Hi, I just learned yesterday that if you give a parakeet a mirror they are harder to train and probably won't speak. After I read this I removed my boy parakeets mirror. That had explained why he will sometimes bit me and possibly why he doesn't speak. (Although when I first got him he hit is head against the wall 2 times, could that give him brain damage?)But here is the only problem. He is 4 years old and has had the mirror or 3 of those years. I think it would be cruel to take away his buddy or 'mate' after 3 years but I really want to become closer with him and I want him to trust me more. Also, is there a reason that he doesn't like swings and only climbed his ladder 2 or 3 times, or does he just not like to play with those type of things?

you have a choice leave the mirror or take it out ...i recommend taking it out and getting a different swing he may just not like the one you have and that happens...get some cat balls with bells they all seem to like them and you need to show a bird how to play with its toys...or they wont ever figure it out unless by accident...they actually need repeat toy playing lessons till they try it themselves...once started they get going pretty good...

some like ladders some dont ...or will start out liking them then wont...an all birds when first let out smack into walls and things and have a few crash and burns im sure he is fine....

also when you remove the mirror dont expect a instant turn around where he will suddenly begin to train up and bond with you...again now it will be like when you first brought the bird home and starting from square one to train even tho you have had him a few years so be patient...

how large is this cage the bird is in also...bigger is always best...

and remember its not that he doesnt like to play with things its he needs to be shown and they like toys that when they pick up an toss or bang them the toys make noise...

welcome to the forum and good luck..