Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior [Paperback]

Mattie Sue Athan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

A companion parrot is to a bird lover what a favorite lapdog is to its owner -- a friend through thick and thin. This book offers a wealth of advice on such topics as choosing between a young parrot and an older bird, selecting and training a talking parrot, modifying some of a companion parrot's behavior traits and periodically reinforcing behavior changes, keeping the bird groomed and away from household safety hazards, and virtually all other aspects of care. The author, a respected parrot expert, discusses ways of coping with occasional problems that include excessive screaming and feather chewing, and describes general differences in behavior among various companion birds - budgies, lovebirds, cockatiels, macaws, conures, lories and others.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
Whether you already own a companion parrot or plan to acquire one of these fascinating birds, you'll value Mattie Sue Athan's helpful information on everyday care and advice on dealing with potential problems. Topics she discusses in detail include:

Choosing the right species for your home

Selecting and training a talking parrot

Modifying your bird's behavior and reinforcing favorable behavior habits

Protecting your parrot from play accidents and household hazards

Coping with occasional issues, such as screaming or feather chewing behavior

You'll also enjoy reading her many amusing stories about companion parrots and their owners.
Filled with color photos and illustrations --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 1st Edition, 3rd Printing edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764106880
• ISBN-13: 978-0764106880
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #271,308 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Birds

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable reference for insight into your birds behavior, July 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior (Paperback)

The Parrot Rehabilitation Society is a non-profit organization that regularly deals with the problems of companion birds who are without homes because the owners were unprepared to deal with the challenges of exotic bird ownership. As Vice-President of the Parrot Rehabilitation Society and Director of the Adoption and Foster Program, I was very impressed with Mattie Sue Athans' newest book, "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior".

Because many birds are placed in our Foster Program by their owners due to behavioral problems such as feather picking, screaming, biting, or extreme fearfulness, these sections in the book have proved to provide valuable and practical information for our foster and adoptive parents. The specific suggestions for "Recovering Confidence in a Fearful Parrot" and "Feather Chewing, Snapping and Plucking" are particularly good. These behaviors are so troubling and complex,yet most resource books only give a general overview of possible causative factors, without offering any practical solutions.

The "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior" is written in a format which allows it to be used for reference, but it is interesting and entertaining enough to be read through from cover to cover.

I highly recommend this book, as well as "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan, to anyone who has a companion parrot in their life, or is considering purchasing or adopting an exotic bird. Both books together provide a valuable reference for insight into the on-going and ever-changing relationships that develop between you and your feathered family members.

Cathy Isbell, Vice-President Parrot Rehabilitation Society

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have for the Parrot Lover's Library, May 21, 2001

By 

Anne Watkins (Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior (Paperback)

Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior is chock full of brilliant color photos, clear line drawings, and well explained, easy-to-understand terms. There are sections covering the basics of most parrot and parrot-type birds, from tiny parakeets to majestic macaws, and every species in between. The book is stuffed with useful information that will be helpful to both the first-time bird buyer and the experienced parrot owner in the selection of a companion bird.

Chapters include "What is a Companion Parrot?" "Finding the Right Bird," "General Care and Other Considerations," "Behavioral Development," "Occasional Behavioral Issues," and, one of my favorite sections, "Stories About Companion Parrots." One part even covers what happens when a bonded parrot survives its owner. There are many, many informative sections that are invaluable for anyone who loves, and desires to learn more about, companion birds.

This is a well-written, comprehensive book that will provide hours of entertainment and education. I highly recommend it!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Two Essential Books for The Parrot Enthusiast, November 2, 2000

By 

marion russo-lleras (Scotch Plains, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior (Paperback)

This book, along with The Well Behaved Parrot by the same author, is essential reading for anyone who has or wants a companion parrot. This book covers all of the most popular as well as some of the lesser known bird species. I have 4 rescue birds that came to me with a variety of behavioral problems. By following the behavioral techniques and interventions suggested by the author I can honestly say many problems were solved and other were avoided. Get this book and her others if you are serious about your companion birds. It will really help you understand your parrot and prevent problem behaviors from developing.