Parrots For Dummies

by Nikki Moustaki

Parrots make a wonderful alternative to the traditional pet. They’re as loving, intelligent, companionable, and entertaining as a cat or a dog but they surpass them by far in many other ways. They don’t require walks around the block, they’re perfect for apartment living, most have long life spans, and they’re full of personality. Besides, when was the last time you saw a vibrant blue cat or had a conversation with a talking dog? Whether you are just thinking about buying a parrot or you’ve had parrots for years, Parrots for Dummies is full of helpful information about how to be the best parrot guardian you can be. Parrots for Dummies is packed full of useful tips, hints, reminders, and warnings about everything related to parrots and their care, Author Nikki Moustaki, avian care and behavior consultant and author of Parakeets for Dummies , gives you all of her experienced advice about owning, caring for, and loving parrots. She draws on her professional knowledge as well as her personal familiarity with the bird to show you how to make the most of your parrot-guardian relationship. She includes information In addition to all the help and guidance, Parrots for Dummies comes with a full-color insert with pictures of over 25 different kinds of parrots to help you choose a new pet that catches your eye or find your existing pet’s nearest relation. So whether you’re buying your first parrot or looking for some advice about an old friend, Parrots for Dummies has something for you.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

358 pages, Paperback

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a little outdated information but a great book for new parrot owners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. :)

[Kaitlyn McGeorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the 2nd Edition (2021) of this for a class assignment. Our assignment required us to find a “for Dummies” book related to our concentration. Since my focus was on exotic animals, I naturally went to find one pertaining to parrots.

Please keep in mind that I am typically very generous when I rate books, especially in the early days of recording my reads.


Here is the review I wrote in 2023:



I never thought that I would enjoy reading a “for Dummies” book, nor did I think I would learn some things from this. Granted, the majority of the information I learned was not applicable in my daily life, and most of the important information presented I already knew. Because of this book, I learned about Grapefruit Seed Extract, which is probably the greatest takeaway. It appears to be a versatile and safe cleaning product that I intend on buying. The author also claims it can be used to purify water. The book also had some ideas on different toys to make, which sparked some inspiration. The author also mentioned foods I would not have thought to give my parrots, like spirulina and nutritional yeast. I will definitely be researching these things further, but this has peaked my interest.

I do not enjoy the author’s justification for clipping in order to “tame” a new parrot. They justified it being done but also condemned it in multiple other instances which was quite hypocritical. I selected this book because I wanted to focus on clipping. I find clipping abhorrent because it causes muscle atrophy, balance issues, and behavioral issues out the wazoo. Most people tend to clip their birds because it’s more convenient for them and don’t consider what it does to their bodies.

Chapter three is dedicated to talking about different parrot species, and I feel as though it was not comprehensive enough. Many parrot species are left out, like the cape parrot. There are also extensive notes on cockatoos, which is fine, but Green cheek conures are lumped in with crimson bellied conures. Additionally, the info on these two groups of conures is summed up in three sentences. This disproportionate amount of information struck me odd, especially because Green cheek conures are incredibly common in the bird keeping world.

Overall, I enjoyed this text. It is a good read for those who already know some things about birds. There should have been more information about hormonal touching and how it is stimulating to touch birds on certain parts of their bodies. I think a lot of people don’t realize you cannot pet a parrot like you do a dog or cat.

I also find it odd that the author had a chapter on breeding when the author themselves does not encourage or condone the behavior. To their credit, however, the chapter doesn’t even really talk about breeding, but rather talks about genetic issues caused by poor breeding. It also talked a lot about various ways parrots are bad at taking care of their eggs and babies. I suppose I just didn’t see how this chapter helps someone who is interested in parrots.

I don’t know if I would give this book to someone who knows nothing about parrots due to these things.

Parrot are criminally underrated, undervalued, and misunderstood. Far too many people purchase parents on impulse or inherited parrots from other others, and do not pursue knowledge about them. All because your parents survived eating cornflakes or an all seed diet doesn’t mean that they were thriving. Being in the parrot world, I have seen so many instances of abuse and neglect that could’ve easily been avoided. If people just took the time to learn more about the precious life that they brought into their home, some tragedies could be avoided.

Even if you’ve “owned birds your whole life,” they are still living creatures. Continuous education is vital for every aspect of life, but it’s especially paramount if you’re taking care of others’ lives.

I will now get off my soapbox.


Giving the 2021 version of this book a 4/5 because even with its flaws, this information is very important to have out there.

[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.