Infopet || Books : Birds (excluding poultry and birds of prey)

Books on Animals The Parrot Family If you want to buy a book, clicking on the book cover will take you directly to that book on the Amazon.co.uk web site. See also: Advice: bird watching in Spain Books on birdwatching and bird biology Books on poultry Books on falconry and birds of prey Click here to see some birds on stamps Birdwatching holidays in the UK and abroad

Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Alex & Me Irene M. Pepperberg Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (Sep 2009) ISBN-10: 9780061673986 ISBN-13: 978-0061673986 ASIN: 0061673986 This is a very personal account of the relationship between Irene Pepperberg and Alex, a parrot who taught humans to value non-human intelligence. The term 'bird brain' is an insult, but Alex's skills in learning and using another species' language shows that birds have some quite remarkable thinking skills. Pepperberg also writes about her own life, and the background to the research she carried out, and she introduces other parrots, such as Griffin, giving us a clear idea of the individuality of the character of each bird. People who want to read in depth about the work that Pepperberg carried out with Alex will be happier with the more academic 'The Alex Studies: Cognitive and Communicative Abilities of Grey Parrots', which is, as the title implies, a serious academic work. However, if what you want is a beautifully written, relaxing read, that gives insights into the talents of parrots, and what it is like to live with them, then you will enjoy 'Alex and Me'. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Alex Studies: Cognitive and Communicative Abilities of Grey Parrots Irene Pepperberg Harvard University Press; New edition edition (7 May 2002) ISBN-10: 9780674008069 ISBN-13: 978-0674008069 ASIN: 0674008065 This is the academic version of the story of Irene Pepperberg and Alex the Parrot, who became famous for learning to use human language. It's a fascinating book for anyone interested in language. Fot example, one way she taught Alex was to teach her assistant in front of him - and as an English teacher, I have found that small children learn well if I have a few sessions 'teaching' their mothers alongside the kids. Parrots, Pepperberg has shown, don't just mimic words, they can understand them, and though they are not as creative as small humans in producing sentences, they are learning the language of another species! This is an academic book, so is more enjoyable for people who like serious academic works, and are not put off by the extensive notes that back what Pepperberg discusses. If you want an easier read, try 'Alex and Me', the more informal account of her relationship with Alex, described above. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	African Grey Parrots (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) Maggie Wright Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (27 July 2001) Language English ISBN-10: 9780764110351 ISBN-13: 978-0764110351 ASIN: 0764110357 For a short, inexpensive book, this is pretty comprehensive, dealing not only with parrot care, also with understanding parrot behaviour, and training your parrot. It's certainly a very good introductory guide for novices, because it covers the main issues well, and is easy to read. Obviously African Greys are very special birds, and it is worth learning more about them than a short book can tell you, but as a starter book, this is the pick of the bunch. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Parrots for Dummies [Paperback] Nikki Moustaki Publisher: John Wiley & Sons (20 May 2005) ISBN-10: 9780764583537 ISBN-13: 978-0764583537 ASIN: 0764583530 Parrots for Dummies is an extremely useful guide to parrots in general, covering a wide range of topics, from choosing a parrot to understanding parrot behavior and training, and even breeding and showing parrots. It's especially useful for people with more than one parrot, for the help it gives on multi-parrot households. I'd have liked a little more on the differences between the species, but as a general guide to keeping parrots, this is one of the best. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Birdkeeper's Guide to Cockatiels [Hardcover] Greg Glendell Interpet Publishing (9 May 2008) ISBN-10: 1842861727 ISBN-13: 978-1842861721 This is a very helpful book for people starting out with cockatiels. It not only tells you a lot about the bird, and its everyday behaviour in the wild, there's also a lot of help with getting your cockatiel to trust you through understanding cockatiel behaviour, and help with training. The book sets out basic advice on care, ie, feeding, cleaning, and housing, whether in an aviary or as companion birds It's clearly written and easy to follow. A reference section on first aid is helpful for emergencies. The book is also very well iluustrated, a delight for lovers of these enchanting birds, and the pictures are a help to understanding the text. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Complete Book of Parakeet Care Annette Wolter, Monika Wegler Barron's Educational Series ISBN: 0812016882 A gem of a book for budgie lovers. There are beautiful illustrations of budgies in the wild and in captivity, and there is fascinating information about their life in the wild, and the way they relate to each other. Children are catered for in a chapter geared to their needs as budgie owners. There is also a lot of help with choosing, housing and feeding your budgies and making sure they don't get bored. One way to ensure they are happy is to find them a friend, and this guide gives help with introducing budgies to each other. You also have help with training them, and a guide to what to do if they look ill. The information on breeding is useful for novices, though serious budgerigar breeders will find Cyril Rogers' 'World of Budgerigars' more useful. This book is not quite as accessible to children as either Tina Hearne and Julie Ann Rach's books, but would be suitable for older children who have gone beyond the basics. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	World of Budgerigars (5th edition) Cyril Rogers Northbrook Publishing Ltd ISBN: 1857362705 This is an essential book for serious budgerigar enthusiasts, especially those who want to breed budgies. Cyril Rogers was a geneticist at Edinburgh University, who also became a well-known author on keeping and breeding birds. He had a particular interest in new colour combinations and other mutations. He was president of the National Council for Aviculture in the UK, and was part of the management committee for the National Exhibition of Cage and Aviary Birds. He was also a great communicator, and his 'World of Budgerigars' is a gripping read for budgie lovers, despite dealing at times with some very technical topics. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	Why Does My Parrot? Rosemary Low Souvenir Press ISBN 0 285 63570 0 A guide to parrot behaviour and psychology, which helps explain why some parrots develop behavioural problems, and how to tackle them. You can gain a clear understanding of your parrot's needs from this book. Parrots can get bored easily, and the type of environment you give your parrot, and how you interact with him are both important. Much of the book uses a question and answer format to deal with typical problems encountered by parrot owners, and their solutions. Top of page
Click on the cover above to go to this book at Amazon.co.uk	The Parrot in Health and Illness Bonnie Munro Doane Howell Books ISBN 0 87605 826 8 A guide to parrot healthcare and ailments which includes advice on first aid and choosing a vet with specialist knowledge of parrots. There are also explanations of various parrot disorders, which help with understanding your vet's diagnosis and treatment decisions. This is a very useful reference book with enough information for experienced owners as well as novices, and wide coverage of parrots' health needs. Top of page