will my tiels talk?

Question
Hello,
I have what I believe to be a pair of tiels that are approximately 2 yrs old. My female Lucy only chirps, and wolf whistles occasionaly. My male L'lano whistles many tunes. I talk to them all the time. L'lano seems to always be interested and comes very close to me and pays great attention to what I'm saying. Others have told me that at this point neither of them will talk. Do you believe this to be true? Is there a certain age that they begin to talk?
Thanks in advance, Sandy

Answer
Hello Sandy and thank you for your post.
Male Cockatiels have the ability to talk (although not very clearly), but there is no guarantee that they will talk.  I have seen 4 year old Cockatiels that are just starting to talk, and I have also seen male Cockatiels that just refuse to talk.  
It is really up to the bird.  Just because a bird has the ability to talk doesn't guarantee that it will.
Keep talking to your bird.  One day he just may surprise you and say a word or two, but don't be disappointed if he doesn't.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna