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 have learned a few phrases. Parrots are very sociable and want to communicate with other members of their “flock”, that is, the people they live with. So a talking parrot is probably more common.

However, there are times when the 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. Suddenly they find a new “herd” in a new environment. Even a parrot that has spoken before will need time to clear things up in his mind before he gets comfortable.

2. Talking parrots sometimes stop talking when they feel sick. If your parrot has been talking regularly and stops for no apparent reason, consider health concerns. You may need to take him to an avian vet.

3. Talking Parrots will “pout” and stop talking when they are unhappy with a change you have made. You may have moved the furniture in the room where the parrot spends most of its time. Perhaps you are wearing an item 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 work during the change and stops talking while adjusting.

5. Sometimes a parrot has been startled, perhaps by prey, and refrains from speaking. The animal may be outside, but visible from the parrot’s cage.

6. Finally, 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. He is in a “foreign” land, away from those who speak his language, and he is trying to learn their language in order 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 while he’s adjusting, talk to him softly and frequently. As soon as you decide that the new environment is safe, you will probably start talking again.

If you suspect that your parrot’s sudden silence is an early sign of illness, take a look at its eyes and feathers. If you detect dullness in any of them, you may need to have your parrot checked by an avian (bird) vet.

Sometimes the answer is as simple as finding a change that you have made in the last few days or weeks. Did you move a vase that used to reflect light? Did the parrot’s cage move a few meters one way or another? Try to remember what may have changed and put it back as it was. Your silent parrot may speak quickly to thank you.

Check for predators, even if you know they cannot reach the parrot. A large, predatory bird flying past the window or sitting in a tree outside may be the reason your parrot has taken a break from talking.

The best solution to help a talking parrot find its tongue is to spend more time talking to and around the bird. Take it to other rooms where you and your family are so that it feels like part of the conversation.

Talk to your bird as much as you would to a family member or a very good friend, and before long, he should start talking again.