It is a great resource for people who havn't bought a parrot yet but want to and current parrot owners. The book has a lot of information to offer to parrot owners and people who are considering on buying a parrot. I feel that if parrot owners took the time to read this book they would benefit greatly from it and that their parrots will become happy ones, if not happier.

Wonderful book. Written with compassion and humor. I enjoyed reading it. Very informative. I am a first time Parrot parent and am reading eveything I can get my hands on regarding parrot behavior. Mattie Sue Athan has a gift, I have enjoyed reading one of her other books as well. Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot.

Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior is chock full of brilliant color photos, clear line drawings, and well explained, easy-to-understand terms. There are sections covering the basics of most parrot and parrot-type birds, from tiny parakeets to majestic macaws, and every species in between. The book is stuffed with useful information that will be helpful to both the first-time bird buyer and the experienced parrot owner in the selection of a companion bird.

Chapters include "What is a Companion Parrot?" "Finding the Right Bird," "General Care and Other Considerations," "Behavioral Development," "Occasional Behavioral Issues," and, one of my favorite sections, "Stories About Companion Parrots." One part even covers what happens when a bonded parrot survives its owner. There are many, many informative sections that are invaluable for anyone who loves, and desires to learn more about, companion birds.

This is a well-written, comprehensive book that will provide hours of entertainment and education. I highly recommend it!

This book has a special place in my heart, as I bought a second-hand parrot from one of the authors. I bought Peanut, my Meyer's Parrot, from Dianalee Deter about 9 months ago. Peanut was about 2 years old, and Dianalee said she'd adapt to a new home just fine. I was skeptical, as Peanut was VERY shy and hands-off; in her previous home she apparently was rarely handled or let out of the cage. But I got her anyway, and boy was Dianalee right! Peanut and I bonded very quickly (days), and now she's the most loving and playful parrot you could imagine!

This book wasn't published when I first got Peanut; instead I had "Guide to the Senegal Parrot" and "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior" (same authors), and they were immensely helpful both before and after getting Peanut. This book came out just a couple months later, and I took a good look through it. It answers pretty much every question I had bugged Dianalee with, and carries forward the best aspects of the other books, too. I would highly recommend this book as well as the others Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee have written.

I would also, as a general note, strongly consider a "second hand" bird instead of buying a baby. There are a TON of birds out there in need of good homes, and my own experience with Peanut has been nothing but positive. If you're in the market, get this book and think hard about giving a bird a second chance for a good home.

Mattie Sue and Dianalee have done it again! Put together an excellent book for all of us who have taken in second-hand parrots. The infomation is in depth, easy to understand and gives us all a new way of looking at things. The personal stories are a great treat for the reader. I highly recomend all bird lovers read this book, if they have a second-hand bird or not.

"The Second-Hand Parrot" - a new parrot care handbook from Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter - will be a sure-fire reference guide for anyone who has ever owned or has contemplated owning a "used" or "second hand" parrot.

This new book, which advertises itself as a pet owner's manual, is the latest in a series of readable, informative, valuable parrot books written by Athan and Deter and published by Barron's as part of its "Educational Series" of books.

The two authors have collaborated on two other Barron's parrot-related books, "Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family" and "The African Gray Handbook." In addition, Mattie Sue Athan has also authored "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior" and "Guide to the Quaker Parrot." Athan's first book, "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot " is now in its second edition and is generally recognized as an industry standard "bible" for care, training, and enjoyment of companion parrots.

"The Second-Hand Parrot" marks a slight departure from the authors' previous books. This is more of a "manual" or "handbook" - an easy reference guide that can be used to supplement any or all of the authors' other, more specified books. The writing style seems to be faster paced and more to-the-point than some of the other books. This is not necessarily "a bad thing." It's easier for the reader to get a quick, specific answer to a particular question.

Pet (or Companion) bird ownership has been growing geometrically in popularity in the United States and in many other parts of the world. Pet birds, especially parrots, are now the third most popular type of pet in the U.S. - exceeded only by the all-time favorite dogs and cats.

