How to Get a Parakeet to Make a Noise

Parakeets are natural mimics that pick up sounds they hear frequently. According to Mattie Sue Athan, author of "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior," male budgies and grass parakeets are better "talkers" than females. For other parakeets, males and females have about the same ability. Repetition is necessary for a bird to learn any sound, but it shouldn't be blind repetition. According to Dr. Irene Pepperberg, the cognitive ethologist who raised the famous African gray Alex, birds learn better with social interaction than simple repetition, as is often encouraged.

Things You'll Need

  • Television
  • Music
  • Mirror
  • Parakeet treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Satisfy your parakeet's basic needs. A happy parakeet naturally makes vocalizations. Clean its cage, and provide it with fresh food and water and plenty of toys.

    • 2

      Keep a television set on during the day when you're not home. Parakeets often pick up sounds they hear, so be sure to leave it on a "family-friendly" channel.

    • 3

      Whistle to your parakeet. Whistling is easier than words for parakeets to mimic, so they pick it up faster.

    • 4

      Play music for your bird. Parakeets often sing along with songs they like.

    • 5
      A parakeet's pupil will narrow or "pinpoint" when it is excited.

      Watch your bird for signs of "pinpointing" or "flashing." This is when the pupil narrows. Birds do it when they are excited, and it is often a good sign that your bird might be able to learn to talk.

    • 6
      Parakeets learn better through interaction.

      Interact and socialize with your bird. Birds make sounds to communicate with others. The more you interact with your parakeet, the more likely it will be to communicate back.

    • 7

      Throw away any recordings or videos with repetitive sounds designed to teach birds to talk. They do not work, according to Pepperberg.

    • 8

      Keep two or more parakeets together. It used to be believed that birds kept with other birds wouldn't learn to talk or mimic. According to Pepperberg, birds that have competition for attention will learn faster than other birds. The competition can also be another human or a stuffed bird.

    • 9

      Place your parakeet in a location where people frequently hang out, such as a family room. This will allow him to hear interactions and sounds. Parakeets often pick up sounds they hear in their environment, such as a phone ringing or a dog barking.

    • 10
      Parakeets often make noises to their refections.

      Place a mirror in the cage. Parakeets often "chat" with their reflections.

    • 11

      Reward your parakeet whenever it makes a noise you want. Rewards can be praise from you, or small pieces of fruit or unsalted nuts.