Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Barron's) [Paperback]

Mattie Sue Athan (Author)

Book Description

Series: Barron's | Publication Date: September 21, 2007

This expanded new edition of a popular parrot-training book explains parrot psychology and discusses the ways in which parrot owners can apply it to solve behavior problems. The author cites the most common problems--screaming, biting, and feather-chewing--and tells how to remedy them. She also stresses the need for periodic reinforcement of desirable parrot behavior traits and advises on many aspects of good parrot care, including proper nutrition and providing the bird with steady companionship. The text is complemented with many attractive and instructive color photos and line art.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

(back cover):
An expert on parrots and their care explains parrot behavior management and tells you how to use environment and positive reinforcement to prevent and resolve behavior problems. She advises on how to solve the most common problems--screaming, biting, and feather-chewing--and stresses the need for periodic reinforcement of desirable parrot behavior. This expanded new edition tells you what you need to know about virtually every aspect of good parrot care, including proper nutrition and providing the bird with a rich, supportive environment.

Filled with color photos and instructive line art

About the Author

Mattie Sue Athan is a widely respected expert on parrots and their care. She contributes regularly to bird-care periodicals and is also the author of Parrots: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual and co-author of The African Grey Parrot Handbook, both published by Barron's.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 3 edition (September 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764136674
• ISBN-13: 978-0764136672
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (82 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Birds

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must" for Parrot Owners, March 22, 2000

By 

"91crxsi" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Paperback)

I have just purchased and read the Second Edition of "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan. I had owned and used the First Edition of GTAWBP for years, until some erstwhile "friend" borrowed it and never returned it. I won't make that mistake again.

There are few books on any subject that can be termed "Must Read," but anyone who owns or is even considering owning a parrot "MUST" buy and read and refer to this book time after time after time. If there ever was an essential "owners and operators manual" for a pet psitticine (parrot), then this book is it. It doesn't matter if you are brand new to parrot ownership or somewhere into your fourth decade of being owned by parrots, this book always has some new kernel of knowledge on a companion bird that the author says "has the intellectual intelligence of a human three year-old and the emotional development of a human two year-old."

The GTAWBP covers all bases of parrot ownership - from socialization to behavioral development to how the owner must adapt to a complex and intelligent bird that will claim an equal share in any relationship. This is a book that needs to be read cover-to-cover and then kept close at hand for behavioral and interactive situations that will come up during a lifetime relationship. GTAWBP is a reference book that deserves an annual re-read, just to keep ideas and theories fresh in the owner's mind.

Now, keep in mind that this is a second edition of a best seller that was first published in 1993. GTWBP has probably been through a couple of printings in its First Edition, but when the publisher anticipates a continued long life for a book like this, the author is asked to put out a second edition. This new edition gives the author the chance to incorporate new ideas, theories, details, and pictures that are available after the first edition was published.

It's a tribute to Mattie Sue's ability and wisdom that about 80 percent of the Second Edition of GTAWBP is unchanged from the first edition. Mattie Sue (I wonder if anyone ever does refer to her as "Athan.") has changed and improved on her first edition advice on how to handle a biting parrot. She has changed some of the endearing stories at the end of the book, and she has utilized more and even better photographs and illustrations in the second edition. All of these changes add to the value of this book.

On a personal note, the normally camera-shy author, who used to publish only pictures of her hands in her books, has turned into a virtual model, with at least 3 untitled pictures of herself in the new edition. The trick is still to figure out "Where's Mattie Sue?" I did spot one instance where an unknowing photo editor showed the wrong species bird in a photo, but that fix will have to wait for the third edition.

In summary, the second edition of "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" is well worth the purchase price, even if someone has yet to swipe your first edition.

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential equipment!, March 24, 2000

By 

Debora Keller (Riverton, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Paperback)

Mattie Sue Athans' "Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" is honestly an essential piece of equipment for anyone keeping companion parrots. If you have a cage, dishes for food and water, appropriate toys and a real desire to live in peace and harmony with your companion bird, your next purchase should be this book. At under $10.00, it may just be the best money you will every spend on your bird.

In writing this book, Ms. Athan has captured and shared some very subtle concepts relating to parrot psychology. A parrot is not a dog or a cat . . . its not even a mammal. Although keenly intelligent, their minds do not function like ours. Parrots possess an "alien" intelligence. Their behaviors stem from millions of years of evolution in a society completely unlike our own human world.

The wonder of parrots is that they can so successfully cross over from their world to ours and establish meaningful, caring connections with the humans in their lives. (I wonder how many of us could do the same?) Ms. Athan's inate respect for all of the creatures she shares her life with is a constant thread throughout her book and is surely one of her secrets to success on so many levels. Please consider adding this book to your collection.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for Everyone who has or wants a parrot, November 2, 2000

By 

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

This review is from: Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Paperback)

This book is absolutely essential for anyone who has a companion parrot or is contemplating getting one. The author provides practical advice and behavioral techniques and interventions that are based upon her own years of experience as well as solid behavioral science. As a clinician trained in behavior modification with humans, I found this book as well as her others absolutely essential reading for anyone who lives with a parrot. I refer to them on a regular basis and can honestly say that they have helped me enormously with my 4 rescue birds. Parrots live a long time-50 or more years for some species. It is important that a proactive and preventive approach be taken so that our lives with them are harmonious and joyful. This book offers solutions for biting, screaming, and just about every problem one may encounter with a companion parrot. I couldn't recommend a book more highly. Get it and you won't be sorry.