If a bird seems smart, would they be an early talker?

[girly]

Not that I'm at all biased, lol, but my jezebel is quite smart. She learns very rapidly. That being said, can I expect her to speak words soon? (she's 7 months).

Yes, I know, not all CAG's are going to speak. But, assuming she will, is there any correlation between "smart" and talking? anyone know? So far she's only mimicking sounds. I know this is a difficult question.

[Reznik]

I don't have Grey's myself, but but I think they are all equally as smart. It is the time and stimulation that you give them that will make the difference.

[magdalena]

I have to say I've met some stupid greys. Maybe they were just pensive though. But really they would walk into walls and fall over and had no medical issues. You could give them a treat and they'd miss trying to eat it. Not blind greys, seriously slow. Generally the ones I have met were all pretty bright in various ways, some were expert talkers others were better at manual and tactile exercises. 7 months is early yet for talking.

[Tom Lawless]

Bing is a good talker and an early talker but there are days I don't think he is the brightest bulb in the box. I love him dearly but I think the Alex studies would have taken a different path if Bing had been the subject of research. A good example would be toilet training which I've worked with him on since before he was weaned. Little Dave at least knows what I mean when I hold him over paper and say "toilet" and does his best to comply (doesn't worry about letting go where ever he is if I don't happen to hold him over the paper with the right command...a work in progress). Bing, however, can say the word great but it really hasn't clicked in his mind what is actually being requested of him. We've been at it over a year now.

Or maybe he's just messing with my head.

[girly]

haha, thanks for the responses. I loved hearing about Bing, Tom.

Actually, I don't know how it happened, but after only one time of my saying to Jezebel, "make a doo doo", while placing her over the paper, it worked. she never ever poops in her cage, and tries to back herself off any furniture so as not to poop right on it.

"it is the time and stimulation that you give them that will make the difference."

If that's true, Reznik, I'm in luck!

[Tom Lawless]

Originally Posted by girly

Actually, I don't know how it happened, but after only one time of my saying to Jezebel, "make a doo doo", while placing her over the paper, it worked. she never ever poops in her cage, and tries to back herself off any furniture so as not to poop right on it.

Yeah, rub it in (I mean gloat...a topic like this I may need to be more articulate).

[girly]

LOL tom. your babies are adorable, btw.

[KimM]

I can't speak for AG's in particular, but I truly believe the "earlier" they begin, the smarter they are. Don't get me wrong, they're all smart!

I believe this is the case with my macaws. Newton, IMHO, is absolutely brilliant and is sometimes scary smart. He's been talking since he was 8 wks old (and apparently from the breeder started this at about 6 wks) with HI and Hawo! (couldn't say Hello yet.. LOL)

Before he was weaned and I brought him home, I would visit the shop everyday after work and as soon as he saw me coming, he would yell, "Mama!" One of the adult female macaws in the shop taught him to crow like a rooster by the time he was 10 wks old.. Oh joy, rapture! I had him potty trained at 10 wks.

He also weaned himself at 12 wks which is very early for a macaw. And for a macaw, he has a very large vocabulary and actually understands context of many things he says (I'm guessing up to 100 words, phrases and/or songs)

Elliot is very smart as well, but not the same way Newton is. Elliot weaned in the "normal" time frame of 6 - 8 mos. I did get him potty trained when I brought him home at 15 mos and it took about 2 months. HE still has accidents once in awhile when we play in the bedroom where Newt NEVER messes anywhere outside of his cage or playgym.

Elliot is just now really starting to talk and verbalize, but doesn't enunciate as well as Newton. He watches and listens to Newt's and my every word and action, so I know he's capable, but he has to "work" at it, while Newton just "gets it."

I really do believe they are individuals and just like people, some just pick up more quickly and are capable of "things" more easily.

All I can say is Viva La Difference! I love both of my boys for who they are. Elliot is by far the "easier" to raise in terms of calm, cool and collected while I call Newt my "ADHD" boy. Newt was a hellian in his terrible twos and now going through sexual maturity. Elliot is in his two's now and has been a complete angel!

[girly]

Kim, it's also true with human babies-if they are early talkers, it's a sign of intelligence. Perhaps it's the same with parrots. I think that's wonderful about your macaw.

Jezebel does something so adorable re talking. I like to get real close to her and slowly enunciate "hello jezebel" She looks into my eyes and tries to form the words with her beak and tongue. Nothing's coming out yet, but I see she's trying. It's so cute that I could cry.

[Abby]

Arthur started talking before 4 months. I think with him it's more how he puts things in context to a situation that amazes me. When he's in the mood he identifies photos on the computer. This happens when I'm flicking through pics, Arthurs cage is just behind me and he'll start naming familiar people/birds.

On the children thing, my middle son started talking at 4 months too. He's 10yo now and has been tested at the spelling ability of a 15yo plus.

So I have 2 fairly bright souls here. I will point out though that neither Arthur or my son have a lot of common sense. I swear they were standing next to each other getting whacked with the stupid stick some days.