Parrots For Dummies

I learned a lot about the Psittacines and how to keep pet ones alive, well, and happy.

Parrots are for Dummies. Just take a little white out and print the word "are" under the word "Parrots". If you want a noisy, messy, expensive animal - a parrot might be for you! The only people who should own parrots are the deaf. Honestly, unless you're in a wheelchair or don't like clean living? Don't get a parrot. Do you want to be sqwaked at and pooped on all day? Get a parrot. There's not a lot of good reasons to saddle your life to a parrot - which you will -because parrots live FOREVER. They chew EVERYTHING. you have to keep them constantly entertained or they will become neurotic. I think having a baby might be easier than a parrot. Don't do it. You've been warned. Please think carefully before doing this. Volunteer at a bird sanctuary before you buy. It might kill the dream. That's what it is. Just a dream. Like an 8 year old that imagines a Disney creature who will love them. It's probably one of the worst mistakes anyone could make. Bad for you/ bad for the bird. Cats and dogs, people. People should only own cats and dogs.

This book is very informative and kept me interested through out the read with the authors insight on parrot behavior. I haven't found a better parrot care instructional. This is a good primer and should be followed up with further internet research on general care and on the specific species of interest. I do not consider myself a complete novice, having cared for several species of parrot some 20 years ago. Things were different back then. Back then, I OWNED a Senegal, Citron Crested Cockatoo and a Temneh African Grey that I fed. I believe all were wild caught. At this time there were no resources, few good books and no internet. You bought a bird. You fed the bird. There was no information on how to interact with a parrot. Now I live with a companion Eclectus for whom I provide care. This would be an excellent first book for the new parrot care provider or for one researching the possibilities/responsibilities. Be aware when purchasing parrot books as many are antiquated. I do not know when this book was written but it contains current parrot care information and philosophies.

I have a flock of eight parrots and a library of over 20 parrot books. This is *by far* the best and probably only book you'll need to get all of the information you'll need to take care of/prepare you for your parrot(s). I highly recommend reading and digesting all of the material in this book before you decide to get a parrot. They are a lot of work and more commitment than adopting a child. With a kid, at least you know you can release them into the wild after 18 years or so. Not with a parrot - they will remain a dependent until they die, likely 80 or so years from when you adopt them and well past your lifespan. Don't get me wrong - the benefits largely outweigh the costs, get this book to help guide you on what to do to help make your parrot's life as enjoyable as possible.

This is a MUST HAVE book for anyone who owns a parrot! I checked this book out from my local library and found it so helpful and informative that I decided to buy my own copy. I read a number of books when I decided I was going to purchase a bird but this one was the most educational by far. I recommend this book to any new bird owners as well as long time bird parents. This book answers just about any questions you may have about raising a parrot from choosing a type of bird to grooming to breeding. If you are thinking about becoming a "parront" or if you already are one- READ THIS BOOK!

When I got my parrot I read every parrot book I could get my hands on and I am normally a fan of the "for Dummies series" so I was excited to see one for parrots. Of all of the ones I have read, this is my least favorite. It isn't that any information is incorrect, but to me it is like parenting, there are different schools of thoughts and strong opinions on both sides. It is a matter of style and what I can connect with and I couldn't connect with this, it is very dogmatic and feels judgmental... do it my way or your are a bad parrot guardian. So, I can't say the information is incorrect but it lost 2 stars for me for style and tone.

I was very disappointed in this title. I've been building a small library of books on parrots and parrot care and Ms. Moustaki was a new author for me, so I was hoping for some new perspectives. Unfortunately, I am afraid the more I read, the less credible I found the material to be. "...for Dummies" usually does better than that. I can definitely recommend Gary Gallerstein's comprehensive  The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook  and that would be a far better purchase than this for a new parrot owner.My chief complaint with this book is that the author does not distinguish between established fact and personal opinion. I find this particularly offensive in a reference work, especially one which makes sweeping statements about what is safe and healthy for a creature as decidedly vulnerable as a pet parrot. I don't mind an author stating opinion or personal experience, but I like to know when something has been established as fact through careful research work or through scientific process and when it is just the author's personal take. Add that to a bias towards "if it is natural it must be safe/better" and my fluff alarms start to go off. I got rather irritated and agitated reading this, and I might actually consign it to the recycle bin rather than Goodwill as I actually think in the wrong hands it could be worse than nothing.Yeah, not every sentence in the book is wrong, it's just that so many are kinda on the edge, the signal to noise ratio is way down. I just can't recommend this book. And I probably will be avoiding this author.

Started reading this book last night and am half way through. although I already have my Parrot this book takes you right through picking your new bird,rescue or baby housing toys training, basically every thing you need to help you get started. It is written very well and in some places amusing,even though I know most of what it is saying its always nice to know you are doing the right thing. Lets face it any one who has a parrot knows you are always being trained by them. I would highly recommend this book to any one thinking of getting a new bird, it tells the truth about being a owner, especially about the mess, believe me I know I spend all day cleaning up after my baby.

I have 4 budgerigars...this guide, for any size bird is EXCELLENT, covering acquiring a bird, housing it well, care, nutrition, health, bonding, etc., but, overall, it is always about - what is best for the bird, which I like. A pet/ companion is a luxury for an owner/ guardian and ONLY take on a bird (or other) if you FULLY UNDERSTAND their needs.

I downloaded this book after my 1st meeting with my approx 10 week old blue &gold baby! Long story short have had Amazon's in the past and made what I can now see what was mistake after mistake. After years of browsing I came across the lady selling and watched her adverts. A month ago I decided to take the plunge and contact and we set up a meet/viewing a week later. I took my daughter and partner along as these where not as scared and had not been bitten as much as I have been! The plan was that they would be the ones to play train and interact with the bird and I would be in charge of feeding g andcleaning until I became comfortable with him/her. The plan did not go to plan and I ended up not only not panicking but holding, feeding and cuddling my bird. We have weekly meetings in place now for me to visit up until the time he/she is ready to come to me. The book has taught me that my 1st step has been a right one in that the checklist of good things to look for in a seller were all present. With this book and the frequent meetings before he comes home I feel prepared...don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking that the book is going to turn me into an expert but I know that the foundation of love and respect is already there and just needs translating into parrot for me to have a special and enriching relationship. Baby won't be home for at least 6 weeks so in the meantime this book will be passed to all family members that will come into contact with him..thank you.x..

This book is ok. I feel it is written a bit negatively. i t does tell you the truth about parrots which is brilliant for people who may not have thought their purchase through properly, however if you have done your research and still want to take on a parrot its a bit negative. I was looking for something different I think

As a first time CAG owner I bought this as a how to guide. This has been invaluble as a reference on everything! Easy to read can pick up and browse through interesting bits, great as a guide for must do bits. Anyone even considering being a parrot guardian should read this. Fantastic and easy for all the family to become clued up on our feathered friends needs.