From the tiny parakeet to the giant hyacinth macaw, not all parrots place the same demands on their parents. Parakeets, conures, cockatiels, lories – the parrot family consists of the most popular pet birds, each offering keepers their unique characteristics and exotic beauty as well as their specific requirements. Bird expert and author, Carol Frischmann has written a must-have book for every parrot parent-to-be, an all-in-one guide that will remain indispensable in every bird home, regardless of the size, trainability, or personality of the feathered child. More than a selection guide, Parrot Parenting offers all the information owners need to know about feeding, caring for, and training their chosen parrot. Though both good talkers, the eclectus parrot may be quieter than the cockatoo, but he's not nearly as cuddly. Parrot Parenting tells owners what to expect from their parrots and how to get the most out of their avian companions.
- Finding and purchasing the ideal parrot
- Descriptions and needs of the most popular twenty parrot species
- Comprehensive positive-reinforcement-based training chapter, including trick training, talking, and training a flighted bird
- Living with a parrot, including establishing daily routine, socializing, housing, home safety, and cleanliness
- The parrot’s meal plan: diets, organic and natural options, and special needs
- Understanding parrot behavior, enrichment strategies, and problem solving
- Grooming, health care, first aid, and senior care
- Parenting tips highlighted in sidebars in each chapter
- Lists of recommendations for best talkers, quietest species, trick experts, beginner’s birds, etc.
Includes detailed species descriptions of these parrots:
- African Greys
- Amazons
- Bourke’s Parkeets
- Caiques
- Cockatiels
- Cockatoos
- Conures
- Eclectus
- Lineolated Parakeets
- Lories and Lorikeets
- Lovebirds
- Macaws
- Parakeets/Budgies
- Parrotlets
- Pionus
- Psittaculas
- Quaker Parakeets
- Senegals and Other Poicephalus
Plus: Brotogeris, Great-Bills, Kakarikis, Rosellas, Hawk-Headed Parrots, Vasa Parrots
Writer and educator Carol Frischmann was saved from tumbling down a flight of stairs by the family dog. Ever since, she has been repaying her debt to creatures that fly, run, swim, or slither. Author of ten books and more than 450 articles about pets and wildlife, Carol believes that animals have much to teach us about ourselves and the world around us. Carol has worked with Audubon chapters, wildlife hospitals, and zoos and is a member of the National Association of Science Writers. She resides in Grand Canyon National Park with two African Grey parrots.