Parrot Training: A Guide to Taming and Gentling Your Avian Companion (Howell reference books)

THIS IS A VALUABLE BOOK IN MY VAST COLLECTION
PARROTS FOR DUMMIES IS A 'MUST HAVE' BUT THIS ONE REALLY IS THERE WITH YOU FOR DAILY EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES..
I THINK THE WORD 'TRAINING' MIGHT SERVE TO LIMIT INTEREST WHILST THE SUB TITLE ( a guide to taiming & gentling your avian companion) IS MORE FITTING... SOME MAY THINK THE BOOK IS ALL ABOUT TRAINING TRICKS LOOKING AT THE MAIN TITLE.. I SEE THE BOOK AS A TOOL TO ASSIST YOU 'RAISE' YOUR BIRD, WHATEVER HIS AGE, AND HELP HIM/HER UNDERSTAND WHAT WE EXPECT FROM THEM IN ORDER TO FIT IN WITH OUR WORLDS. THAT SAID, I FIND THE BOOK VERY SYMPATHETIC TO THE NEEDS OF OUR BIRDS AND THOSE NEEDS ARE AT THE FOREFRONT.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GETTING A PARROT - THIS BOOK WILL GIVE YOU A REALISTIC INSIGHT INTO WHAT TO EXPECT & HOW TO DEAL WITH SITUATIONS WHILST ADDING HUMOUR WHICH SERVES TO HELP THE LESSONS STAY WITH YOU UNTIL NEEDED.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A BIRD THE BOOK IS LIKE HAVING AN INFORMED FRIEND SHARE EXPERIENCES WHILST OFFERING SOLUTIONS... YOU'LL DEFINITELY LAUGH AT THE SITUATIONS WHICH MIRROR YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES WITH YOUR OWN LITTLE SWEETHEART (BITTLE LUGGER)
REGARDING THE TRICK TRAINING..
WHEN MY BIRD CAME TO ME HE WAS A RESCUE AND THE THOUGHT OF TRAINING TRICKS WAS ABHORANT TO ME.. UNTIL I REALISED HOW HE LOVES TO LEARN NEW TRICKS/BEHAVIOURS AND HOW INCORPORATING TRICKS INTO EVERY DAY ACTIVITIES CAN BE BOTH HELPFUL AND EVEN LIFESAVING. e.g. I TAUGHT HIM TO KEEP A GRIP ON MY ARM WHEN HE IS SUDDENLY PANICKED - DUE TO HIS SHEER SIZE WHEN HE TOOK FLIGHT IT WAS PANDEMONIUM - NOW ALTHOUGH HIS HUGE WINGS GO INTO FLIGHT MODE HE KEEPS GRIP ON MY ARM AND STAYS SAFE WHILE I REASSURE HIM.
ENOUGH RAMBLING THE BOOK'S GOOD
JAN N CHEEKS

This is a really lovely book. Clearly written, easy to read, littered with photographs (monochrome) and amusing cartoons.

Every chapter is clearly laid out, with subtitles and defined sections. Every chapter ends with recap notes.

This book covers all aspects of parrot training in fair depth, from basic toilet training and handling to eradicating anti social behaviours and more advanced speech and tricks.

There is also a large portion focused on the parrot's natural behaviour, what to expect from your pet, and what to do when it all goes wrong.

Parrots are amazing creatures, they are beautiful and intelligent, they are also very demanding and this book pulls no punches in detailing the possible pitfalls of an avian family member, as well as containing touching and entertaining anecdotes sharing the positive aspects.

I would recommend this book to anyone considering bringing a parrot (of any sort) into the home, as a valuble reference for even a seasoned parrot owner which will help you learn more and get more out of your relationship with your parrot, and as an absolute lifesaver for anyone living with a disturbed, angry or miserable bird.

I don't often give 5 stars, this one deserves it!