This growth in popularity has been a double-edged sword. While many more households now include pet parrots, a certain percentage of new owners find that these intelligent, complex animals are not a best fit in their family flocks. Unlike dogs and cats, with their thousands of years of domestication, most pet parrots are no more than one or two - or at the most - three generations from the wild. There are still many, many pet birds sporting the open-ring bands that may indicate a wild-caught parrot, imported before CITES restrictions were completely implemented.

Many well-meaning potential owners, attracted by the obvious beauty and intelligence of a pet parrot, may purchase one of these complex animals without considering the physical, emotional, and monetary investments that come along with the bird. Many times, a well-meaning owner loses interest or is put off when a bird reverts to its natural instincts - some instincts (including possible biting and messiness) that may be undesirable in some households.

The growth in popularity of parrots has also fostered a growth in second-hand or "used" parrots. Some owners may decide that they have made a mistake, and they try to sell or give away an unwanted, many times misunderstood pet bird. (I won't get into the very real - and very bad - possibility of an owner releasing a pet bird into the wild!) The "Second Hand" book mentions the growth in the number and types of previously owned birds that show up in the classified ads of a mid-sized urban area newspaper. If anything, the authors have understated the growth in the number of birds offered to new homes.

The book contains chapters on how birds arrive in a second-hand status, the types of birds offered, the costs attendant with even a 'free' bird, and the special challenges facing the owner of a previously owned bird. Information is easy to find and well presented.

This is a well thought-out book. Each section and topic logically leads to the next thought or idea. The table of contents and the book's appendix are easy to use and informative. The book itself is printed well, with generous use of good pictures, illustrations, and topic-related sidebars.

"The Second-Hand Parrot" will be a godsend to anyone who is faced with the unique challenges (and pleasures) of adopting a previously owned bird. However, this book is also a must-have for any and all parrot owners. Anyone - who has included in their family flock - a lovely, intelligent, mischievous bird that also comes equipped with "toenails and something resembling a can opener on its face" (Pg. 19) should purchase "The Second-hand Parrot." The wisdom and advice in this short, easily read book easily apply to all parrots and all owners.

I recommend that this book be added to the collection of other fine books by the authors. This book, and its predecessors are users guides and owners manuals that should be read and re-read. They are all great value for the cost, and this new book is a great, easy to use, troubleshooting guide that can be productively utilized by both a first time, neophyte owner and by a seasoned parrot owner.

Author and parrot expert Mattie Sue Athan has hit another home run with her newest book "Parrots." This handy reference book is described as "a complete pet owners manual," and the description certainly describes this book to a tee.

This is a great book for people who are just starting out with a new pet parrot, and it's a wonderful primer for anyone who is even considering the ownership of one of these complex, but rewarding birds. It's also a great reference book for people who consider themselves expert parrot owners.

The author leads the reader through every phase of parrot ownership - from selection, purchase, care, training, housing, and feeding of these lovely animals. She imparts parrot care wisdom with clarity, intelligence, and humor.

The book is attractive, well-organized, and packed with interesting sidebars and illustrations. The price is marvelously inexpensive for the amount of valuable information that is shared. It's the sort of book that I wish had been available years ago, when I first started my life-long relationship with pet parrots. The invaluable information in this book would have saved me hours of concern and confusion. The book is a blessing and an indespensible part of any parrot owner's bookshelf. If you can buy only one book on parrots, this is the one! But be warned: Mattie Sue Athan's parrot books are like the famous potato chips - you cannot stop at just one!

This is an absolute must for everyone considering purchasing a parrot for a companion. It offers practical information about the reality of owning a parrot and the responsibilities that go along with that relationship. Mattie Sue Athan's recommendations and criteria for selecting a breeder/dealer is sound and will make a number of potential parrot owners rethink their selected source. Even those who already own parrots will benefit from this newest project. Definetly a book for every parrot owner's library.

I have just purchased and read the Second Edition of "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan. I had owned and used the First Edition of GTAWBP for years, until some erstwhile "friend" borrowed it and never returned it. I won't make that mistake again.

There are few books on any subject that can be termed "Must Read," but anyone who owns or is even considering owning a parrot "MUST" buy and read and refer to this book time after time after time. If there ever was an essential "owners and operators manual" for a pet psitticine (parrot), then this book is it. It doesn't matter if you are brand new to parrot ownership or somewhere into your fourth decade of being owned by parrots, this book always has some new kernel of knowledge on a companion bird that the author says "has the intellectual intelligence of a human three year-old and the emotional development of a human two year-old."

