Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavioral Problems in Companion Parrots (Paperback)

by Barbara Heidenreich (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Training is a form of teaching. The subject learns when the trainer positively reinforces or rewards each small step the subject takes towards the desired behavior. In this book the author describes some typical problem behavior scenarios then offers a step-by-step explanation of how to address these problem behaviors using training techniques based on positive reinforcement. Chapters include Preparing the Companion Parrot Owner, Screaming, Biting, Bonding to One Person, Cage Bound Bird and Feather Picking.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Avian Publications (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1895270278
• ISBN-13: 978-1895270273
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #143,414 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally - Science instead of mere opinion., September 24, 2005

By	Frank Levine "Parrots First" (Burbank, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In this book we are given a hands on approach to a type of Psychology called Operant Conditioning. Another, simpler way to think of this is Training. Barbara takes complex concepts of psychology like behavior analysis and puts them into terms that anyone can understand. She gives us an overview of the concepts we are going to need for tools.

We are presented with several of the most common behavioral "scenarios" that parrot owners and their birds are likely to encounter. Barbara takes each of these scenarios and breaks them down into the steps you'll need to take to teach the behavior you need (or "un-teach" as the case may be - your mileage may vary!).

The best part of Barbara's methods is that they are all based on Positive Reinforcement and at no time will your bird need to feel stressed or afraid. In fact you can use the tools you take away from this book to help fearful birds become more confident.

If you are thinking of buying this book I also urge you to get Barbara's other book "The Parrot Problem Solver." With the tools you can get from trying the techniques in these two books you're on your way towards dealing with behavioral problems you thought might make you give up your bird to a rescue.

My wife and I run a small parrot adoption and care education facility in Southern California and we just hosted a behavior workshop presented by Barbara. If you are a parrot owner (or if the bird owns you) and Barbara is giving a workshop in your area - RUN - do not walk to sign up for it. I learned more in one day than I have in the last 11 years of being involved with parrots

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Training Book for Parrot People, August 25, 2004

By	Yellow - See all my reviews

This book offers feasible, effective methods of dealing with many of the problems that are common in companion parrots. It describes the problem, possible causes, and then clearly outlines options for dealing with them. The book is short and gets to the point. It is very well worth the $15!

Barbara Heidenreich has years of experience as a free flight educational trainer in zoological settings, and continues to train for shows and programs in the US and beyond! I've taken one of her seminars and it, too, was very worthwhile.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Advice for a Great Price!, June 17, 2004

By	Phoenix Landing, Ann Brooks (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This book does a superb job of addressing many of the common problems that people create or encounter with companion parrots. These are the very issues which cause birds to lose their homes, and are most often simply the result of how people act or react. It is WONDERFUL to see POSITIVE reinforcement techniques in print in a book that is perfect for many on-the-go households. Unfortunately, many stores still recommend horrible, ineffective, and negative punishing type responses. Perhaps this manageable book will put a stop to such unsound advice. Great price for great advice, and we will definitely recommend it to our Phoenix Landing membership in the Washington DC area! (www.phoenixlanding.org)