JD>I think of all the things to teach a bird, talking on command is the 
hardest
JD>First off, birds only say what they want to say.  I use a food reward in 
y
JD>training.  I do not starve my birds before training, only train them about 
5
JD>to 10 minutes before their regular feeding time.  First they must learn a 
wo
JD>or phrase.  Then repeat it around them.  With luck, they will start 
alking
JD>and may even say that line or word.  when I hear the word or phrase, the 
bir
JD>is rewarded with a half a sunflower seed.  Since these seeds are only used 
f
JD>treats, they eagerly try to please me to get the seed.  At first it will 
e
JD>hit or miss, but after much practice, they will soon say the word or 
hrase
JD>when you cue them to get that seed.
Joanie, thanks for sharing with me. I will try that but Meggie (as you
said) talks when she wants to and makes sense when she does. Maybe I
will get her to say one thing to me.
Let us know when your article is coming out and when to watch TV.
Diane
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