Yes, parakeets can talk. Parakeets are known to be the most popular feather companion among other birds. The most interesting aspect is that they can talk and can learn up to 1728 words. These are quite intelligent birds and can be easily tamed.
So, if you want to teach a parakeet to talk, we have curated a perfect guideline for you.
How to Teach a Parakeet to Talk?
Parakeets are usually talkative and they have a social nature, so you need to be constant in your approach of teaching the bird human words and also how they should communicate with the human companion.
While the bird is growing up, it has an imprinting process that tends to disappear as they grow old, so young birds are easier to teach.
Here are the steps that you must follow:
Step 1: Choose a Quiet Room
To begin with – how to talk lessons, you must choose a quiet room that does not have any distractions. If there is more than one parakeet, then start one by one. Your aim should be to conduct a short session of 15 minutes, to begin with, and this would ensure that the pet remains energetic till the end. It would be best to conduct the session early in the morning when your parakeet is chirpy and happy.
Step 2: Begin with a Short Words
You need to pick easy words for the parakeet to learn, so choose short one-syllable words. You can begin with a consonant, and keep it straightforward so that the parakeet can easily memorize the word. You can start using the word more often, and the bird can mimic or keep repeating it frequently.
Step 3: Create Associative Words
If a word is promoted in the house more often, a parakeet can easily pick up the word. It is your duty to make an association between the word and what the parakeet is saying. This is a quick trick that would help the bird to learn the word quickly and also provide them with mental stimulation. For example, you can say “Hi” whenever you are uncovering the birdcage in the morning, this would be a rewarding experience for both you and the bird.
Step 4: Keep Repeating Word
Mostly a parakeet fails to catch the word in their first lesson, you need to keep repeating the words, and it must be a continuous process, as birds don’t vocalize like humans. They use their syrinx to make sound by directing the airflow, so you first need to allow the bird to observe what they are saying and encourage them to mimic you. But, don’t stick to just one word, repeat two to three words to add variation and excitement.
Step 5: Give a Reward
You know that parakeets can mimic but to make it a practice you must reward them, this would also give the bird a reason to say a word. So, whenever they mimic the word give a piece of fruit or their favorite bird seeds. With everyday practice, the bird would learn how to talk. You can also create a positive association by teaching them their name.
Step 7: Try Not to Confuse the Pet
When you find that the parakeet does not mimic a particular word, then you have to move on to the next. But, do not give up easily or because you are bored. Allow the bird to understand the word, give it time to learn and repeat the word. However, this time try to choose a word that sounds different or fun to avoid confusion.
Step 8: Repeat the Previous Lessons
If you find that the parakeet has started to build a steady vocabulary, then you must repeat the old lessons, so that the bird can retain and recall them. It will help the bird to reinforce the text that you have already taught and it would also build interest in the bird to learn new things.
Step 9: Start Use Short Phrase
You know that your bird can speak multiple words and carry out advanced tasks but always start with short phrases. Studies show that parakeets have a keen learning effort toward color, objects, and shapes. When you are teaching a bird, it provides them with entertainment and mental stimulation. If you note that the bird is learning every word you speak easily, then it is quite evident that they have considered you to be part of their flock.
Tips for Teaching Parakeets How to Learn Words
Here are the important tips, that you must incorporate while teaching the bird:
- When you are starting to teach a parakeet words, consider a young bird, as it would help to build bonds and trust. Young birds are also attentive and can easily build a rapport with the owner.
- You must spend time with the birds, and speak to them, to get familiar with how you speak or interact. You must put in patience, time, and effort, as some parakeets might learn quickly while others might take time.
- Never use any harsh words and always keep a fixed playtime so that the pet does not get bored. You can use millet sprays as a treat or reward while teaching the bird how to talk.
- Some breeds of parakeet talk a lot while others like to talk less, such as the Monk Parakeet, so you need to be patient and focus on your ability to train the bird.
- Birds are less likely to talk in a noisy or stressful environment, so build a calm, comforting, and safe space for the parakeet.
- Genetics also play a crucial role in a talking parakeet, if you get a bird from the line of good talkers, then the bird will surely pick up words early.
- Make sure that the bird is perfectly happy and healthy. If the cage is not big enough, or if the food is not interesting, then make changes accordingly.
- Choose to train the bird early in the morning, when the brain is well-rested and has had a good sleep throughout the night, as it helps to memorize easily.
- Allow the bird to have the first meal of the day and then start the vocal training. Make sure that the bird is well-fed.
How do Parakeets Talk?
Parrkets do not talk like humans do, they have different anatomy but it makes it possible to mimic or repeat the words pronounced just like humans. Parakeets use their beak and airways to produce or mimic the sound, however, they communicate with other birds in their language. When trained, they can repeat and learn the words used by their pet parent, without understanding the meaning, but they are not capable of mimicking every sound they hear in their surroundings.
Are Males Parakeets Fast Learners?
Yes, the learning and mimicking capacities differ a lot among the parakeet genders. When compared to a female parakeet, males are fast learners as they are more vocal. Males are noisier, and so can talk with a lot of ease and also pick up the words faster.
What are the Common Parakeet Sounds?
When you bring home a parakeet you get to hear a wide range of sounds. Here’s how you get to identify the meaning of the parakeet sounds:
- If the bird is chirping, chatting, or making contact calls, then they are communicating among themselves. It also indicates that the bird is happy or content.
- They also express their happiness by whistling. You can also hear them sing, which expresses that they are in a happy mood and healthy.
- When in alarm, distress, or pain, they typically scream, indicating they need immediate attention.
How Long Does it Take for a Parakeet to Talk?
A parakeet can learn new words in 2 to 3 months or some might take 6 months to a year. It can also take less time if you have bought a younger parakeet, 3 to 4 months old, as teaching them is easier.
