Written in plain, straightforward language for all readers, Rosie Red Bottom, takes the true-life — and sometimes humorous — experiences of the author and helps to simplify the challenges and concerns of raising parrots. Author Donna Mann has the perfect recipe for parrot care: take one part preparation, add one part common sense, and stir in lots of love. Whether you are thinking about bringing a bird into your home, or already live with one of these beautiful, intelligent creatures, you’ll find this book to be a down-to-earth, realistic approach for care of an African grey. Mann encourages parrot owners to understand the many stimuli and variables that affect avian pets and to use common sense and the process of elimination to resolve the issues that they may have with their bird. She also explains, in detail, the routine, physical set-up, diet, and training techniques that have worked with Rosie. Included in this book is an extensive Appendix with 150 references and websites for readers to grow in their knowledge and appreciation of African greys. From websites for avian artists to conservation groups to import/export regulations to lists of toxic substances, the Appendix is a valuable reference for those who love and live with African grey parrots.
Donna Mann currently lives in Alaska with her husband Marcus, Rosie Red Bottom, a fish, and two dogs. Her life has always been shared with a few pets. Not only has she raised traditional pets such as cats and dogs, she also has raised farm animals and some nontraditional creatures, ranging from raccoons to wolves, successfully.
Donna has been an educator and nurse. Her animal experience has come from hand-raising, working with, and loving her animals. She has worked at the Alaska Zoo and regularly participates and assists dog-mushers during the Iditarod.
Donna's enormous success with animals comes from her love of the animals themselves and the enormous respect she has for Mother Nature. Donna mixes her love and respect with a lot of creativity, patience, and flexibility -- and certainly a lot humor.
She respects her animals as much as she appreciates the happiness and humor they bring to her, every day. Her pet's personalities are a direct reflection of what she is like: goofy, fun loving, and full of individual spirit. Each of her animals -- from the fish, to the dogs, and even Rosie -- has their own separate and distinct personality.
Donna documents and journalizes her experiences with Rosie, as she has done with many of her animals, in order to share her experiences with you.
