From two noted experts-the first in-depth book on teaching your bird to talk Teaching a bird to talk isn't as difficult as it may seem. In this easy-to-follow guide, avian experts Diane Grindol and Tom Roudybush reveal how you can communicate with your parrot far beyond "hello" and, in turn, understand what your bird is trying to communicate to you. Teaching Your Bird to Talk compiles an impressive amount of background, training, and research regarding bird vocalizations, walking you step by step through the behavioral mechanics of training parrots to talk (as well as starlings, mynahs, and other birds). Whether you want your bird to mimic words, talk on cue, or have some understanding of what you are saying, this guide shows you the type of training you need to do with your bird. The book also takes a close look at the work of Dr. Irene Pepperberg-the world's foremost authority in the field of parrot intelligence and trainer of Alex the African Grey Parrot. * Identifies which species of bird are likely to talk and which aren't * Explores field research on regional languages and dialects of parrots in the wild * Features true stories from owners of talking birds * Explains how to handle problems with vocal parrots, such as screaming and using inappropriate language * Offers tips on feeding and housing birds, and finding an avian veterinarian

An easy to read step-by-step guide that uses positive reinforcement for teaching parrots acceptable behavior. Professional advice from animal behaviorist that will help you deal with screaming, biting, feather-picking, bonding and other difficult behaviors.

You've just adopted your first parrot and you are eager to begin his training regimen. You can hardly wait to teach him to talk, step onto your finger, and perform tricks. Unfortunately, your new bird seems shy and perhaps has even attempted to bite you when you put your hands near him. What should you do? Now, don't get upset or discouraged. Just because your new bird avoids or even attacks you does not mean he hates you. Birds are highly sociable creatures and your bird desires to interact with you but he's not sure he can trust you. He doesn't know yet if you are friend or foe. He wonders if you trying to make friends or if you are trying to eat him. Here are some essentials to establishing the groundwork for training your pet bird in this book. Book Content Includes: Chapter 1 - How to Begin Training Your Pet BirdChapter 2 - The 3 Most Common Bird Training MistakesChapter 3 - Parrot Training - Three Tips If Your Bird is CrazyChapter 4 - Clicker Training, Will It Work With My Parrot?Chapter 5 - Bird Screaming ProblemChapter 6 - The One Essential Thing You Absolutely Must Teach Your Pet BirdChapter 7 - Food Rewards for Training your Performing Bird

When not properly trained and socialized, parrots are prone to developing behavioral problems, including aggression and self-mutilation. Many parrot owners face these problems and need guidance on how to solve them. This book offers practical advice on how to understand, prevent, and correct aggressive beavhior in parrots.

Contains advice on selecting your parrot, daily care, housing and equipment, taming, and speech training.

'A moving tribute that beautifully evokes the struggles, the initial triumphs, the setbacks, the unexpected and often stunning achievemnets . . . [while] uncovering cognitive abilities in Alex that no one believed were possible.'Publishers WeeklyOn September 6, 2007, an African Grey parrot named Alex died prematurely at age thirty-one. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were 'You be good. I love you'.What would normally be a quiet, very private event was, in Alex's case, headline news. Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous - two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex's brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add. He could sound out words. He understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures.The fame that resulted was extraordinary. Yet there was a side to their relationship that never made the papers. They were emotionally connected to one another. They shared a deep bond far beyond science. Alex missed Irene when she was away. He was jealous when she paid attention to other parrots, or even people. He liked to show her who was boss. He loved to dance. He sometimes became bored by the repetition of his tests, and played jokes on her. Sometimes they sniped at each other. Yet nearly every day, they each said, 'I love you'.Alex and Irene stayed together through thick and thin - despite sneers from experts, extraordinary financial sacrifices, and a nomadic existence from one university to another. The story of their thirty-year adventure is equally a landmark of scientific achievement and of an unforgettable human-animal bond.