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My Parrot Repeats My Stock Tips
Ask the Vet with Dr. Bea Woofington, DVM
Q: My African grey, Mortimer, has started repeating things I say on the phone to my broker. He shouted 'SELL!' during my mother-in-law's visit. Can I stop this?
— Lionel P., Greenwich, Connecticut |
A: African greys are among the best talkers in the bird world, and they pick up words that come with strong emotion. If you get excited on the phone with your broker, Mortimer notices.
You cannot erase a word, but you can make it less interesting. Do not react when he says it; laughing or scolding both reward him with attention. Instead, reward the words you like with a treat and a happy voice. Grey parrots also need hours of daily interaction and toys to destroy, so a bored Mortimer is a talkative Mortimer. And maybe take your broker's calls in the other room.
— Dr. Bea Woofington
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