A few weeks ago, my local PBS station carried a "Nature" segment on
parrots that has tweaked my interest. I live alone, and from what I
could see from the program, parrots make very good companion animals.
I am considering buying a parrot but before I do so, I want to read
as much as I can about them. I know nothing about birds at all.
I would appreciate reccomendations on any books you may feel would
be helpful to me. I do not want to go out and get a parrot "cold."
It would not be fair to the bird for his owner to be completely
ignorant about bird care and parrot behavior. Thanks in advance!
___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
---------------
** A related thread FOLLOWS this message.

FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 225 PARROTS       Ref: D3^10678 Date: 03/31/96
From: JAN HICKEY                                            Time: 01:11am
\/To: PETE HOPPING                                        (Read 4 times)
Subj: R: Need Suggestions

Hi Pete,
 Welcome to the wonderful world of parrots. I must commend you for the way
you are approaching the purchase of a parrot. This is really wonderful. I
would like to suggest that you get hold of as many copies of BirdTalk
magazine as you can. In each issue, they highlight one or more different
types of birds. Also, see if you can find the current issue of Birds USA.
This is an annual compendium of bird info on species, feeding, vets, care,
caging, etc.
  Also, if you are able to get it, the second issue of Cage Bird Hobbiest
magazine (spring of 94, I think?> had a really great article on choosing a
parrot. It lists various characteristics, such as talking ability,
playfulness, noise level, and others; then ranks about 20 different
species of parrots and pet birds for each characteristic. You can decide
which characteristics are the most important to you and the chart in this
article will point you toward one or more species that most closely
matches your requirements...and also tells you which species you should
probably avoid. For example, if you want a bird that will probably talk
and has a lot of personality you may want to look at amazons. But if you
live in an apartment, they tend to be noisy so maybe a budgie or 'tiel
might be better.
  If, after doing some reading, you decide to get a parrot, I would
recommend that you purchase the book *My Parrot, My Friend* by Bonnie
Doane. This is a great book on parrot behaviors and behavior modification.
A good general parrot *health* book is also almost a necessity in any home
with birds. Bonnie Doane has a good one. There is also one by Galerstein
(I'm not sure of the spelling on that. Sorry.>
  Another thing to check out is bird clubs in your area. They are a great
place to get some insight into different types of birds and also info on
avian vets, care and feeding, etc. BirdTalk mag. usually has a listing in
the back of the various local clubs. Also, check the classified ads in
your local paper--usually in the pets section. Many local clubs advertise
or at least put in meeting notices. Check the telephone book for vets that
indicated they are avian specialists. Call them and ask about how to get
in touch with the local clubs. They will usually know.
  Most pet shops now carry BirdTalk magazine as do many grocery and
convenience stores. If you have a good local library and/or a good
newstand, they will probably have it too.
   One thing to be aware of regarding magazines and especially books on
parrots. Watch the copyright dates. Parrot dietary and veterinary
practices have changed DRAMATICALLY in the last 5-10 years.
Recommendations on feeding in particular, from before about 1988 are very,
very out of date.
   Once you have narrowed your choices somewhat, you may want to check out
Internet for the info there on parrots: pictures, reference books, etc. A
good place to start is www.upatsix.com This is a commercial operation that
sponsors some wonderful info on parrots. Especially review the FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions> pages on the various types of parrots you are
considering. Also, please ask any questions you would like here on
Fido-Parrots. Somebody, and probably several folk, will have answers and
opinions on most of the issues you will be considering.
   Good luck in your search for a parrot companion. They make the best
pets in the whole world. Many, with proper care, can be a lifetime
companion.
 
Jan H. (and the birds)
Southeastern Wisconsin, USA
hickeyjd@execpc.com
.
PH>parrots that has tweaked my interest. I live alone, and from what I
PH>could see from the program, parrots make very good companion animals.
PH>I am considering buying a parrot but before I do so, I want to read
PH>as much as I can about them. I know nothing about birds at all.
PH>I would appreciate reccomendations on any books you may feel would
PH>be helpful to me. I do not want to go out and get a parrot "cold."
PH>It would not be fair to the bird for his owner to be completely
PH>ignorant about bird care and parrot behavior. Thanks in advance!
---------------
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LAST Message In Thread <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 225 PARROTS       Ref: D3Z00002 Date: 03/28/96
From: JAN THOMAS                                            Time: 09:47am
\/To: SUE HATHAWAY                                        (Read 4 times)
Subj: Re: Coffee

->       I give mine coffee all the time. Checked with the avian vet...
->     he said it's okay in small amounts, decaf is preferred, but the
->     regular kind won't hurt. But trying to give him small amounts is
->     a trip! He GULPS it! I dare you to just try to walk thru the
->     kitchen with a coffee cup & not offer any. 
Hi Sue,
   My grey, Nigel, loves warm drinks, too.  He went crazy last night
gulping down some nice chamomile tea, and he loves lemon zinger and
peppermint, too.  Try some of these for guilt-free gulping.
                                                    TTYL, Jan
--- PCBoard (R) v15.22/M 5
---------------