Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Karen,
    
    It is tough to reprogram your bird once he has learned specific
    words/sounds.  My only advise is to make certain that these choice
    expressions that he is using is not repeated in front of him and
    perhaps he will cease using them if he does not hear them again.
    I know that my yellow nape stops saying certain words if he doesn't
    hear them for a period of time.
    
    As for your bird learning these things,  Just be very careful of what
    you say "frequently" in earshot.  They tend to pick up certain phrases
    that "tickle their fancy".  If they don't hear it, they won't say it!
    My yellow nape has never uttered a bad word yet...even though there are
    times.....well, we won't go into that.
    
    Best of luck!
    Denise

    Thanks for the reply, Denise.  I'm the friend of Karen's that has the
    loud mouthed parrot.  I love him dearly, don't get me wrong...but I
    think he's extremely spoiled.  I am his "mommy", and the real problem
    is that whenever I leave the room or he can't see me, he screams.  He
    screams anything from "AAAAAAAAAAAA" like he's watching a horror flick,
    to "Mommy!!!".  This used to be cute, but it's getting so irritating
    now.  I live in a townhouse, and I'm sure that the neighbors don't
    appreciate it either (not to mention my poor room-mate).  I'm not quite
    sure where he picked up the noises he makes either (the screaming). 
    One even sounds like the noise the garbage trucks make.
    
    Your advise about the cussing is true.  We are very careful around
    Alex now, and he hasn't repeated any of those words in some time.  If
    anyone can help with some advise, I'd greatly appreciate it.  
    
    Thanks,
    
    Kim and Alex 

    Have you considered purchasing another bird so that he not so lonely.
    Since we are gone most of the day - our 7 (yes 7) birds do keep each 
    other company. Actually - just one might help. It doesn't have to be
    a grey - a tiel would work. They can teach each other to talk. Greys
    are definitely smart birds and will tend to rule the house.And they
    are just so cute that ya can't help but laugh and love 'em! 
    
    		Good Luck!

    Thanks for the idea.  Any other suggestions for the type of bird I
    could get for a playmate?  I'm not really fond of tiels (no offense to
    the tiel lovers).  My room mate had one at one time, and the two birds
    made my home sound like a jungle.  Tiels tend to squeel quite often,
    from my experience.  Also, I'd welcome any more ideas for training
    Alex.  Thanks....

    Try a Rosella or a Pionus for company for Alex.  Both are quiet and
    learn to talk a bit.  I've also heard that a fish tank will amuse birds
    for hours on end.  Seems that watching all these little fish swimming
    around has a calming affect on them.  This might be your best bet if
    you don't want jungle sounds.
    
    As far as Alex's screaming, does he have plenty of toys, enough time
    out of his cage, a large enough cage to play in comfortably?  I have
    found that I MUST provide all these things for my birds to be happy.  I
    have also noticed that my Pionus requires lots of human company or he
    becomes unhappy where as my smaller birds seem to do well with the
    company of other birds.  I guess that's just the way it is with larger
    birds!
    
    Jeanne
      
    
    

    My SO's grey Birdy was a terrible plucker. She still plucks a bit
    but since we got Buddy, an Amazon, it's so much better! At first
    they had their own cages and spent time together in a playpen.
    After about six months, we got a large cage they both live in.
    The grey is definitely boss (although Buddy is twice her size)! 
    They have established their own corner where they sleep or
    rest.  The middle of the cage has the toys and food. They really have
    a great time! They've never hurt each other (although Birdy sneaks up
    on Buddy from time to time and pulls his tail or foot).
    
    Strangely enough, they don't seem to learn to talk from each other.
    Birdy likes to mimic sounds, such as outdoor birds. Buddy is more
    tuned into words.
    
    Good luck!!

    Thanks for the advice!  This is my first time using NOTES, and I'm
    excited that people take the time to answer.  My fiance' and I went out
    shopping last night for an idea of what kind of bird to get, and we
    really don't know what we're going to end up purchasing.  I like the
    idea of the Rosella, so that might be our next child.  Also, the
    attention factor was eye-catching.  I've made it a New Years resolution
    to spend more time with Alex.   
    
    Thanks for all the advice and I'll keep everyone informed.  :)
    
    Kim