How to get rid of vulgar language!

[ikaika23]

My african grey said her fist sentence: "what the f.ck" and she repeats it often even so I don't pay attention to it. She doesn't talk too much yet but makes all kinds of sounds, birds, snoring, barking etc.

 

She says it in the deep voice of a renter in my house. What can I do to get rid of this phrase.

[HeatherStrella]

If you can, don't say the phrase and get people in the house not to say the phrase. Ignore her when she says it and praise her when she says other things. When we first got Harrison at 3 months of age, he was saying "Hi Birdies". We never really said that to him and he eventually stopped saying it. He started saying it again after we got a DVD of parrots...when we turn it on, we say "hi birdies" and now he says that when we turn it on. I would imagine she'll stop if she doesn't hear it anymore and if you don't reinforce her for saying it....reinforcing could be almost any reaction...just ignore her when she says it. I hope that helps.

 

Heather

[Caspersmum]

Hi,

 

I'd go along with what Heather says - Casper said some similar things when I first got him - he even used to tell himself to shut-up when he sqwauked. Whenever he said anything I didn't want him to say I ignored him - to the point where I'd stay as still and quiet as possible if I was in another room, or walking out if I was in the same room, until he stopped. He'll st

[Talon]

That's all good advice. If he says it, ignore it, or leave the room. They tend to forget the things they don't hear as time goes on, such as merry x-mas, happy birthday, etc. Talon stopped saying those things after she didn't hear it anymore.<br><br>Post edited by: Talon, at: 2007/05/12 15:24

[CeasarsDad]

Yeah.. Ignore it is the ticket of the day.. When my son and his peachfaced lovebird Jo Jo were visiting Ceaser learned Jo Jo's song in literally a couple of hours.

 

Every morning they would go back and forth. You would have thought that there were 2 lovebirds in the house.

 

Since Jo Jo went back home Ceaser hardly calls anymore. The few days after Jo Jo went home Ceaser would call... then listen.. then call.. then listen again.. It was really interesting to watch. They are so freaking smart..

[dblhelix]

I agree, ignore it is about the best you can do. Do not give any feedback, positive/negative. Just leave the area for a few mins, maybe even wait until he/she says something or does something you like and only then give attention. Watch what you say, some can learn words/phrases so fast. But as others have said they will move on if they dont get much attention from saying things and dont hear them often.