I'm new here and a 1st time Parrotlet owner

[Shelley]

I just got my Parrotlet a week ago. I named him Kiwi. He was hand fed and is still a baby. We have been doing realy good with his training. He knows to step up and will let me hold him with my hand around him. He loves to be scratched and petted all over. Just yesterday he decided that he would come out of the cage on his own onto my finger. No more having to catch him to come out and play. He loves to hide under my ponytail.
I know that not all parrolets will talk, but was wondering how long it takes them to start talking? About what age? Also he doesn't play with any of his toys inside the cage, but loves to play with one of my rings. Its a man's celtic woven ring and pretty heavy. I think he likes the texture of it. He sits on my finger and lifts it up and down, strengthing his beak and his grip while he works out. Its amazing how far back he ca reach under him if he drops it. So anyways...should I be worried about him not playing with his toys in the cage?

[Tari]

Mine does not talk. Not all parrots well talk.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j268/Kolkri/My%20extras/Butterflywelcom.gif

[Pado]

Hi Shelley - welcome to the forum :) ... congratulations on your new Parrotlet, Kiwi.

My male started mimicking "Hello" and some other saying between 5 and 7 months I believe - they have a robotic sounding voice and very soft. Mine doesn't mimic very much now since I got a second P'let.

I wouldn't worry too much about Kiwi not playing with his toys yet - he's still pretty new to his cage etc - they sometimes take a while to warm up to new things. You're probably his favorite toy right now :p

[Kumiko]

WOW!! There are a lot of Kiwi's! We all love the name even though! LOL

[YWallpaper]

Ike started talking at about 5 months. He started by practicing in secret, and I would catch him talking when he thought I was out of the room. Now he won't shut up--his favorite word is his name, over and over. :p

[pattypan]

Hi Shelley and Kiwi and welcome to the forum! Kiwi sounds a lot like Indie when I got him. He warmed up pretty quickly but still prefers me to his toys :p . What others on the board have done to stimulate interest in toys is to play with the toy themselves to show the birds how interesting it is and how to play with it. As for talking, Indie's about a year old right now and is still working on it :) . He has managed to master the kissy noise... hehe perhaps I need to speak to him more!

[blackrosefaerie]

I've had mine for about 2 months and he still isn't playing with his toys, but as others here advised me, maybe try and tease him..play with his toys while he's in the cage, then he may want what you have.

I try not to let Dexter up on my shoulder yet, but when he escapes up there he goes right into my hair, its funny but annoying at the same time because i have long curly hair and he gets stuck in there!!!:p

I want Dexter to talk also, but some don't talk at all. I'm just going to be patient, and I'm starting to do what i was advised once again, repeat everything you do. Ex; When i go to bed i say "goodnight". when i wake up and see him i say "good morning". When i leave the room its "goodbye/cya", and comming in the room i say 'hello'. Just like you do when you say "up", they should learn what you are saying and respond eventually.:)
Good Luck!

[pam311]

Welcome Shelly and Kiwi. I agree with all other post not all birds talk. My Quaker is a closet talker. She only talks when no one is in the room. Hadji has played with his toys from day one. I really think each bird is unique. Cabo is terrified of anything new in her cage and Hadji cant wait to attack it, chew it and poop on it.

Both my fids luv "shiney" rings, necklaces, paper clips you name it.

[BeakerLuvsBunsen]

my guys started making word sounds around 6 months
they only 'say' a few things... they would probably be more
vocal individually I suspect...

Talk to them as much as possible and get into a routine
that's how mine started. Every morning when I put food in
I would say oooh yummy yum! and eventually they said
"Yum!" when they saw me getting ready to put in the food

they are very smart and make connections

[kiwismom]

Welcome Shelley! I have a Kiwi also! Isn't that just the perfect name for these little green pistols?! Can't wait for pics. These folks have already really helped me and made me feel comfy.
Cindy