Teaching my budgie Deidara to talk?

Question

I'm currently teaching Deidara to say his name... I'm repeating his name as I'm typing this, he seems to be moving his beak as progress is this a good sign? If anyone has pointers please lemme know!

Answer 1

Yes, the beak moving is a good sign.  :)  Young birds are more likely to learn to talk.  It is better if only one person teaches the budgie to talk as she may get confused if she hears more than one voice or accent.  Give your budgie at least one twenty-minute training session each day (mornings are a good time as the bird will be alert).  Start with a simple "HELLO" followed by her name, and repeat this as often as possible until your bird has mastered this phrase.  Then, try to teach her another phrase, and so on.  Many budgies have the ability to use context when they speak, so you can teach them this by talking to them and telling them what you or other people are doing. When talking to her, use names whenever you can, i.e. "Kate is typing on the computer" or "Julia is going to sleep now".  Encourage Deidara when she talks, listen very carefully when she speaks, and let her know when you understand her. Even if you do not understand, tell her that she is talking nice, and talk to other members of the family about what she is saying.  It's a good idea to teach Deidara her address and telephone number; if she ever gets out she will be able to tell people where she belongs.