African Grey not talking

[jjgorsk]

I have a 27 month old Congo African Grey parrot (Cassi) that has yet to speak. She is an expert at bird calls (Whippoorwill, Bobwhite), wolf whistle, and many other immitations (phone, microwave, etc) and even the muffled sound of the dog as she is heard from outside and wanting to come in. This has gotten us up many times for nothing to let in Sally.

Am I expecting too much from her right now? How long is usual for a AG to begin talking? She is very intelligent and works other things out quit quickly, but I think she was asleep when they handed out talking genes.

Any suggestions?

Jack

[Jerica]

Some parrots never talk. Some times when they learn other imitations they don't learn anything else. Sometimes they never imitate or talk. Be happy that she does imitations as some people never even get that, she may still talk, just talk to her everyday and say "hello" when you enter the room she's in and "good bye" when you leave. Just simple things like that may help, but don't expect it as some just never talk.

[janejacinto]

May still talk but many a Congo never says a word. Keep trying, don't give up, and you may still get a word or two out of her.
Jane

[jardybird]

Why don't you try to get your bird to say a word that will give him something he wants such as "step up" to be picked up, or "cracker" to get a snack?
Most of the books I've read say that parrots are very "self centered" when it comes to doing things.
I am a breeder and I always try to teach my babies to ask for a snack or step up first as a bird does not have any emotional connection to abstract concepts like "Hello" or "Pretty Bird". These words often get a response from humans, but sometimes getting "just attention" from humans is not enough gratificaion for the bird to work at it. Getting a treat or a scratch on the head may be more motivating than just getting praise or attention.

[krazy4birds]

African Greys are highly intelligent birds and odds are he could talk right now if he wanted too. I have Timneh Grey. He was 9 when we got him in 2003. He had said some things from his previous owners but I do not thnk his conditions were not as good as they could have. I have bribed Pepper over and over for a peanut. He loves them but they are reserved for rewards. I talked to him all the time. Another thing, where is your Grey located? They are highly sociable birds and want to be where everyone else is. Pepper is in our living room and he loves company. He will show off and sometimes say a few words. Like I was saying though, talk to him whenever you are near him. He hears you, trust me and some day when you least expect it......he will talk back........Please keep us updated!!!!!!