The Ultimate Parrot [Hardcover]

Barrett Watson (Author), Mike Hurley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2000

The parrot is now one of themost popular pet birds, and bird-keepers are becoming increasingly ambitious in the varieties and numbers they keep. In The Ultimate Parrot, editor Barrett Watson has recruited a star-studded panel of experts to give the most comprehensive advice to date on caring for parrots.

The parrot is traced back to its wild state, and parrot habitats are examined in order to give a better idea of the pet parrot's requirements. Parrot behavior comes under the microscope, with a fascinating section on talking parrots. A leading avian veterinarian supplies an A-Z listing of commonn health problems and diseases.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Contrary to what you may have heard, Polly does not want a cracker. But she'll appreciate some sunflowers seeds! The Ultimate Parrot is a lovely and informative guide to all topics related to these exotic animals. Folks considering their first parrot will benefit greatly from a thorough reading before they purchase their feathered friend--this book pulls no punches on just how time-consuming parrot parenting can be. Those already living happily with a parrot can learn from the detailed chapters on proper diet, training, health care, and breeding practices. The text is clear and easily absorbed and goes into extensive detail whenever possible. Need tips on zinc poisoning or hand-rearing chicks? Worried that your bird isn't in peak condition? Looking to prevent bites from your new cockatiel? For those in search of such specific answers, the table of contents lists every smaller topic included in each chapter, so it's easy to find the right page even without an index. Gorgeous pictures are sprinkled throughout the book, and some not-so-gorgeous but useful photos are included of various diseases and stress-related conditions that can affect these birds. The breed directory is especially helpful to folks looking for their first bird--like any purebred pet, each breed has specific needs for space and attention that should not be ignored. Editor Barrett Watson pays great attention to these needs and includes important information on conservation plans and trusts to help keep these lovely creatures from becoming extinct. --Jill Lightner

From the Publisher

The parrot is now one of themost popular pet birds, and bird-keepers are becoming increasingly ambitious in the varieties and numbers they keep.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764561022
• ISBN-13: 978-0764561023
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,752,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Photos, Decent Text for Parrot Lovers, August 18, 2003

By 

Jennifer Fretwell (Allison Park, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Ultimate Parrot (Hardcover)

This book is published in the UK and has the typical UK focus on aviaries and breeding in aviary settings. These chapters will probably not interest the typical US parrot owner who has a pet parrot or two and is uninterested in breeding. The book has a large chapter on various "breeds" of parrots. I suppose that in the UK one refers to parrot breeds. In the US, however, you would be severely criticized for this. Parrots consist of different species, not breeds. The different parrots available are unrelated species with different scientific names. Cats and dogs, on the other hand, are the same exact species but are considered to have breeds to designate different varieties and traits humans have selectively bred. I just want to clarify this point so that a person new to the world of parrots is not labeled an ignoramus! The species descriptions are very brief and often limited to breeding habits or distribution in the wild. Most species descriptions are not accompanied by a photo, either. If one is looking for a parrot identifier with photos and lots of descriptive narrative, you'd be best to look elsewhere. However, the book has lots of gorgeous photos throughout and the chapter on parrot anatomy is quite good. Considering the steep discount, this book is overall not a bad purchase for parrot lovers.

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the perfect Parrot book, December 31, 2009

By 

Alexisleann Vian "AlexisLeann of LittleWings ... (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Ultimate Parrot (Hardcover)

I added this to my library, great book, easy to read, lots of great info. I'm a certified Aviculturist and I breed exotic birds and this is a must have book.