Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family (Paperback)

by Mattie Sue Athan (Author), Dianalee Deter (Author) "They are acrobatic little clowns who like to lay on their backs and chew their toenails..." (more)
Key Phrases: cephalus parrots, handheld perches, interactive submissive postures, Jean Pattison, United States, Rita Shimniok (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Relatively quiet, friendly and acrobatic, the bright green and yellow domestic African Senegal parrot must be socialized early and their domesticated behavior patterns regularly maintained to keep them tame. This book offers valuable clues to the Senegal's sensitive temperament and other specialized needs, along with information about the bird's behavior, dietary needs, and appropriate indoor environment. Photos throughout.

From the Inside Flap
(back cover)
Written by experts on parrot psychology and care, this updated handbook instructs on socializing and instilling domesticated behavior patterns in birds of the Poicephalus family. A friendly and relatively quiet parrot, the Senegal is an excellent companion for parrot lovers who might hesitate to keep a noisier bird. The authors discuss the Senegal’s sensitive temperament, describe the bird’s traits, and instruct on its dietary needs and appropriate indoor environment.

Filled with color photos --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764103326
• ISBN-13: 978-0764103322
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #604,251 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the new bird owner..., March 22, 2003

By	Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

GUIDE TO THE SENEGAL PARROT AND ITS FAMILY is the best book I've read so far on parrots. I am a new owner of a very sweet little Senegal who kisses me on the lips and I want him to stay sweet so I am absorbing everything I can on parrot behavior. I read this book from cover to cover before I brought "Baby" home, and have been consulting it ever since. Anyone contemplating purchasing a Senegal parrot or related bird such as Meyer's parrot, Red-bellied parrot, Brown-headed parrot, or Jardine's or Cape parrot might want to consult books written by the experts including this guide. The one thing you can be sure of according to these authors and the folks who sold me my Senegal is that although these little birds can be loving life-time companions (they live 30-40 years) they can also be turned into laughing vicious little devils with improper care.

Between them, Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter have years of experience raising Senegal parrots and close relatives. They share their knowledge-gained though pain-and the pain of a parrot bite is no laughing matter. Having been bitten a time or two (not by Baby!!) I can testify that parrot beaks are deadly weapons. Athan and Deter stress that when a parrot bites he does so initially because he is hurt or frightened. Unfortunately, if he gets a comic response (his point of view not the point of view of the bitten) he may do it again and again. Somehow, the little guy gets a charge out of seeing a big human scream in pain. Nipping this behavior in the bud is important.

Parrots also are destroyers. They love to take things apart in a non-gentle way. Even if you give them love and food and attention every day, you will still need to provide "toys" for their amusement. Why do they tear and break things apart? Athan and Deter say that you have to remember that in the wild parrots have to crack nuts, shred sugar cane, and generally decompose plant life to get at food. Birds in captivity have the same instincts as wild birds. Unless you come to understand the needs of the wild bird in your tame parrot, you may find yourself in a very difficult situation. Parrots are a lot of work and not for the timid. However, anyone who's ever been bitten by the bird "bug" will understand why parrot lovers don't mind.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book dealing with the peculiarities of Poicephalus, June 26, 1998

By A Customer

This is a great book for anyone with a Poicephalus parrot (Senegals, Jardines, Meyers, Cape Parrots, etc.). Most other bird behavior books focus on the larger species, and there are definitely some differences in how the smaller parrots are handled. Also, the book deals with some of the special characteristics of the Poicephalus -- their love of playing on their backs, for instance -- in recommending ways to play with and train your parrot. There are lots of wonderful pictures of cute birds in action as well.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for any poicephalus owner, July 2, 1998

By A Customer

It is not always easy to find good, all purpose species specific information on these wonderful, charming, endearing acrobats. I was thrilled to find a full range of topics, including grooming, behavior and basic care and maintenance. A great all purpose book for every new poicephalus owner.