Parrots for Dummies

Repeat after me: Parrots aren't just for pirates!
 
While parrots have a historical reputation for being a pirate's best friend, in the modern-day U.S.--where birds are the nation's third most popular household pet-thousands of landlubbers are in on the act! And that's not surprising--parrots are as affectionate, friendly, and fun to be with as a dog or cat. They are also relatively low-maintenance, with no rude 5 a.m. awakenings with demands for food or punishing walks.
 
Renowned avian care and behavior consultant Nikki Moustaki is your friendly guide to the colorful world of this intelligent and chatty pet. In this book, you'll be introduced to the vibrant diversity of the parrot world, which covers a wide variety of Psittacidae family members, including macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets. You'll also learn the best ways to choose, care for, and love your resplendently feathered companion.
* Pick your perfect parrot
* Devour the latest on nutrition
* Tame and train
* Make the perfect home
 
Whether you're just setting out in the parrot world or are a seasoned voyager on the parrot-y seas, this 2nd edition of Parrots For Dummies has something for you and your pet--and will repay the hard-won pirate gold you spent on it a thousand times over!

List of contents

Introduction 1
 
Part 1: Introducing the Parrot -- Your Wild Child 5
 
Chapter 1: Meeting the Parrots, Just the Basics 7
 
Chapter 2: Knowing What to Expect with Your Companion Parrot 15
 
Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Companion 29
 
Chapter 4: Purchasing or Adopting a Parrot 61
 
Part 2: Bringing Home Your New Parrot 81
 
Chapter 5: A House to Call Home: Choosing Proper Housing 83
 
Chapter 6: Going Shopping: Avian Supplies and Accessories 95
 
Chapter 7: Bringing Home Birdy: Making Introductions and Parrot-Proofing Your Home 111
 
Part 3: Caring for Your Parrot 127
 
Chapter 8: Eating Like a Bird: Proper Parrot Nutrition 129
 
Chapter 9: Pretty Bird! Grooming Your Companion 157
 
Chapter 10: Taking Care of Your Parrot: In Sickness and in Health 177
 
Part 4: Parrot Behavior Made Simple 211
 
Chapter 11: Understanding Your Wild Child's Instincts 213
 
Chapter 12: Recognizing Normal Companion Parrot Behaviors 227
 
Chapter 13: Handling More Than One Bird: Multiple Parrot Households 253
 
Chapter 14: Addressing Behavior: When Good Birds Go Bad 263
 
Part 5: Taming, Training, and Beyond 291
 
Chapter 15: Bird Brains: Understanding Parrot Intelligence 293
 
Chapter 16: Taming and Training Your Parrot 303
 
Chapter 17: Taking Your Training to the Next Level: Advanced Techniques 329
 
Chapter 18: Breeding Parrots 345
 
Chapter 19: In the Ring: Showing Your Parrot 371
 
Part 6: The Part of Tens 381
 
Chapter 20: Ten Things All Parrots Should Know 383
 
Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Entertain Your Parrot 389
 
Chapter 22: Ten (or So) Tips When Traveling with Your Parrot 397
 
Chapter 23: Ten Surprises for Parrot Guardians and How to Respond to Them 407
 
Index 415

About the author

Nikki Moustaki, MA, MFA, is a renowned avian care and behavior consultant, working with clients to heal strained relationships between themselves and their feathered friends. She has published 24 books on the care and training of exotic birds.

Summary

Repeat after me: Parrots aren't just for pirates!

While parrots have a historical reputation for being a pirate's best friend, in the modern-day U.S.--where birds are the nation's third most popular household pet-thousands of landlubbers are in on the act! And that's not surprising--parrots are as affectionate, friendly, and fun to be with as a dog or cat. They are also relatively low-maintenance, with no rude 5 a.m. awakenings with demands for food or punishing walks.

Renowned avian care and behavior consultant Nikki Moustaki is your friendly guide to the colorful world of this intelligent and chatty pet. In this book, you'll be introduced to the vibrant diversity of the parrot world, which covers a wide variety of Psittacidae family members, including macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets. You'll also learn the best ways to choose, care for, and love your resplendently feathered companion.
* Pick your perfect parrot
* Devour the latest on nutrition
* Tame and train
* Make the perfect home

Whether you're just setting out in the parrot world or are a seasoned voyager on the parrot-y seas, this 2nd edition of Parrots For Dummies has something for you and your pet--and will repay the hard-won pirate gold you spent on it a thousand times over!

Product details

• Authors: N Moustaki, Nikki Moustaki
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.04.2021
• EAN: 9781119753612
• ISBN: 978-1-119-75361-2
• No. of pages: 448
• Subjects: Guides > Nature; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Nature: general, reference works; Lifestyle, Papageien, Lifestyles, Haustierhaltung / Vögel, Pet Care / Birds