given regular training and attention are more likely to remain tame, and coexist with all in the family. But again for the sake of all involved, take great care before adding children or other pets to the mix.7. How much of a mess do they make? Some Parrots like African Greys, Cockatoos, and Macaws produce much more wing dust, and as a result are dustier than a lot of the other species.

But they all need to have their cages cleaned daily, fresh water provided as often as needed, droppings remove daily or as frequent as necessary to prevent ingestion and dried particles of feces from becoming airborne and potentially spreading bacteria and viruses that create disease and infection.

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Gadgets For Parrots - 7 Fun Supplies For Pet Parrots and Their Owners - Family - Pets

Owning a Parrot takes a lot of love, time, time, and energy, and having your Parrot's love and affection makes it all worth it. Of course you supply food, water, and adequate housing, but having the following 7 things can make life easier, healthier and a lot more fun for both of you.

1. Shower Perch-This is a great convenience and makes giving your bird a bath fun and easy. Look for the kind that attach with suction cups for easy positioning, and that have a non-slip surface on the perch. Having several of these would allow your bird to fly from one to the other and catch the mist with you while you shower. Perches should be hinged so they fold out of the way when not in use. Position them so your bird can fly from one to the other and avoid the direct stream of water.

2. Shoulder Cape-If you like having your feathered friend on your shoulder, this can save you money on your clothes budget. The cape helps avoid stains, tears, and picks from beaks and feet.

3. An Extendable Retrieval Perch-How many times has your bird flown off and landed on some high and hard to reach spot in your home? With a retrieval perch you can put your ladder and chair away and stop risking a possible fall. Many of these perches can extend as long as 50 inches, and wil help keep your bird within reach.

4. Bird Toy Necklace-These colorful necklaces with toys attached will dazzle your parrot and focus their chewing and play in a way that's fun for them and acceptable to you. You can wear it around your neck, or drape it on furniture in a home office, your exercise room, or outside the cage in your bird area. They come in various sizes to accommodate the smallest Parrotlet to the larger African Greys, Macaws and Cockatoos. Toys can be added and removed easily to keep interest high. If you decide to wear the necklace, it makes it easy to take a fantastic picture with your bird.

5. Bird Harness-If you plan to let your bird fly outside, this will allow flight but the leash will keep him attached to you so he cannot escape or get lost. They are designed to fit medium and large size parrots and come in an array of colors. Try it out inside before venturing outdoors.

6. Digital Scale with Perch-Because Parrots often hide signs of illness, one of the best ways to determine that your bird is healthy is to weigh him regularly. A scale with a perch, a digital readout that is backlit, can run on batteries, and will display in grams or pounds makes weighing your bird a cinch.

7. HEPA Air Purifier-Parrots, like all birds, generate airborne feathers and dander constantly. The dustier species such as Cockatoos, Macaws, and African Greys generate wing dust-a fine powder that goes everywhere. Dust, feathers, and dander can aggravate those with allergy and asthma, and it can clog your bird's air passages causing infection and disease. Using a high efficiency particle arresting air purifier in your home will remove these particulates that often carry harmful viruses such as psittacosis. Cleaning the air can only keep you and your parrot healthier.

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Eclectus Parrots As Pets - 7 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Eclectus Parrots - Family - Pets

The Eclectus Parrot is one of the most popular pet birds. They are colorful, fun loving, and intelligent companions that live upwards of 50 years. Making a commitment like this means doing your homework first so that you understand fully the challenges and rewards of having an Eclectus Parrot as part of the family. Here are 7 answers to frequently asked questions about the Eclectus Parrot.

What is the average size? They vary in size from 12 to 14 inches in length with a wing span of 2 to 2 1/2 feet. The male has a sleeker body build, and the female is more full-figured.

How much do they cost? In the United States they cost between $500 and $2500. Since the female is more colorful, they are often more expensive. The males are still beautiful but have fewer colors, and also tend to be more laid back personality wise. Male or female, not to worry, you'll come away with a stunningly beautiful bird.

How much noise do they make? They are thought of as quiet birds when compared to the African Grey or the Macaw. But they do scream when frightened or threatened. And since each bird is different, the best way to determine how much noise it makes is to spend some time with it during different times of the day and in different situations if possible-feeding time, play time, rest time.

Where should I go to adopt one? There are many shelters for birds in need of a good home. Be careful to find out all you can before taking a bird so that you can be fully aware of any emotional or medical problems before you commit. And unless you are an experienced bird owner this may not be the way to go.

Taking a bird home and then finding out it is not the right fit for you and your family is devastating for all. There are probably also breeders in your area that can be found with a little searching on the internet. Make sure they are reliable and ask for references before you make the final decision to buy.

What kind of diet do they require? They require a diet loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables, even more so than other parrots. They tend to have a Vitamin A deficiency so feeding them cooked carrots and sweet potatoes, peppers, and dark leafy vegetables provide a great natural source of Vitamin A. Fresh fruits should include apples, bananas, mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, pomegranate, and grapes.

Go light on fats and proteins as this tends to make them gain weight, raise cholesterol levels, develop arterial sclerosis, and lower their life span. Avoid colored pellets as this makes it difficult for them to produce proper colors in their feathers and beaks. Sprouted and soaked seeds as well as small amount of a quality pellet mix will provide the nutrients your bird needs.

How long do they live? When they first came to the United States it was thought that these parrots only lived for 8 years or so. And many died prematurely because they were fed an incorrect diet. Now that there has been more research done, and proper diet has been determined, these birds can live upwards of 50 years, even though there are still very few that are much older than this in the United States today.

