African Grey Parrot Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks) (Paperback)

by Mattie Sue Athan (Author) "For centuries, grey parrots have enjoyed a reputation for extreme intelligence, ability to repeat words, and to use words with understanding..." (more)
Key Phrases: many grey parrots, towel game, baby grey, United States, Bad Hand, Blue Block (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The African Grey can acquire a larger vocabulary than most other varieties, but with our without speech, it's a favorite companion among bird lovers. Here is detailed advice on nutritious feeding, caging, grooming, disease prevention, and much more. Titles in Barron's popular Pet Handbooks series instruct pet owners on health care, feeding and housing, and other facts important to owners and their pets. All books in this series have high quality, full-color photos, instructive line drawings, and run to an average of approximately 140 pages

From the Inside Flap
(back cover)
The Information
You Need to
Raise an Active
and Healthy
African Grey Parrot

Facts, advice, and

fascinating insights tell you all you need to know about

Purchase

Nutrition

Health Care

Training

Grooming

and much more

Filled with color photos and instructive line illustrations

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 1st edition (April 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764109936
• ISBN-13: 978-0764109935
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #470,488 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Barron's Pets Handbooks Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time!, May 8, 2000

By	Cathy Isbell (Calif.) - See all my reviews

Finally a book that addresses the specific and unique needs of the African Grey Parrot!

After working with a non-profit parrot rescue organization for several years, I came to realize that behavioral techniques that work with other types of birds are not always successful with African Greys. I looked everywhere for information that would help me understand how to approach and direct the sensitive nature of these birds. All of the books on African Greys I could find really only addressed basics bird care and breeding issues.

The African Grey Parrot Handbook by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter is the book that addresses all of my questions about African Greys. Not only does it contain useful information about the general characteristics and nutritional needs of African Greys, it gives advice about proper socialization techniques, special housing requirements and suggestions for dealing with behavioral problems.

I would recommend that anyone who has a African Grey Parrot, or is thinking of owning one purchase this book and keep it handy! The African Grey Handbook is full of useful information presented in a format that is easy to read and use for reference. There are also entertaining stories which serve as examples to illustrate the topic being discussed.

After working to rehabilitate numerous African Grey parrots who have developed behavior problems such as biting and feather pulling, I wish that every African Grey would come with a copy of this book!

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading for Grey Enthusiasts, November 2, 2000

By	marion russo-lleras (Scotch Plains, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Get this book! I have a companion Grey parrot that was a rescue bird who had started some wicked screaming for attention that I was sure would get me evicted! I bought the book as well as her Guide to the Well Behaved Parrot and Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior. They changed everything! I now live harmoniously with 6 well behaved parrots--the Grey no longer screams and we are VERY HAPPY. I owe this in large part to these excellent books. The author has years of experience and knowledge about African Greys. Anyone who wants a grey should read it BEFORE they bring the bird home. Anyone who has a grey should read it because greys live a long time and are highly intelligent--this book will help solve everything from screaming behaviors to health issues. I strongly recommend this book as well as her others. this is essential reading.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help the Grey's, July 29, 2000

By	"sky1rn" (Hewlett, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Already having six Parrots I didn't think I needed the book, but my wife insisted that we get it (Saved $5.00 from my local pet store price)After reading the first two chapters I realized there was a lot to learn about African Grey's. Mattie Sue Athan lets you know right from the start that owning a Grey is not like any other Pet you've had before or probably after. She covers all the major areas of concern, and then some. By the time I finished the book I was looking at my Grey in a much different way. Greys are very complex, sensitive creatures and this book teaches you how to communicate on their level, and hopefully they will respond with many years of love and companionship. This book is great for the beginner (I'm not sure a Grey is though) and a definite read for the seasoned Parrot owner who is getting their first Grey, or has a Aviary full of Greys. Thanks Mattie.