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So my housemate has decided to teach my birds a few words that i would rather they didnt know..

well not exactly 'words' but rather a series of moans.. that sound like they should be coming from the bedroom not the birdcage..

at first i didnt think the birds would really pay any attention because they hate men in general and my housemate is no exception, but ive caught my baby girl sari doing some fairly good renditions

ive told my housemate in no uncertain terms that i dont want him to teach them things like this (but then again, i also tell him not to drink my coffee )

what to do luckily only one of them has picked it up, and the other day when she was making the noises she started interdispersing 'uh oh!' (like a teletubby) between moans. haha it was THE funniest thing but still.. i'm hoping this is one speech pattern she will forget.. any ideas

i hope this post isnt violating any board rules

Well its kinda nice Sari has picked up something of her own

When Datsun screams I whistle, now when she would normally scream (like when I leave the room) she whistles instead. Maybe this will work for you too?

Good Luck! I guess it could be worse?!

Substitution works, like Datsun's parent says, and for other birds ignoring the undesired phrase(s) works too. You'll have to see what you think would work best with your bird, but once you decide- stick to it. ^^

Most of the time I can get Killer, my tiel, to begin whistling instead of screaming his head off just by whistling once. But sometimes he screams so I'll come whistle to him. Birds are just to smart for us poor humans...

Baby picked up my cell phone ringtone. She loves for my phone to be blowing up. She usually doesnt do it unless my phone rings and she is reminded but sometimes she does it out of the blue and I answer my phone to find noone there

Im onto her now though, I check for incoming/missed calls. hehe

I think you should treat the swearing and inappropriate noises by ignoring it. Just like with kids. If you act outraged, they know and keep repeating it. If you just ignore it and continue on with what you are doing, then its no fun. Encourage the good stuff and ignore the bad stuff and your birdie will get the idea.

i agree with jade 150%!!!!!!!!!!!! plase tell ure room mate to knock it off. or cover ure birds cage when he/she moans. and i would clicker train for the positive enforcement.
siao
scarlet

Listen to jade substitution works also but doesn't really solve the problem.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I have been ignoring the behaviour but she seems to think its a cool noise anyway but hopefully its just a phase and she will get over it.

as for the housemate.. he has been warned!