by entrancedbymyGCC » Wed Jan 12, 2011 6:09 pm
I have heard that the best way to encourage speech is to speak to the bird consistently, enthusiastically and within a context (say Good Morning first thing in the morning, etc.). This has resulted in a green cheek with a few good phrases. Our Cape has a huge vocabulary, but most of it was acquired from the bird store he spent a couple of years in. They'd bring in boarders (housed in a separate room) and I think he must know all the cell phone rings, microwave beeps, etc. in Tarzana. He has 5 or 6 different "Hellos". "Hey Birdie" he got from me, and that's now his default contact call.
Scooter
Death Valley Scotty