Customer Reviews

The Parrot Problem Solver

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm repeating my review of Ms. Heidenreich's other book, Good Bird! because I think both books work together as one great resource. They are the best books I've come across dealing with companion parrots. If you understood why your bird is behaving as it does, you can deal with it more effectively. Kindness and reward go far with a companion bird (and, even though Ms. Heidenreich didn't mention it, 11-12 hours of covered cage/darkness a day does, too) than all the reprimanding in the world (which a parrot does not understand). A parrot, much like a cat, is not going to do anything he doesn't want to do, but unlike a cat, you can convince a parrot to want what you want, too. Tell him he's a good bird when he's quiet. Give him a reward when he says something nice. Understand you are his teacher, not his mate and not his slave. Punish him by turning your back, reward him by giving attention and praise. Parrots are a lot like toddlers - they need to be constantly taught how to be good and their companions need to be able to recognize the behaviors (sometimes extremely hard to see) that signal overexcitement, frustration and anger. Excellent book I'd recommend to any bird "owner."

Barbara Heidenreich has written this book to help the rest of us understand a little more about our companions and to figure out how to solve some of the problems that may develop between you and your very intelligent pet.

She explains how and why negative reinforcement is not as successful as positive reinforcement in changing an undesired behaviour.

Because our birds are not far removed from parrots in the wild, Barbara has included a chapter on parrot behavior in the wild.

She has included chapters on aggression and reading a bird's body language and explains how excitement can sometimes turn into aggression as well as what to watch for to avoid a possible bite.

Tools and Techniques to Address Problems with Aggression gives several examples of what you can do in certain circumstances to work through problems.

If you are having a problem with your parrot, this book by Barbara Heidenreich should give you some great advice to be able to get back the companion bird that you love. Just remember that everything takes time and solving problems takes more time than preventing them in the first place. If you don't have problems with your parrot, this book may give you enough advice and ideas to avoid some common problems.

I have 3 adopted Umbrella cockatoos and an African grey and was looking for some advice on dealing with behavior problems. I agree with her philosophy but was really looking for the PROBLEM SOLVER(!) part of the book. The book is not organized well and digresses plenty (to other species, etc.) You have to read to the end to actually find some "problem solving" techniques and by then I was frustrated with it. I am still considering buying one of her DVDs as realize she is knowledgeable on parrot behavior. However, this book needs a new title. Worth reading overall but doesn't really give much practical advice on solving behavior problems. For example, here's a good suggestion (not hers) -- Wrap your arm in "Ace bandages" and wear a long-sleeve shirt (to hide the wrap) for biting parrots. I do not have high pain tolerance and am tired of advice suggesting you "take the bites". I can't. Meanwhile I was afraid to handle one of my biting birds...that is, until I protected my arms. Now I can actually work with this bird and since the biting does not get a response from me, and I'm not fearful and expecting a bite, the bird is no longer doing it. Gee, a simple solution! THAT'S the kind of advice I was looking for! But I need more practical problem solving advice. So I'm still looking...!

If you have ever worked with birds that show aggression, this book will be a easy to understand and excellent all-around resource for you. Great for first time parrot people and experienced trainers alike. Includes explanations based in science (ethology and behavior sciences) as well as training techiniques. Sections on bird body language are very helpful. This book goes into more depth than Good Bird! and is a very useful addition. I recommend this book to many of my students, and I haven't heard a disapointed comment yet. I look forward to more from Barbara! If you've not gotten a chance to check out the magazine, Good Bird! it is also very worthwhile.

This is a wonderful book. Great tips and sound advice. Unfortunately, I think my macaw read it before I did. Now I am a very obedient, well-behaved owner. Seriously, the book is worth every penny. I've had my macaw 24 years, and neither she nor I am too old to benefit from the common-sense tips we found in this book.

Doesn't get any better than this. Nice to read a substantial book from someone who has worked with parrots in all aspects. An eye opener that doesn't make you feel like a bad parront :)

Excellent, easy to understand. Lots of great information for first time parrot owners to advanced parrot owners. Highly recomend to anyone.

This is one of the best books I have read on parrot care and training. It was especially helpful because I have a "second-hand" parrot who was coerced into stepping up and as a result is very aggressive with hands. I found it helpful that she addressed this particular problem. I also liked that she gave references and examples of training. I would have liked step by step instructions or details for example Barbara Heidenreich said she worked 20 minutes each day for two weeks to train a bird and I was curious to know what she did each day for 20 minutes and how she began and ended those sessions. Maybe she will write another book where I can learn more. I also liked her philosophy of building a relationship with the bird rather than trying to dominate the bird. Thank you for this book.

I recommend this book to everyone who has a parrot in their life.

The best of the best.

There are 2 bird training experts who I have relied on in my tenure as a parrot owner, Sally Blanchard and Barbara Heidenreich. This book is a great reference to many of the issues that you might encounter in the many years that you will have with your friend. It is a handy book to have and review every so often.