Overview
Owners of companion parrots value these appealing birds in much the same way that a dog lover values his pet pooch. But companion parrots have a unique quality unmatched by any dog: They can talk to their human companions! This revised and updated book advises on all important topics related to keeping a companion parrot, including:
- Choosing between a young parrot an and older bird
- Selecting and training a talking parrot
- Modifying the bird's behavior and reinforcing social behavior habits
- Protecting the parrot from household hazards
- Coping with occasional problems, such as screaming or feather chewing
• Author Mattie Sue Athan concludes by recounting several amusing anecdotes about companion parrots and their various owners. Includes color photos and line art.
Synopsis
A companion parrot is to a bird lover what a favorite lapdog is to its owner — a friend through thick and thin. This book offers a wealth of advice on such topics as choosing between a young parrot and an older bird, selecting and training a talking parrot, modifying some of a companion parrot's behavior traits and periodically reinforcing behavior changes, keeping the bird groomed and away from household safety hazards, and virtually all other aspects of care. The author, 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.