Why Would a Parrot Stop Talking?

When a parrot stops talking, uncovering the reasons may take some detective work. Parrots tend to be creatures of habit, and it simply might be a matter of recent lifestyle changes. Regardless, you should always take your parrot for a yearly checkup.

  1. Illness

    • If your bird also appears lethargic, has changes in its droppings, eats less or sleeps more, then it might have an illness. Take your parrot to a vet specializing in avian medicine.

    Injury

    • Parrots have a very strong inclination to hide any injury, as this marks them as easy prey in the wild. Even hand-fed parrots have this instinct. Make sure its cage isn't too cluttered with toys and always monitor its time outside its cage.

    Changes in Environment

    • Any changes in environment such as a new piece of furniture or rearranging the setup in a room can cause anxiety in some parrots, which can leave them feeling alienated.

    Changes in Diet

    • Parrots, particularly those like African Greys, can be finicky eaters. Proper nutrition, however, requires a diverse diet. If your parrot seems to only want more of certain foods or you recently made changes in your pet's diet, then this might be its way of protesting. Be patient with your pet.

    Change in Household

    • Whether a family member has left or someone new has moved in, parrots are very sensitive to those around them. New people should give the parrot plenty of time to adjust and should not expect to bond with the bird right away.