How can I keep it healthy? An Eclectus is a lifetime investment in time, love, and hard work so taking daily steps to protect your bird's health is one of the best things you can give your bird in return for the unselfish love and devotion you will receive through the years.

Feeding a healthy diet, giving it human attention and affection, visiting an avian vet for regular check ups, noticing any changes from your bird's norms, seeking professional help immediately when there is any question about its well being, and keeping its air clean with a high efficiency particle air purifier are all steps that you can take that will go a long way towards having your bird live long and well.

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PARROT CAGES - TIPS ON HOW TO BUY PARROT CAGES - Other

If you happen to own an African Grey or a Macaw, you will be quite aware that they have some specific requirements that need to be considered when purchasing a cage. Because of their sizes these two types of parrots need to be housed in the best, most suitable kind of cage.

Because your parrot is in need of a cage that will not topple, buckle or bend, and which will ensure its safety, you need to know what features you should look for in a cage. When you do you will be able to choose one based on what you have learnt.

When it comes to parrot cages size is an important issue.

Because parrot cages are designed specifically to house large birds, you will need one in which your bird will be able to move around freely in. Also, ensure that the door is big enough for your bird to exit and enter the cage with ease, especially if you plan to leave the cage door open for your bird.

The importance of space within the cage must not be overlooked. To keep your bird healthy and happy, they must be able to stretch their wings easily, and also have the space to move around.

While some cages may be very attractive and tempting to buy, it is essential that the birds needs and wants are remembered. For instance, although you might not particularly like a tall cage, you need to bear in mind that your parrot will need space to move from one perch to another.

Just because a cage is made from bars it should not be a prison!

Another important feature to consider besides space, are the bars of the cage. For larger birds the bars will be thicker and stronger than for cages designed to house a smaller bird. You need to make sure that the bars on the cage you have selected are strong and well secured.

Make sure that the spaces between the bars are wide enough for your parrot to poke his head out and take it back in without any risk of him getting stuck. Cages with bars spaced close together are not a good idea and should not be considered an option.

Depending how close the bars are the bird could sustain injuries to his beak or legs. Parrots are famous for sticking their heads into tight spaces so you must make sure that the bars are not set too close together for him to do this. To avoid the unnecessary risks it is better to buy a cage with the wide spaced bars.

Three choices are available: Stainless steel, wrought iron and painted metal.

Parrot cages come in a wide range of attractive designs to house your bird. Most of them are made from either stainless steel or wrought iron, both of which make solid, long lasting cages. Also, when your bird bites the bars no harm can result from the activity.

Some people choose to buy the painted cages. This is risky, however, because your bird can easily chip and even ingest the paint.

When thinking primarily of your birds safety a plain metal cage is the best choice. No-one wants to run the risk of buying a painted cage that ends up making the bird sick.

Cleaning up the easiest way possible is a smart idea!

Preferable, cleaning the cage should be nothing more than a minor disturbance for your parrot. With that in mind ensure that the cage you select comes equipped with a pull out tray to facilitate easy maintenance.

Once you have ascertained that the pull out tray is easy and convenient it is time to turn your attention to the food and water bowls. These will need regular cleaning so having them easily accessible would be advantageous.

When you want to compare cages these are some of the things you should bear in mind.

Although most of the parrot cages on the market may look very similar there are differences that set them apart. That is why the points mentioned above will assist you in purchasing the best cage for your money in which your bird will be safe, well and happy.

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Caique Parrots As Pets-5 Reasons Caiques Make Excellent Companion Parrots - Family - Pets

Caiques (pronounced khy-eeks) are brightly colored, energetic, and entertaining birds that are small when making comparisons in the parrot world, but have big personalities and a lot of love to give to their humans. Here are 5 reasons you can't go wrong when considering a Caique Parrot as a pet.Colorful--The division of color on these birds is so striking it almost looks as if an artist used a paint brush to execute it so perfectly. Black Headed Caiques (BHC) have black beaks and gray feet, shiny black heads, a festive and well defined ban of orange around the neck area; their backs and tails are a velvety forest green, their legs and feathers under the tail are orange, and their bellies are snowy white.The White Bellied Caique (WBC) differs slightly in coloration with a light-colored beak, yellow head, green back, thighs, and wings with yellow coloring under the tail. It is slightly smaller, and is not as common. There are no noticeable personality differences between spe cies, and any differences are probably more attributable to the individuals.Affordable--Prices for Caiques range between $500 and $1,000 USD with pet stores tending to be on the higher end of the scale. Check with an avian veterinarian or do a looking digging on the internet if you prefer to purchase from a breeder or adopt a slightly older bird. Learn as much as you can about the bird's history, spend time with it, and have it checked by a veterinarian before finalizing the adoption.

Great Personality--These are happy birds that, when healthy, are in constant motion. They love playing with their toys (and you should have a large variety) and with their humans. They are affectionate and tend to respond well to anyone who gives frequent attention.

They need human interaction, and if you do not have the time to devote to them perhaps another pet would make a better choice. If you are thinking about having 2 to provide social interaction for each other, make sure they are compatible before bringing them home.Whistle Happy Tunes-Even though they speech capability is not that of the African Grey, most are still able to speak with their high pitched voice and be understood. They also able to whistle and can learn songs that they hear. They tend to learn songs better if their human whistles the songs for them first.Standard Diet-They love to eat and their food requirements are simple and uncomplicated. Daily offerings should include fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta, and table foods supplemented with a high quality pellet mix; and fresh water should always be available.

Avoid avocado, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine as they are toxic to any bird. With proper care, these delightful little birds can live up to 30 years.

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