The Beak Book: Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots [Paperback]

Sally Blanchard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2002

Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots

It is unlikely that anyone who first brings a companion parrot into his or her life has the idea that it will be a temporary situation. Unfortunately many parrots do not stay in their homes because their caregivers don't have the information they need to provide the behavioral guidance that keeps them tame. With over thirty years of bird experience and her theory of Nurturing Guidance, Sally Blanchard's practical advice shows you why biting and aggression are actually the easiest behavioral problems to understand, prevent, and solve. Sally Blanchard's long awaited Beak Book will play an instrumental role in keeping reader's parrots in their homes.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As editor/publisher of the Companion Parrot Quarterly, author of the Companion Parrot Handbook, and long time Parrot Psychology columnist for Bird Talk magazine, Sally Blanchard is perhaps the best-known and most highly respected name in the field of companion parrot information. With her theory of Nurturing Guidance, Sally Blanchard provides parrot caregivers with a logical, common sense, trust-building approach to maintaining a positive relationship with companion parrots. The highly praised Companion Parrot Handbook gives readers practical information about all aspects of parrot behavior and care.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: PBIC, Inc. (Pet Bird Information Council) (July 15, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0967129818
• ISBN-13: 978-0967129815
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,041,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Relationship Builder, April 7, 2003

By 

Kathy Wright (Richmond Heights, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Beak Book: Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots (Paperback)

I have not yet even finished the book, but it has already been well worth the price. This book has really straightened me out! I thought my parrot, who has been my beloved companion since 1986, was developing behavioral problems. This book has made me accept that these so called problems are my responsibility and that her behavior is a result of my input. I have started thinking about what every action I take teaches her (great examples in the book--like looking in the mirror) and have started patterning more acceptable behavior by becoming more calm and understanding in my dealings with her and by focusing on her more when we are interacting. When incidents occur, I now analyze them and learn from them. The difference is amazing, even from a mature (20ish and going strong) legally imported parrot whose first owners did not appreciate the beautiful friend that she is. To benefit from this book, you need to examine both yourself and your avian companion and take responsibility for creating a positive and trusting relationship. As I felt that our problems were of comparatively recent origin, I was able to see through the examples how recent stresses in my own life had subtly influenced my behavior and my relationship with my parrot. (In the author's terms, perhaps I have "confused" her!) By adjusting my own tone of voice and behavior (always be calm!), I saw an immediate result and our relationship has improved vastly. I really appreciate the author's philosophy and creativity in dealing with avian/human problems, although it was sad to read that many of the people she has counseled were too stubborn or impatient to accept her advice. I look forward to Sally Blanchard's next book.
And, as for the comments on organization, who cares? Life is not always organized!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parrot Books, February 21, 2004

By 

Jeff "birdrcheepybooks" (midlothian, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beak Book: Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots (Paperback)

If this book was written on toilet paper, I'd still recommend it. 95% of the books written on birds and parrots are fallacious, outdated and just useful as curiosities for what-not-to-do. Sure, its not the best organized book but still is chock full of information, and less expensive than Companion Guide. I reread both books over and over and find something useful each time. Its not a story book, its a reference book. Dictionaries aren't well written either.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars every parrot owner should have this book, January 14, 2005

By 

R. Muller (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beak Book: Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots (Paperback)

Occasionally my parrot was biting me so I called a rescue organization who recommended this book to me. It is FANTASTIC! I haven't been bitten by my bird since. I learned to respect when my bird was uncomfortable with something and that handling a bird when they're extremely excited can be asking for trouble. I can't say enough good things about this book. BUY IT!