Product Description

When not properly trained and socialized, parrots are prone to developing a number of behavioral problems, including aggression and self-mutilation. Many owners face these problems and need guidance on solving them. Barbara Heidenreich arms her readers with the information they need to turn their pugilistic parrot into a feathered friend. Some of the topics include: -Wild bird behavior and how it affects the bird/owner relationship -The best and worst ways to modify pet bird behavior -Understanding bird body language -Sidebars on the myths and misconceptions of keeping pet parrots.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #79665 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780793805624
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Barbara Heidenreich is a professional animal trainer and founder of Animal Training and Consulting Services, which provides animal training workshops to zoos and other wildlife facilities. She has written and lectured extensively on the training of parrots. Heidenreich is the president elect of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators.

Customer Reviews

Excellent resource.
I'm repeating my review of Ms. Heidenreich's other book, Good Bird! because I think both books work together as one great resource. They are the best books I've come across dealing with companion parrots. If you understood why your bird is behaving as it does, you can deal with it more effectively. Kindness and reward go far with a companion bird (and, even though Ms. Heidenreich didn't mention it, 11-12 hours of covered cage/darkness a day does, too) than all the reprimanding in the world (which a parrot does not understand). A parrot, much like a cat, is not going to do anything he doesn't want to do, but unlike a cat, you can convince a parrot to want what you want, too. Tell him he's a good bird when he's quiet. Give him a reward when he says something nice. Understand you are his teacher, not his mate and not his slave. Punish him by turning your back, reward him by giving attention and praise. Parrots are a lot like toddlers - they need to be constantly taught how to be good and their companions need to be able to recognize the behaviors (sometimes extremely hard to see) that signal overexcitement, frustration and anger. Excellent book I'd recommend to any bird "owner."

Great Book!
Barbara Heidenreich has written this book to help the rest of us understand a little more about our companions and to figure out how to solve some of the problems that may develop between you and your very intelligent pet.

She explains how and why negative reinforcement is not as successful as positive reinforcement in changing an undesired behaviour.

Because our birds are not far removed from parrots in the wild, Barbara has included a chapter on parrot behavior in the wild.

She has included chapters on aggression and reading a bird's body language and explains how excitement can sometimes turn into aggression as well as what to watch for to avoid a possible bite.

Tools and Techniques to Address Problems with Aggression gives several examples of what you can do in certain circumstances to work through problems.

If you are having a problem with your parrot, this book by Barbara Heidenreich should give you some great advice to be able to get back the companion bird that you love. Just remember that everything takes time and solving problems takes more time than preventing them in the first place. If you don't have problems with your parrot, this book may give you enough advice and ideas to avoid some common problems.

Excellent resource for understanding and solving aggression in parrots
If you have ever worked with birds that show aggression, this book will be a easy to understand and excellent all-around resource for you. Great for first time parrot people and experienced trainers alike. Includes explanations based in science (ethology and behavior sciences) as well as training techiniques. Sections on bird body language are very helpful. This book goes into more depth than Good Bird! and is a very useful addition. I recommend this book to many of my students, and I haven't heard a disapointed comment yet. I look forward to more from Barbara! If you've not gotten a chance to check out the magazine, Good Bird! it is also very worthwhile.