Customer Reviews

New Parrot Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks)

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This book was the the first book that I purchased when I began researching getting my first bird. As my knowledge grew I learned that most, if not all of the information in this "new" book was VERY out of date. When this book was written we were still catching birds in the rainforest, feeding them only seed and water, and not understanding their basic emotional, dietary and medical needs. There are many wonderful books out there that help you choose, and raise the right parrot species for your lifestyle - this is not one of them. Check the copywrite date. Anything written before 1992 (when we stopped importing and started really hand raising and learning what our feathered companions need) is probably out of date and is only good for the pictures.

Please, for the sake of your future companion, get a book written recently, with up to date information, or find a breeder to ask what to read. Do your research first, but make sure that it good research.

This book is out dated and is clearly not for "pet" parrots. Instead get...

Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot - by Mattie Sue Athan
The Complete Bird Owner's Handbook - by Gary A. Gallerstien, D.V.M.
Companion Parrot Handbook - by Sally Blanchard
Guide to Companion Bird Behavior - by Mattie Sue Athan

In my opinion these books are the best.

This book showed a lot of promise when I bought it, but after the first few pages it was appearant that this was a book written for European collectors, not American breeders or pet owners. Diet recommendations are possibly harmful, as are some of the training tips. I was hoping for much more from this nicely presented book, but got one collectors opinion and some poor photos. If nothing else is available, this is a start.