A Parrot for Life: Raising and Training the Perfect Parrot Companion [Hardcover]

Rebecca K. O'Connor (Author), April Chmura (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2007

Parrots are wonderful companions that can enrich a home with entertainment and happiness for many years. In order to ensure the long-term health and well being of these special birds, it is important to understand how caretaking must adapt over the long life of these beautiful pets.

A Parrot for Life is the most comprehensive guide to caring for a parrot through the many changes that can take place during the stages of his life. This useful book covers a variety of important topics like housing, nutrition, health care, training, and travel. It also provides insightful discussion on keeping a parrot healthy and content throughout an owner's life changes, such as marriage, moving, and adopting other pets. Written by an experienced parrot keeper, falconer, and bird trainer, the author imparts her knowledge of training, behavior, and care in a fun and lively style. The vivid drawings help illustrate key points throughout the book.

If you are looking to provide the best care possible for your parrot, A Parrot for Life is your ultimate resource to help you look after your feathered friend for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...We will be adding A Parrot for Life to our required reading list for those wishing to adopt a parrot." -- Rose Levine, Director of Parrots First, Inc.

From the Back Cover

New and experienced parrot owners alike will find the information and advice presented in A Parrot for Life invaluable for making their feathered companion's long life the best that it can be. This comprehensive guide to life with parrots includes:

* complete care information, including feeding and nutrition, housing, and health care;
* positive training methods that help parrots and people better understand each other;
* sidebars and tip boxes that highlight important concepts, present money- and time-saving tips, and troubleshoot potential problems;
* fun and instructional drawings that enhance the text.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (January 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793805821
• ISBN-13: 978-0793805822
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #923,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

It would be safe to say that Rebecca enjoys animals. Although she no longer works at free flight bird shows, her three small parrots, Brittany, falcon and flock of pigeons keep her training skills honed and keep her entertained.

Living a life dedicated to "birds and words", Rebecca currently works as a Director of Development for Ducks Unlimited, where she raises awareness and funds for wetlands conservation. Her spare time is dedicated to falconry, parrots and book projects.

Rebecca's newest book is a falconry memoir, LIFT, a book about the first season with her first peregrine falcon, Anakin and their adventures hunting near the Salton Sea. It's a book about finding oneself and making amends with the past while seeking freedom in the shadow of a peregrine.

Rebecca hopes that her life's work will somehow help people understand their connection to animals and the earth and to relish it.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars so many parrot books, are they all the same?, February 3, 2007

By 

J. R. Taylor "Flossy" (London,UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Parrot for Life: Raising and Training the Perfect Parrot Companion (Hardcover)

I own most parrot books available and certainly all books available since year 2000. They are mostly good but very similar.....
A Parrot for Life is, not only a beautiful book to compliment your library, it is different in that it prepares you for events which more than likely will happen and for changes which are also bound to occur when you choose to share your life with one of these beautiful long lived creatures.
Not only is it a Godsend for those planning to bring a companion parrot into their life....
This book is special and unique and I feel it will help parrot owners going through that 'what have I done' stage, help them to get past that and fall in love all over again gaining a deeper relationship with the parrot they chose as their companion.
This book will help you to realise you don't have to be a failure and to make friends again with your companion.
Own this book and open your eyes.
With respect..
Jan

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive guide, full of the best information available to date, October 18, 2007

By 

Kelly Ballance "Kelly @ The Avian Medical Center" (Lake Oswego, Oregon) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Parrot for Life: Raising and Training the Perfect Parrot Companion (Hardcover)

It's easy to place this book on any parront's list of must-haves. Well written, well laid out and full of the best information regarding keeping parrots as pets. If you want to set the parrot-person relationship up for success, this book gives you the tools to do it!

Chapters include: Choosing the Right Parrot, Setting Up Space, Nutrition, Adjusting to Your New Parrot and Vice Versa, Behavior and Training, as well as Caring for Your Parrot Over a Lifetime.

Another bonus to this book? It travels well! This is especially useful for behavior consultants, veterinarians and anyone else who assists people with their birds.

I've told my students that I've been waiting a long time for a book of this caliber, and this piece has delivered, plus some! It's not just for the newly bird smitten, it's for those who have lived or worked with parrots for many years as well. It is also a useful tool for animal shelter/humane society staff.

Definitely belongs on your gift giving list this holiday season for all your parrot loving friends, those who are interested in birds, and those who help the avian community. It's such a beautiful and useful tool, please consider donating a copy to your local animal shelter!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must for parrot owners, May 12, 2007

By 

Katherine Medearis "bird lover" (new orleans) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Parrot for Life: Raising and Training the Perfect Parrot Companion (Hardcover)

This book should come with every parrot adopted. I bought the book not only for the advice and information, but because it's filled with fun, colorful illustrations. I love the ideas for making easy, inexpensive parrot toys in the chapter called "Bringing Home Baby." Good luck with your new buddy.