How do I get Marley to talk?

[Kspenn]

Hello,
I've had Marley for just over 4 years now, and she is 8years old. I'm just wondering if anyone knows any good tricks to get her to actually say phrases. Don't get me wrong, she makes a ton of noises like ring tones, different whistle tunes, she calls the dogs, and even makes up her own little whistle tunes. But she doesn't actually talk much. Although she is quite the character, and picks up the strangest things like hiccups and fart noises, I'd like to get her to say a few phrases. Any tips would be much appreciated, thanks

 

[Sassy]

Some greys just choose not to talk.

 

[BillsBirds]

Check Antoinette's posts about getting Mishka to talk. Also, repeat, repeat, repeat. For 4 years she hasn't picked up any phrases? But makes all kinds of noises? Some birds just won't talk. To them, talking is just repeating noises that we make, and they don't seem to want to. Don't give up.

 

[Kspenn]

In 4 years the only phrases she says now are "hey Mar" "Mar-Moo" "what?" and "Hello?" other than those few she makes a ton of noises and sound effects. I have tried making a recording of phrases I'd like her to say and I play it all day on a loop with no luck. We watching YouTube videos with her of other Greys talking and still nothing. Maybe she's just not going to be a talker.

 

[Kspenn]

Oh! I forgot, she also whistles for the dogs and says "come on" and when it's bed time she says "go on" talking to the dogs.

 

[antoinette]

One good sign : your bird is talking.....
Sit with your bird, and just talk and repeat, talk and repeat.
Let Marley get used to small "talk" in the beginning.

Read the link below, sure it will be useful
Talking - How I teach Mishka to talk

Below is a thread which I am sure you would enjoy
Mishka "Magic" Vidoe's Thread

If you require any assistance, please ask I will be more than willing to help out.

 

[Kspenn]

Thank you all so much! I'm excited to work with Marley more and more. Just one more thing. Marley seems to be more of a "closet" talker. I mean she only is a real chatter box when no one is in the room with her or looking at her. She rarely will make a noise or anything if we are talking directly to her, which is a lot. I tell her what I'm doing all the time, like I say "its time to feed the birdies" and when I give her a treat I always tell her what it is before I give it to her in hopes she will pick up those words. Just for a few examples. I can definitely say, it's all on her terms. I'll just keep trying and hopefully she will come around. She is still young after all.

 

[antoinette]

Thank you all so much! I'm excited to work with Marley more and more. Just one more thing. Marley seems to be more of a "closet" talker. I mean she only is a real chatter box when no one is in the room with her or looking at her. She rarely will make a noise or anything if we are talking directly to her, which is a lot. I tell her what I'm doing all the time, like I say "its time to feed the birdies" and when I give her a treat I always tell her what it is before I give it to her in hopes she will pick up those words. Just for a few examples. I can definitely say, it's all on her terms. I'll just keep trying and hopefully she will come around. She is still young after all.

You are doing great by talking to her and telling her what you are doing, keep it up.
Most birds begin by being closet talkers. I think they are shy and want to practice on their own, thus being classified as "closet talkers.

Mishka also began by only talking when by himself, as his confidence grew, he began talking openly in front of people.

And guess what.......

He has never stopped talking, talks 24/7 I am not joking.

 

[Kspenn]

One good sign : your bird is talking.....
Sit with your bird, and just talk and repeat, talk and repeat.
Let Marley get used to small "talk" in the beginning.

Read the link below, sure it will be useful
Talking - How I teach Mishka to talk

Below is a thread which I am sure you would enjoy
Mishka "Magic" Vidoe's Thread

If you require any assistance, please ask I will be more than willing to help out.

I watched a ton of your videos last night and I learned a lot. It seems like I need to make what I'm saying sound more exciting. Mishka is hilarious by the way! Thank you again for all of your help.

 

[antoinette]

One good sign : your bird is talking.....
Sit with your bird, and just talk and repeat, talk and repeat.
Let Marley get used to small "talk" in the beginning.

Read the link below, sure it will be useful
Talking - How I teach Mishka to talk

Below is a thread which I am sure you would enjoy
Mishka "Magic" Vidoe's Thread

If you require any assistance, please ask I will be more than willing to help out.

I watched a ton of your videos last night and I learned a lot. It seems like I need to make what I'm saying sound more exciting. Mishka is hilarious by the way! Thank you again for all of your help.

It's my pleasure......
Glad you enjoyed the video's and learnt from them.

When saying a word make it sound exciting by emphasize the word.

EG: "I love you"

"I looooooove you"

Almost sing the word love, that is sure to get any birds attention.

 

[Kspenn]

We always sing the song row row row your boat to her except we substitute the word "merely" for "Marley". Lately we can get her to hum along with us while we are singing. She seems to really like the part that says "Marley, Marley, Marley, Marley". The phrase we are really working on right now is "what ya dooooin'?" when I say it to her, I can see that concentration look in her eyes. I know it's just a matter of time before I start hearing her say it when I'm in the other room. Although when I say "what ya dooooin'?" she does respond to me by asking "what?" I think it's a good start. She already says the word what, so I'm just adding on the other words.