Why parrots stop talking is not always the problem. Some people long for their parrots to stop talking, simply because they talk incessantly once they’ve learned a few phrases. Parrots are very sociable and want to communicate with other members of their “flock”, that is, with the people with whom they live. So a talking parrot is probably more common.
However, there are times when parrots stop talking and then the concerned owner wants to know why they stopped.
Reasons why parrots stop talking
There are several reasons why parrots stop talking. We cannot give a complete list here, but one of the following may apply to your parrot.
1. Some talking parrots are silent for a few days when they arrive at a new home. They are adapting to change. They suddenly find themselves with a new “flock” in a new environment. Even a parrot that has previously spoken will take time to sort things out in its mind before it feels comfortable.
2. Sometimes talkative parrots stop talking when they feel sick. If your parrot has been talking regularly and stops for no apparent reason, consider health issues. You may need to take him to an avian vet.
3. Talking parrots “pout” and stop talking when they’re not happy with a change you’ve made. You may have moved the furniture in the room where the parrot spends most of its time. Perhaps you are wearing an article of clothing that the parrot does not like.
4. Another reason why parrots stop talking is the introduction of a new member of the family, be it human or another pet. The parrot must get over the change and stops talking while it adjusts.
5. Sometimes a parrot has been frightened, perhaps by a prey animal, and stops talking. The animal may be outside, but visible from the parrot’s cage.
6. Eventually, your parrot may stop talking if he gets bored with his own chatter and hears few words from you. Remember that your parrot uses human speech to communicate with you. You are in a “foreign” land, far from those who speak your language, and you are trying to learn their language to communicate.
What to do when parrots stop talking
There are several things you can do to cheer up a talking parrot that has decided not to talk.
If your parrot has been placed in a new environment, make it as comfortable as possible. Give him time to adjust, but as he adjusts, talk to him softly and often. As soon as you decide the new environment is safe, you’ll probably start talking again.
If you suspect that your parrot’s sudden silence is an early sign of illness, look at its eyes and feathers. If you detect dullness in either, you may need to have your parrot checked out by an avian (bird) vet.
Sometimes the answer is as simple as finding a change you’ve made in the last few days or weeks. Did you move a vase that used to reflect light? Did you move the parrot cage a few meters one way or another? Try to remember what might have changed and put it back the way it was. Your silent parrot can speak quickly to thank you.
Look for predators, even if you know they can’t reach the parrot. A large, predatory bird flying past your window or sitting in a tree outside may be the reason your parrot took a break from talking.
The best solution to help a talking parrot find its language is to spend more time talking to and around the bird. Bring him into other rooms where you and your family are so he feels like he’s part of the conversation.
Talk to your bird as much as you would talk to a family member or a very good friend, and before long, it should start talking again.