Parrots For Dummies

by Nikki Moustaki

Repeat after 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!

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2005

About the author

Nikki Moustaki is the author of The Bird Market of Paris: A Memoir, as well as twenty-five books on the care and training of exotic birds. She holds an MA in creative writing, poetry, from New York University, an MFA in creative writing, poetry, from Indiana University, and an MFA in creative writing, fiction, from New York University. She has received a National Endowment for the Arts grant in poetry, as well as many other national writing awards. She splits her time between New York City and Miami Beach.

Reviews

[Megan Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a little outdated information but a great book for new parrot owners

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, lots of good info. I hope to find a book more geared towards my Fids soon, but this was a good start. I would have gone crazy without the advice in here, because my latest Fid is very loud! But she doesn't have just one volume as I've found out. :)

[Jbussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I was struck by was the description of the parrot trade. It was verbatim of the slave trade with Parrot replacing human Person. Parrots are highly intelligent and social, they can bond for "LIFE" with their mates and form close family circles. So imagine my horror with how these birds are captured and treated prior to final sale to you. The author goes just shy of the holocaust of the slave auction. While she doesn't get melodramatic it is still palpable. She pulls no punches and she also doesn't take cheap shots. Just because she is real is nary a shield from the truth. Now...

For my birthday I asked for a Cassowary, and I'm still waiting a decade later. I've never had a bird but find these dinosaurs fascinating. On a protected Naval Communications Facility, I watched an entire Peacock Mating season from beginning to end. I wanted to know what was involved with hosting a bird. IMO this book is a good introduction for someone like me who has never owned a bird or been in close contact to a kept bird. It has been written for the layperson. Why only 3 stars? It is just my weird rating system is all. It is not a "must read" (4) or one of the best books I ever read & had a profound effect on me (5) I read this because my cat died at 19. Her sister is now on her last legs. I love having an animal around and I'd love a pet dinosaur so it only makes sense to do some research. At first I wanted a parrot. I still do. But after reading, I just don't have that kind of time to commit. Maybe Lovebirds? I'd love to build an aviary. This book was an excellent introduction and answered all my questions.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starter guide that covers a lot of the basics. To be honest some of the humor/jokes just didn't hit right for me I just didn't need the bad puns or one-off lines in my (mostly) educational information book on parrot care, but I'm aware I'm probably in the minority on that. I do like that it takes a more nuanced stance on some aspects of owning a parrot while still guiding people toward what will give your parrot the best experience and life. It focuses far more on larger parrots than smaller ones so be aware that a lot of the advice and info is geared toward their care and well being; it talks a lot about food/toy/training items that are really only applicable for birds larger than a cockatiel without giving many options for smaller birds. I also didn't find some of the chapters useful for me personally (like the chapter on breeding and show birds) and given that this is sort of toted as a 'beginner guide' I don't think it's exactly necessary to include but that's a nitpick on a decent educational book.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up a few good tips but the parrot world is too diverse for this to succeed as a universal guide.

[eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

everything parrot

[Sydney More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and enjoyable to read.

[Reham Abul-Wafa Kreidieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-rounded intro to everything parrots. Also, as all the other 'For Dummies' series, it's very easy to follow and to find the information you're looking for.