Need help with training my grey to talk

[oi8Kandi]

Hello...
I am new to the forum here and also a new Mom to a male 14month old African Grey. While I have taught Trooper to wolfe whistle it seems as though I am almost begging him to say Hello.. This is the only word I am working on with him right now and could just use some pointers..Does anyone have some tips for this new Mom?
Thanks

[birdsnthings]

Teaching a bird to whistle first is not a good idea as they become comfortable whistling as it is easy to do. It may take a little longer for your bird to mimic human speech.
I have found that pronouncing everything a little slower and a little louder helps since they will repeat back exactly what they hear. You can often tell what your bird may say by how interested in you when you are saying it. I would stick to those words.
Please also understand that not all greys do become talkers but explain everything to your bird. Understanding by them is the most important thing as I can reason with my grey and he is not the first one. You'll be surprised at what you can get back from these birds.
Alice

[cfulhage]

I agree about the whistling first thing, but that wasn't the case with Ollie! About a week before her 1st birthday, I gave up on her ever learning how to talk!! I'm pretty impatient! So I decided to try whistling, so at least I could get her to do something on command! She picked up several whistles almost immediately, and 2 days later said "hello" for the first time. Now she is 14 months old and expanding her vocabulary steadily, while continuing to whistle.

You just have to be patient. I've heard of greys who haven't started speaking until the age of 2- and now they have incredibly impressive vocabularies! Your bird will talk when he wants to!- although I hope you will love him just the same if he never speaks a word.

[oi8Kandi]

Thank you so much for the info. If he never speaks a word believe me I will still cherish every moment I get to spend with the little guy. He is such a BIG part of our family...LOL after all my dogs don't talk..they can't even whistle..hahahaha and I wouldn't take a million dollars for them..
Kandi

[Doubleyolk]

There will be a time in the future that you wish you had these silent days back. I have two Grey's and they talk and make sounds non-stop. The other thing with Grey's is that if you don't it repeated don't say it. I have two potty mouths at times and only when they are attacking their toys.