Guide To Companion Parrot Behavior

A companion parrot is to bird lovers what a favorite lapdog is to dog lovers--a friend through thick and thin. But lapdogs can only bark or whimper: parrots can actually talk to their human companions!

This bird training book offers a wealth of advice on such topics as choosing a parrot, differences between parrot species, bird training to teach companion behaviors, bird training for talking, managing normal parrot behavior traits and periodically reinforcing behavior changes, techniques to supplement your bird training efforts and important bird care information.

The author, Mattie Sue Athan, a respected parrot expert, discusses ways of coping with occasional problems that include excessive screaming and feather chewing, and describes general differences in behavior among various companion birds--budgies, lovebirds, cockatiels, macaws, conures, lories, and others. The book's closing section recounts engaging anecdotes about companion parrots, including the story of a bird owned by First Lady Dolly Madison.

Mattie Sue Athan is the author of several other books on birds published by Barron's, including Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family and Guide to the Quaker Parrot.

Paperback - 232 pages (April 1999)