Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior by Mattie Sue Athan
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Book Reviews of Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior
Book Review: A valuable reference for insight into your birds behavior
Summary: 5 Stars
The Parrot Rehabilitation Society is a non-profit organization that regularly deals with the problems of companion birds who are without homes because the owners were unprepared to deal with the challenges of exotic bird ownership. As Vice-President of the Parrot Rehabilitation Society and Director of the Adoption and Foster Program, I was very impressed with Mattie Sue Athans' newest book, "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior".Because many birds are placed in our Foster Program by their owners due to behavioral problems such as feather picking, screaming, biting, or extreme fearfulness, these sections in the book have proved to provide valuable and practical information for our foster and adoptive parents. The specific suggestions for "Recovering Confidence in a Fearful Parrot" and "Feather Chewing, Snapping and Plucking" are particularly good. These behaviors are so troubling and complex,yet most resource books only give a general overview of possible causative factors, without offering any practical solutions.
The "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior" is written in a format which allows it to be used for reference, but it is interesting and entertaining enough to be read through from cover to cover.
I highly recommend this book, as well as "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan, to anyone who has a companion parrot in their life, or is considering purchasing or adopting an exotic bird. Both books together provide a valuable reference for insight into the on-going and ever-changing relationships that develop between you and your feathered family members.
Cathy Isbell, Vice-President Parrot Rehabilitation Society
Book Review: Informative
Summary: 5 Stars
Companion parrots range in size from the large Hyacinth Macaw to the tiny Parrotlet. In between this size range are numerous birds with more numerous personality traits.
Mattie Sue Athan has attempted to show some of the many differences in these birds as well as some of the similarities and in doing so, she gives us a book that will help prospective owners decide which type of parrot is right for them.
She also wants prospective owners to know whether any parrot is right for them, as she indicates that a parrot is not necessarily the perfect pet for everyone.
Mattie Sue Athan discusses the pros and cons of baby parrots versus older parrots in need of a new home with some very useful advice.
She identifies the birds that have the best known talking ability, but indicates that not all birds of any particular type can be guaranteed to talk as well as the fact that many birds talk, even though their
species are not known as talking birds.
At this point, Mattie Sue Athan divides the common pet birds into the area they originate from and discusses many traits known about the various species. There are pictures of most of the parrots in this section.
Then she goes into general care of parrots, that would cover any of the species and includes information on cages, perches, and grooming.
The behaviour chapters deal with both advice on developing a bird's behaviour and helping to change the wrong behaviours - specifically, screaming, biting and feather chewing or plucking.
You will find a lot of very useful information in the book, whether you are looking for your first bird, or your tenth bird.
Book Review: The Parrot Training Bible
Summary: 5 Stars
If you could buy just one and only one book on how to get along with your bird, THIS IS IT. I bought it in 1998 after seeing the 20/20 segment featuring Ms. Athan. Since then, I have used it as THE GUIDE for questions or curiousities I have relating to how to get along with my bird.
This book is a subsequent edition from the one I have, but I have every confidence that it is just as fantastic as the first edition--which Ms. Athan autographed for me this spring when I attended one of her seminars.
The best part of this book are the games such as "blink" that she teaches. Before bringing home any new bird, read and reread this chapter extensively, then keep it with you like a life preserver and play those games. Blink especially is a fantastic game for gauging a parrot's basic feelings about your presence. I also learned to keep my hands behind my back when approaching my birds from this book so I assume the body language of a relaxed bird.
These and other techniques are absolutely the best.
So again--if you buy just one book in your entire life on parrots--THIS IS IT. BUY IT!!
Book Review: A Must-Have for the Parrot Lover's Library
Summary: 5 Stars
Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior is chock full of brilliant color photos, clear line drawings, and well explained, easy-to-understand terms. There are sections covering the basics of most parrot and parrot-type birds, from tiny parakeets to majestic macaws, and every species in between. The book is stuffed with useful information that will be helpful to both the first-time bird buyer and the experienced parrot owner in the selection of a companion bird. Chapters include "What is a Companion Parrot?" "Finding the Right Bird," "General Care and Other Considerations," "Behavioral Development," "Occasional Behavioral Issues," and, one of my favorite sections, "Stories About Companion Parrots." One part even covers what happens when a bonded parrot survives its owner. There are many, many informative sections that are invaluable for anyone who loves, and desires to learn more about, companion birds.
This is a well-written, comprehensive book that will provide hours of entertainment and education. I highly recommend it!
Book Review: Athan does it again.....
Summary: 5 Stars
GUIDE TO COMPANION PARROT BEHAVIOR is a great overview of this family and specifically provides something the specialty books only hint at, a good cross - comparison of the various parrot members from the "Old World", the "New World" and the "Pacific Rim". I have 12 parrots and three canaries and find there are differences among and between them. Some are more shy (Parrotlets), some are more agressive (Love Birds), some can stand cold (Quakers) and some must be kept warmer with individual heaters or lights. Some are unreasonably sweet (Cockatiels) and some are little devils.
Of course Athan might say she never met a companion bird that was a little devil. It is probably true that most anti-social behavior in companion parrots that were hand raised is bought about because the human failed in some way. Athan show the reader how to establish and maintain a happy relationship with your companion bird and how to deal with the problems of feather chewing, screaming, and biting.