The Cockatiel Handbook (Paperback)

by Matthew M. Vriends (Author) "I strongly recommend that you do not consider keeping cockatiels :just as something to do..." (more)
Key Phrases: pied cockatiel, young cockatiels, pearl markings, Parents Young Male Female Males Females, United States, Jeanne Smith (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Barron's Pet Handbooks provide information on healh care, proper feeding and housing, training and other animal-care details of interest to pet owners. All books are filled with handsome full-color photos, and instructive line art. Cockatiels - parrot-related birds that originated in Australia - come in a variety of color mutations. This handbook gives detailed purchase advice, considerations related to caging, proper nutrition, grooming, health care, and keeping the bird safe from household hazards.

About the Author
Matthew M. Vriends is a biologist/ornithologist who holds a collection of advanced degrees, including a PhD in zoology. Dr. Vriends has written more than 100 books on birds and other animals, and is widely regarded as an expert in tropical ornithology and aviculture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 2nd edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764110179
• ISBN-13: 978-0764110177
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #352,180 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Inaccurate information, August 21, 2002

By	J. Voss "vossj12" (Sandwich, Kent, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a veterinarian I am involved in serveral bird rescue groups and this book disturbs me on several levels. One, the author presents the idea of cockatiel breeding as a way to support the hobby. There is currently a huge problem with bird mills as there used to be with puppy mills, and the last thing needed is novice breeder thinking they can make money by breeding cockatiels. Two, the author is poorly informed or inaccurate about several points of diet,taxonomy, and general health. I do not reccomend this book.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant, friendly, and informative, October 2, 2000

By	Duaa Anwar "Dressage rider/ Author" (Cairo, Egypt) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This could be the best book written about cockatiels. The language is casual and easy to understand, with an evident compassion towards the bird. It is filled with illustrations and color photographs of beautiful cockatiels to assist with the explanations. The book also has detailed chapters about feeding, health, behaviour, breeding, raising chicks, genetics, and so much more. It is an excellent guide for the bird breeder or the pet keeper, and it will even prove to be very valuable in emergencies.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inaccurate food information, January 5, 2003

By	"sarahangel29" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This book has wonderful pictures but that's not what counts. I was leafing through it in the bookstore and I found some outdated information. Firstly, the author recommends a mostly seed diet with some veggies, fruits, and pellets. It is now known that seeds are fattening and should be a small part of the cockatiel diet. Pellets are the main food source. He also said that grit should be in a cockatiel's cage to help digestion. Actually, sick cockatiels may eat too much grit and DAMAGE their digestive system. This guy needs to get the facts straight. The information in this book will subtract years from your bird's life if used.