Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavioral Problems in Companion Parrots

by Barbara Heidenreich

An easy to read step-by-step guide that uses positive reinforcement for teaching parrots acceptable behavior. Professional advice from animal behaviorist that will help you deal with screaming, biting, feather-picking, bonding and other difficult behaviors

81 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sharon Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While useful and reaffirming, I found this book to be extremely basic. The information given was very much common sense, nothing intriguing or new.
The book took less than an hour to read.
I purchased the ebook version as the hardcopy is out of print and difficult to get hold of.
I'm very grateful that I didn't pay $60 for a hardcopy!

[Kimberly Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible and easy to read book for new parrot caretakers. In layman terms without a lot of complicated jargon that often deters people from exploring behavior and training with parrots. It describes common scenarios that might bewilder the new bird caretaker, and steers them towards a positive and successful bird-human relationship… encouraging them to keep studying. Love it.

[Julian Palumbo]

Very helpful.

[D.S. Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, along with Ms. Heidenreich's other book, The Parrot Problem Solver, 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 over-excitement, frustration and anger. Excellent book I'd recommend to any bird "owner."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with good tips on handling problem or abused birds -- A must have for parrot/macaw owners.