Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Barron's) (Paperback)

In writing this book, Ms. Athan has captured and shared some very subtle concepts relating to parrot psychology. A parrot is not a dog or a cat . . . its not even a mammal. Although keenly intelligent, their minds do not function like ours. Parrots possess an "alien" intelligence. Their behaviors stem from millions of years of evolution in a society completely unlike our own human world.

The wonder of parrots is that they can so successfully cross over from their world to ours and establish meaningful, caring connections with the humans in their lives. (I wonder how many of us could do the same?) Ms. Athan's inate respect for all of the creatures she shares her life with is a constant thread throughout her book and is surely one of her secrets to success on so many levels. Please consider adding this book to your collection.

There are few books on any subject that can be termed "Must Read," but anyone who owns or is even considering owning a parrot "MUST" buy and read and refer to this book time after time after time. If there ever was an essential "owners and operators manual" for a pet psitticine (parrot), then this book is it. It doesn't matter if you are brand new to parrot ownership or somewhere into your fourth decade of being owned by parrots, this book always has some new kernel of knowledge on a companion bird that the author says "has the intellectual intelligence of a human three year-old and the emotional development of a human two year-old."

The GTAWBP covers all bases of parrot ownership - from socialization to behavioral development to how the owner must adapt to a complex and intelligent bird that will claim an equal share in any relationship. This is a book that needs to be read cover-to-cover and then kept close at hand for behavioral and interactive situations that will come up during a lifetime relationship. GTAWBP is a reference book that deserves an annual re-read, just to keep ideas and theories fresh in the owner's mind.

Now, keep in mind that this is a second edition of a best seller that was first published in 1993. GTWBP has probably been through a couple of printings in its First Edition, but when the publisher anticipates a continued long life for a book like this, the author is asked to put out a second edition. This new edition gives the author the chance to incorporate new ideas, theories, details, and pictures that are available after the first edition was published.

It's a tribute to Mattie Sue's ability and wisdom that about 80 percent of the Second Edition of GTAWBP is unchanged from the first edition. Mattie Sue (I wonder if anyone ever does refer to her as "Athan.") has changed and improved on her first edition advice on how to handle a biting parrot. She has changed some of the endearing stories at the end of the book, and she has utilized more and even better photographs and illustrations in the second edition. All of these changes add to the value of this book.

On a personal note, the normally camera-shy author, who used to publish only pictures of her hands in her books, has turned into a virtual model, with at least 3 untitled pictures of herself in the new edition. The trick is still to figure out "Where's Mattie Sue?" I did spot one instance where an unknowing photo editor showed the wrong species bird in a photo, but that fix will have to wait for the third edition.

In summary, the second edition of "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" is well worth the purchase price, even if someone has yet to swipe your first edition.

There are chapters on "Early Interactions" with your parrot, learning their "Behavior Patterns", their "Behavior Problems", & dealings with any "Aggression" problems, and many other chapters on any problems that may occur. There are even some cute real life stories at the end that will amuse you and may also break your heart. All are meant to be very helpful for your parrot training.

Choosing the right companion parrot for you and your loved one can be a wonderful experience, but should be done with a lot of planning, thought and research. Mattie Athan has written one of the best books available to help in this subject. I highly recommend this book as a great place to begin your research or as a refresher course for those experienced companion parrot parents!