Instructions
Preparation
Search for a bird that is capable of talking. It's important to know the difference between those species that are known talkers, such as African Grey parrots, as compared to those that might not talk at all. Your local pet store is a great place to start.
Pay close attention to the bird's temperament before you decide to make it your pet. Shy, overly aggressive or easily frightened birds are not likely to master speech. For the purposes of teaching it English, you'll want to choose a relaxed, comfortable bird.
Make sure the bird you select is less than 18 months old. Some species, such as Amazons and Double Yellowheads, will never learn to speak if they are not taught early on.
Training
Start with training as soon as you can. Beginning at a young age will help the bird develop confidence and trust in interacting with humans.
Clear the room of any distractions, including the radio or television. Then hold a small, easily identifiable object in the bird's line of vision and repeat the name of it again and again. Peanuts are an effective item to start with since you can use it as positive reinforcement once the bird responds.
Practice saying words or phrases that you want the bird to learn consistently at designated times of the day. For example, say "good morning" to the bird each morning and "I love you" every night before you retire. The bird will catch on to the routine and then begin to speak the phrases as well.
Limit the lessons to 15 or 20 minutes at a time, so as not to overwhelm your pet. It's important to reward the bird for giving you its attention. Even if you only get a low mumble or murmur out of the conversation, these are first steps toward an expanded English vocabulary.
Avoid giving up if your bird appears to be at a standstill with its English lessons. Sometimes weeks can pass by before the bird picks up another new word or phrase.
How to Teach a Bird to Speak English
Teaching your pet bird to speak English may be as easy as making it jealous. Caged birds bond to one person the same way they would bond to a mate in the wild, according to the Avian Web. Like children, birds seek attention; that's when jealously can become a teaching tool. Make them jealous; that will get them talking. Birds need to trust and to know that they are appreciated. Feathered friends must be healthy and intelligent to learn to speak English words. Most of all, they must have something to say.