The Parrot Companion: Caring for Parrots, Macaws, Budgies, Cockatiels & More (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781554071999)

Quick access to comprehensive information and expert guidance for parrot owners.

Parrots are loved for their intelligence, sociability, longevity and humorous, almost-human characteristics. These same attractive qualities demand serious consideration and commitment when acquiring a parrot.

The Parrot Companion provides practical knowledge gained from an expert's decades of experience with these birds. The author examines the 25 most common breeds, which include Greys, Amazons, caiques, conures, cockatiels and budgerigars. The data for each one compare principal characteristics such as voice shrillness, mimicry and potential behavioral problems.

The author emphasizes responsible ownership, with a focus on choosing the right bird and keeping it happy and healthy. Topics include:

• Socializing a parrot
• Safety tips
• Avoiding behavior problems
• Finding an escaped bird
• Step-by-step training
• Trimming flight feathers vs. clipping wings
• The right equipment
• Feather plucking, biting and screaming
• Feeding, nutrition, health and grooming
• Re-homing a parrot.

This comprehensive reference is filled with color photos and will be welcomed by new and long-time parrot owners.