Birds for Dummies (Paperback)

by Gina Spadafori (Author), Dr. Brian L. Speer (Author) "Who among us hasn't looked up with awe and even envy at the sight of a soaring hawk or the V-formation of migratory waterfowl?..." (more)
Key Phrases: most pet birds, sure your bird, many pet birds, Additional Resources, United States, Association of Avian Veterinarians (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"IDG's latest For Dummies guide is a must-have for the first-time bird owner and a helpful addition to almost any avian's library." -- ThePetChannel.com

Product Description
Birds have amazing capacity for love and affection. But they aren't maintenance-free; in fact, most birds have complex needs and desires that must be considered carefully when you choose which feathered friend to own.

Whether you are bringing a bird into your life or are a seasoned owner adding to your flock, Birds For Dummies helps you address the issues that matter most to you and the bird. This book also offers a 16-page full-color spread that introduces you to bird types from around the world and explains which ones make the best pets. It will show you how to

• Explore which bird is best for you and your lifestyle before you make a decision
• Find a reliable store from which to make your purchase
• Care for your bird, with sections dedicated to cages, carriers, toys, food and grooming
• Keep your bird healthy by identifying signs of illness and finding a quality veterinarian
• Create a harmonious living situation for you, your bird and other members of your household
• Minimize noise and mess your bird might be inclined to make in the home

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; illustrated edition edition (September 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764551396
• ISBN-13: 978-0764551390
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #67,065 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The reviews are in!, September 26, 1999

By A Customer

Here's what the experts say about "Birds For Dummies":

"Gina Spadafori and Dr. Brian Speer have done a remarkable job on 'Birds For Dummies.' I found the book to be everything I hoped it would be. The information is first-rate and helpful to anyone with an interest or love for pet birds. ... You will not be disappointed." -- Walter J. Rosskopf, Jr., DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian Practice)

"At last -- a book that contains more than just pretty bird pictures. This was fun to read. It is clear, concise, factual, useful, and understandable. Truly a book worth reading for new and old Avian Addicts." -- Linda Biggi, Owner, Bird Gardens

"Squawk about this! This is one light-hearted, easy-reading, and thoroughly informative book about the care and maintenance of our fine feathered friends. A must-have for every bird owner." -- Gary A. Gallerstein, DVM, author of "The Complete Bird Owner's Handbook" and "First Aid for Birds"

"...'Birds For Dummies' is the most complete discussion of the pros and cons of pet bird ownership that I have ever seen. If more people read this book before they bought a bird, I would see fewer sick, maladjusted, and behavior-problem birds. If you own a bird, you should read this book; if you are thinking about owning a bird, you MUST read this book." -- Michael J. Murray, DVM

"... This book is filled with the information every bird owner ... needs to keep their pet bird healthy and happy." -- Joel Murphy, DVM, Dip. ABVP (Avian Practice), author of "How To Care for Your Pet Bird."

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be read by everyone before buying a bird, April 16, 2001

By A Customer

This is a great book for anyone thinking about buying his or her first bird. I wish it had been around when I bought my first bird.

Twenty years ago I bought a bird based on one criterion: I wanted the largest bird I could afford. As it turned out, that bird was a nanday conure. I had no idea they were the noisiest things on the planet, next to a 747.

It was a horrible experience for me and for the bird, which ended relatively well with the bird moving into an aviary at a local zoo.

It took me twenty years to get enough nerve to try again. I made up my mind I was going to do my homework this time, and I started with Birds for Dummies. This book has every bit of information I needed to avoid all my past mistakes and many others that had not even occurred to me.

For example, I would have known that nanday conures were extremely noisy. I also would have known that yelling at a bird only reinforces that bird's tendency to scream.

According to the descriptions in the book, it looked like a budgie was the bird for me: not too loud, not too expensive and loaded with personality. "Trust them," the book said.

I was skeptical, because I always thought of budgies as a child's pet. However, I followed the book's advice to the letter and, when I was sure I was ready, bought a budgie.

Things have worked out better than I could have hoped! We are getting along great. I trusted the authors and they were right. You can trust them too.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book for a bird dummy like me!, November 29, 2002

By	Karla "Love electronic toys!" (SPANAWAY, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This is a great book with a lot of info. It helped me to understand right away that "I" was the cause of a problem I was having with my bird and set me on the right path in correcting that problem! I wish I had bought this book months ago when I got the bird and I would not be going through the problems I am right now with him.

If you are thinking of buying a bird, buy THIS book FIRST! It will even help you pick out the right bird for you and your family.