Vocal Disk?

[Furf]

So I was reading on a forum with an old post about a CD with a keeper saying words that they wanted their GAC to learn... Now with this. I am wondering if I do adopt these two Gents and I wanted them to get more acclimated to my voice when I am at work what is recommended for the recording.

 

Reading a book? Normal conversations? Not really sure what one would do.

 

When I had Sugar Gliders one thing that would help them bond to you was to read aloud so they got used to your voice while they slept. I know this is a HUGE difference. But I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on this?

[judygram]

My advice is to forget about the cds, just use your normal voice and talk to your birds, tell them about your day, what you did and they will pick up what they like, of course if you emphasize some words it makes them more likely to be chosen to be repeated.

[JeffNOK]

I agree with judygram--real communication is always best. I find myself just talking to myself--and my grey Gracie-- as I go about my life at home. "I'm cooking dinner now." "I'm working at my computer". "Cleaning time!". "Gracie is playing with her toy". "Gracie is eating food--yum!" "Gracie is climbing her rope net". "Gracie-fly fly fly--whoo hoo!". I just narrate our lives together. Hopefully that will work. Gracie is just 10 months old and only says "Step Up!" and "Barkleah" (the name of a family dog). But I think when words are associated with meaningful actions then comprehension takes place. A CD doesn't provide context.

[Furf]

Thanks all for that. I figured I would take a shot with the question here. I figured pure real time speech would be better.

[Mistyparrot]

I agree with the others. Greys are social beings and in the wild they learn from each other by observation, seeing and hearing their peers interact with each other. Dr Perpperberg understood this and developed the model/rival technique to help teach the famous Alex to communicate. I have not been able to use the method directly with Misty as I have not found a suitable partner to work with but nevertheless all that Misty knows he has in effect taught himself by listening to me and watching me as we go about our day. He has learned to use "Human" to communicate with me. In fact he understands "Human" better than I understand "Grey" . The key is not to worry about teaching your Grey "Human speak" because if he is given the right environment and opportunity he will learn what he thinks he needs. Also you will find he will use "Human" words and phrases in his own way. He will use them in a context that means something to him so you may have to work out what he means. For instance Misty uses "Stoppit" to ask me to share my food! I can only guess how he made the association but it works for us. Another is "Yourallright" when he wants a neck scritch. The thing about CDs is your bird may learn to mimic the sounds but they will be just meaningless babble. The other thing is Greys love to play with sounds and practice vocalisations as well as a good whistling session. If you are able to whistle back it is a great way to help your bonding. Reading books is good although he will not understand what you are talking about but it is a good way to socialise and if he likes you he will like the sound of your voice. Also never forget the importance of body language and vocal tone and emotion. All birds and mammals are expert in this. Your Grey will quickly understand your moods and intentions in astonishing ways.

 

Steve n Misty

Edited June 12, 2012 by Mistyparrot