HELP! Anyone have a cockatiel or other talking bird? Around the middle of January my parakeet died. She had never been tamed, never had her wings clipped, never taught to make any sound other than the ones she wanted to. I took her in as a rescue, knowing she would pretty much always be that way. After she died I took in a one year old male cockatiel named Pierre. His human went into a nursing home and couldn't take him with her. He's very tame (FaeLuna can attest to that ) and he talks. The only things he says are "Pretty boy", "Mamma's baby", and "Whatcha doin'?" I've looked in books about cockatiels to try to learn about teaching him more, but they all seem to say the same thing... that cockatiels aren't really good mimics, don't pick things up that well, and many never learn to talk. But Pierre seems to be quite bright! Within days of being here he had learned to bark like my Sheltie. He's learned several different tunes from listening to the mockingbirds outside the window. In fact, he learned to meow by copying the mockingbirds... NOT my cats! He's even learned a couple of things off the TV. But it's all musical sounds he can whistle. (With the exception of the barking and meowing, of course.) I want to teach him to say "I love you." We've been working on it since I got him. I make sure I say it the same way every time. I say it over and over and even mix it in with the phrases he knows. I thought I heard him say it one night, but it hasn't happened again. Anybody have any advice? <Mod Edit:>Updating Words disabled by Forum Censor
I haven't owned any talking birds, but have had friends that did. You are already doing what they did, it is the repetition of the phrase or words. It just takes a lot of time, but eventually, if the bird wants to say it, it will. Just keep at it, and one day, hopefully, your patience will pay off. Good luck. :classic:
I just have to say, I love your sig line! Every time I read one of your posts, that line makes me smile.
Thanks, I got it from a small wooden sign my mom got me. I just love it, and have it hanging next to my front door. I love all things native american, my favorite side of my heritage. I am 1/4 Cherokee, and also Irish and English. :classic:
