Potted history..
*Basil 6 yr old male CAG... came from abusive background was bought by man, kept well until man got married, new wife hated him and banished him to utility..where he was denied human contact for about 3 years.*

We got him 27-6-2011..plucked almost bald and very anti social.

He has bonded very well with my OH fairly good with me as long as he feels safe..
He can talk, Ive secretly filmed him and heard him chat ..But he wont talk if we are in the room.??

However just lately he has started to whistle various 2 or 3 note calls and if I whistle the same back he will repeat it and then try something new and wait for my response..
Should I see this as progress? I mean he is communicating but only by tweet and whistle..If I talk to him he does his best stuffed parrot impression and stands stock still..

I know its early days and thats why I dont want to make big mistakes or try forcing him..
Any advice?

Attached Images

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A neighbour has some in an aviary...one in particular whistles a few notes.I copy him and after a pause he repeats it.If I then go quiet he whistles another few different notes,which I of course copy.
What tickles me is his pause before answering....makes you wonder what's going through their minds.

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I serched around and most websites said talk to him...
So since posting last we have avoided whistling to him and if he whistles we talk back to him and do not whistle...


As I sit here I can hear him chatting away, some whistles but mostly words..

I think I may have answered my own question!

Today he even spoke while I was in the room