For the Love of Greys [Paperback]

Bobbi Brinker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 20, 2004

Bobbi Brinker shares her knowledge and experience with African greys in all of the areas that are important for the pet owner and for the breeder. Bobbi's unsurpassed understanding of the essential African grey is matched only by her ability to convey the information with respect, compassion, and empathy for greys and for the people with whom they share their lives. Bobbi's love and respect for these birds is obvious throughout the book. She offers sound, sensible information in a series of thought-provoking articles. The book represents the author's deep convictions drawn from years of observation and experience hand raising grey babies. Common misunderstandings about African greys are explained clearly and with an inescapable logic. The book contains important and vital information presented in a clear and relevant way for prospective African grey owners. Although the title leads one to conclude this book is exclusively about grey parrots, it is an important guide and reference for owners of all parrot species. Originally published and distributed by the author to aviaries and grey owners, Lucky Press is very proud to have obtained the worldwide English publishing rights to Bobbi Brinker's book and to offer the second edition of For the Love of Greys to the trade and to the public. This latest edition comes with a new, color cover and updated references sure to keep the reader up-to-date on the latest information. Many of the articles in this book have been translated into Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Polish on the World Wide Web. Many of her articles have been reprinted in bird club newsletters, nationally and internationally and offered as educational handouts at conferences and bird fairs. This book and her articles are given by other breeders to their clients to help them better understand and manage their African greys.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a must for prospective African grey owners." -- Gwen Flinchum, DVM, Exotic DVM Veterinary Magazine

"...clear and relevant direction regarding all aspects of care and breeding of African grey parrots...an important guide and reference..." -- Carolyn Swicegood, The AFA Watchbird

"...the chapters on breeding, hand-rearing methods and weaning should be required reading..." -- Tracy Gwillim, Parrots Magazine

If you are interested in breeding these birds, these chapters will be invaluable. -- Mavis Metcalf, BellaOnline's Birds Editor

No owner or breeder of an African Grey can afford to be without For The Love Of Greys -- Midwest Book Review, May 2005 Midwest Book Review, May 2005 Midwest Book Review, May 2005

From the Publisher

In year that's passed since Lucky Press released Bobbi Brinker's For the Love of Greys parrot owners, aviaries, and rescue organizations continue to offer positive feedback on the wealth of helpful information Ms. Brinker details in her book, which is based on many years of experience with African Greys and with other species of parrots as well. This book continues to be The Complete Guide to a Healthy, Happy African Grey.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lucky Press, LLC (December 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976057611
• ISBN-13: 978-0976057611
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,037 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you buy only one parrot book, let this be it!, May 18, 2005

By 

Lauraloo Mattox "tumble3" (Atlanta, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: For the Love of Greys (Paperback)

I recently bought my second African Grey from an excellent breeder. I paid for her at a bird fair, waited two weeks for her to finish weaning, and then picked her up. While I was waiting, I perused several books, and bought two. The other was Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot, which I also recommend. But I prefer this book.

It is, for lack of a better term, humanistic in its approach. I find that raising parrots is a lot like raising children. THe healthiest ones are raised compassionately, without harmful punishment. In this book, you are taught how to encourage the behaviors you desire from your parrot, and how to deter the less positive behaviors (biting, plucking, earring-eating, etc) and you are taught how to do this without yelling, hitting, or using scaring tactics like earthquaking or neglect. You are shown the importance of establishing a trusting bond with your parrot, and thus the importance of never violating that trust. Using her techniques, I have been able to get my bird to step up without ever having to force her.

The book also debunks many of the more common myths, such as "greys are one person birds" In fact, she gives suggestions on how to help your Grey bond with everyone in the family.

The book references many articles on the web, and gives the URLs for them - so you are able to conveniently continue your research in whichever areas you wish.

The book is written in a warm and wise tone, you can tell the author really knows Greys, and she deeply loves them. And while books that discuss parrot behavior in general can prove helpful, this book is excellent in covering those things particular to Greys. On the flip side, I do recommend this book to the owner of ANY parrot!

I wish I had read this book before I got my first bird. I am having such an easier time socializing this new bird, easier than I ever thought possible. I have a tender, sweet bond with my new Grey, and I am very grateful to Bobbi Brinker for this book, and to my most wonderful breeder!

If you are even vaguely contemplating buying this book, trust me, just go ahead and get it. You will learn so much from it, and it will forever improve your relationships!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Offers sound, sensible, accessible information, May 7, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For the Love of Greys (Paperback)

For The Love Of Greys: The Complete Guide To A Healthy And Happy African Grey is the ideal instruction manual covering every aspect of the parrot known as an "African Grey". Author Bobbi Brinker is an expert in every aspect of their breeding and care. Profusely illustrated throughout, this pet owner's manual offers sound, sensible, accessible information in a series of informed and informative articles drawn from years of personal observation and experience hand raising grey babies. For The Love Of Greys clears up common misunderstandings about African Greys. Although dedicated specifically the African Greys, readers should note that there is considerable and invaluable information that would be applicable to all other species of parrots as well. No owner or breeder of an African Grey can afford to be without For The Love Of Greys in the personal pet care reference collection!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book!, February 1, 2005

By 

debra s (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For the Love of Greys (Paperback)

Written by the well-known breeder Bobbi Brinker, For the Love of Greys is truly a goldmine of information about the beloved parrots known as Congo African or Red-tailed and Timneh African Greys. Ms. Brinker has covered everything from behavioral issues to forced weaning, from common myths about Greys to proper socialization, from trimming flight feathers to proper diet including some great recipes, and from how to get your Grey to eat pellets to how to grow sprouts.

You'll find the answers to many of your questions concerning all parrots: How do I know what to ask the breeder? Are peanuts ok? Should I give vitamins? Do I cover my bird's cage? What are the airline regulations on parrots?

This is THE book on Greys whether you are thinking about getting one of these darling birds or have one now!