Customer Reviews

African Grey Parrot Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finally a book that addresses the specific and unique needs of the African Grey Parrot!

After working with a non-profit parrot rescue organization for several years, I came to realize that behavioral techniques that work with other types of birds are not always successful with African Greys. I looked everywhere for information that would help me understand how to approach and direct the sensitive nature of these birds. All of the books on African Greys I could find really only addressed basics bird care and breeding issues.

The African Grey Parrot Handbook by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter is the book that addresses all of my questions about African Greys. Not only does it contain useful information about the general characteristics and nutritional needs of African Greys, it gives advice about proper socialization techniques, special housing requirements and suggestions for dealing with behavioral problems.

I would recommend that anyone who has a African Grey Parrot, or is thinking of owning one purchase this book and keep it handy! The African Grey Handbook is full of useful information presented in a format that is easy to read and use for reference. There are also entertaining stories which serve as examples to illustrate the topic being discussed.

After working to rehabilitate numerous African Grey parrots who have developed behavior problems such as biting and feather pulling, I wish that every African Grey would come with a copy of this book!

Get this book! I have a companion Grey parrot that was a rescue bird who had started some wicked screaming for attention that I was sure would get me evicted! I bought the book as well as her Guide to the Well Behaved Parrot and Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior. They changed everything! I now live harmoniously with 6 well behaved parrots--the Grey no longer screams and we are VERY HAPPY. I owe this in large part to these excellent books. The author has years of experience and knowledge about African Greys. Anyone who wants a grey should read it BEFORE they bring the bird home. Anyone who has a grey should read it because greys live a long time and are highly intelligent--this book will help solve everything from screaming behaviors to health issues. I strongly recommend this book as well as her others. this is essential reading.

Already having six Parrots I didn't think I needed the book, but my wife insisted that we get it (Saved $5.00 from my local pet store price)After reading the first two chapters I realized there was a lot to learn about African Grey's. Mattie Sue Athan lets you know right from the start that owning a Grey is not like any other Pet you've had before or probably after. She covers all the major areas of concern, and then some. By the time I finished the book I was looking at my Grey in a much different way. Greys are very complex, sensitive creatures and this book teaches you how to communicate on their level, and hopefully they will respond with many years of love and companionship. This book is great for the beginner (I'm not sure a Grey is though) and a definite read for the seasoned Parrot owner who is getting their first Grey, or has a Aviary full of Greys. Thanks Mattie.

I have an African Grey named Rover and she is three years old, she is very well adjusted and a delight to have around. Before I got Rover I was told the optimum time to acquire an African Grey was just after weaning, some told me to finish out the last few days of hand feeding and wean the bird myself. I had been told that any bird older than that would not properly bond with me and not make the best companion and that the bird would most likely exhibit behavioral problems. When I found Rover she was ten and a half months old and was still with her clutch mates. I was hesitant to purchase her but I instantly fell in love with her and she showed interest in me also. I told myself that somehow we would work through the problems that we would surely have. Aside from a brief getting to know each other period the problems never have materialized. I thought that I had just gotten lucky. After reading The African Grey Parrot Handbook I find that I had actually got her at the perfect age. I guess I did get lucky! I have also learned some very interesting and useful facts about Grey behavior such as why they tear up paper, now I know that is because she loves me and not because she is bored. I can stop worrying now, because I have a tool that can answer virtually any question that I have about the African Grey. The African Grey Parrot Handbook is like an instruction manual for the African Grey. This book is most informative and full of anecdotal stories and illustrations beneficial to the African Grey owner. Easy to understand with an index for quick and easy future references. Any one who is owned by an African Grey should most defiantly own this book.

This book is required reading for anyone who either wants an African Grey or already has one. Whoever came up with the phrase "Birdbrain" never spent any time around an African Grey. Greys are complicated, smart critters, and without a good lesson in birdie psychology, and a window into their thinking, a great potential companion can be ruined and spend a lifetime miserable, lonely and unfulfilled. This book gives the reader ideas and examples of Grey behavior, and condenses complex ideas into enjoyable reading. Other books such as "My Parrot, My Friend" and "The Grey Parrot" while good, are dry and difficult to take, cover to cover. This excellent work keeps the reader interested, without getting bogged down in endless side lines.

I lent this book to a person in my office that also has a Grey, (what are the odds!?) and she didn't even finish the book before she handed it back to me and announced that she was getting a copy of her own!

Out of 5 stars, this book gets a rock solid 5 stars, with star dust to spare!

Nice work Dianalee! My Grey, Milo, and I thank you!

I just got my Grey and this book has helped us a lot, when we need to know what's up with our Grey, this is our first source! I have read other so called "complete" guides, and I have always been left thirsting for more. This book "The African Grey Parrot Handbook" satisfies my thirst for knowledge. Its is packed full of interesting facts and personal tidbits. This book is loaded with good illustrations and diagrams that I thought were more helpful then other "guides." It is the "complete guide" I was hoping for from the other book. I plan on reading this book again, after I finish the "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior" for my other feathered friends.

Mattie Sue Athan has done it again! And this time--co-authoring with Dianalee Deter, has given us an excellent guide to owning the complex African grey parrot. These authors have written comprehensive, thorough and easy to read advice to anyone thinking of living with one of these intelligent parrots. Novices, as well as experts, can glean new knowledge herein, and can totally put their trust in the hands of these two. Mattie Sue Athan, as always, is a parrot's best friend. This book is a wonderful addition to MSA's Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior and Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot, which no parrot owner should be without. I reference mine time and time again. Now, if only my African grey could type, I know she would give it 5 stars herself!

I have well over a dozen parrot related books and subscribe to BirdTalk and Parrot USA. I rank this book at the top.Well written, very informative and thoroughly researched.
Definitely one of the best resource books available.

This is a wonderful book for those contemplating adopting an african grey parrot for the first time, or those who already have one of these wonderful parrots. Lots of relevant information written in an easy-to-understand format. A must-have for the african grey parrot owner.

This book is great! It deals with ALL aspects of the African Grey - from physical care, to emotional care to socializing with other birds and humans. Through the book I picked up valuable hints and tips which has enabled me to ensure that my Grey is happy, content and playful. I can greatly recommend this book to all. This book will enrich both the novice Grey owner (who still thinks that he is the boss) as well as the seasoned 'pet' of a Grey!