The GTAWBP covers all bases of parrot ownership - from socialization to behavioral development to how the owner must adapt to a complex and intelligent bird that will claim an equal share in any relationship. This is a book that needs to be read cover-to-cover and then kept close at hand for behavioral and interactive situations that will come up during a lifetime relationship. GTAWBP is a reference book that deserves an annual re-read, just to keep ideas and theories fresh in the owner's mind.

Now, keep in mind that this is a second edition of a best seller that was first published in 1993. GTWBP has probably been through a couple of printings in its First Edition, but when the publisher anticipates a continued long life for a book like this, the author is asked to put out a second edition. This new edition gives the author the chance to incorporate new ideas, theories, details, and pictures that are available after the first edition was published.

It's a tribute to Mattie Sue's ability and wisdom that about 80 percent of the Second Edition of GTAWBP is unchanged from the first edition. Mattie Sue (I wonder if anyone ever does refer to her as "Athan.") has changed and improved on her first edition advice on how to handle a biting parrot. She has changed some of the endearing stories at the end of the book, and she has utilized more and even better photographs and illustrations in the second edition. All of these changes add to the value of this book.

On a personal note, the normally camera-shy author, who used to publish only pictures of her hands in her books, has turned into a virtual model, with at least 3 untitled pictures of herself in the new edition. The trick is still to figure out "Where's Mattie Sue?" I did spot one instance where an unknowing photo editor showed the wrong species bird in a photo, but that fix will have to wait for the third edition.

In summary, the second edition of "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" is well worth the purchase price, even if someone has yet to swipe your first edition.

This book is a must have for anyone considering buying a companion parrot. It is also a great resource for those who already live with birds and sometimes find themselves at wits end. Mattie Sue Athan explains, in easy to understand language, how to raise a well adjusted pet, and what to do when they need a little re-alignment. She gives the kind of insight that a bird owner would spend hundreds of dollars to get from an avian behaviorist. I am sad to hear that other readers took the "Cats and Birds can be friends" message so literally. The author was merely stating that when two species are reared together from infancy, that they will bond to each other as if they were siblings. This was not a reccomedation to introduce Tweety to your 10 year old housecat Felix. This book is a must have for any bird owners library. I've read my at least 20 times, and I learn something new each time.

I admit I was skeptical about this book when I bought it, but I needed to know why my parrot was acting the way he was and how to stop it. After reading this book and trying their suggestions my bird is already showing me more love and affection than before.

They guide you through everything from grooming needs, how to handle aggression and biting, to how to help the other pets in the house adjust peacefully to your companion parrot. What I found really helpful about the Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot was that they offered several ways to approach and handle a situation while explaining the motivation behind your bird's behavior. They take into account differing bird temperaments and human lifestyles and the result is an easily read, usable hands-on manual on bird behavior.

What a great book! I recommend it to any bird owner, new or old. It's never too late to get on the right track.

Finally a book that addresses the specific and unique needs of the African Grey Parrot!

After working with a non-profit parrot rescue organization for several years, I came to realize that behavioral techniques that work with other types of birds are not always successful with African Greys. I looked everywhere for information that would help me understand how to approach and direct the sensitive nature of these birds. All of the books on African Greys I could find really only addressed basics bird care and breeding issues.

The African Grey Parrot Handbook by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter is the book that addresses all of my questions about African Greys. Not only does it contain useful information about the general characteristics and nutritional needs of African Greys, it gives advice about proper socialization techniques, special housing requirements and suggestions for dealing with behavioral problems.

I would recommend that anyone who has a African Grey Parrot, or is thinking of owning one purchase this book and keep it handy! The African Grey Handbook is full of useful information presented in a format that is easy to read and use for reference. There are also entertaining stories which serve as examples to illustrate the topic being discussed.

After working to rehabilitate numerous African Grey parrots who have developed behavior problems such as biting and feather pulling, I wish that every African Grey would come with a copy of this book!

Get this book! I have a companion Grey parrot that was a rescue bird who had started some wicked screaming for attention that I was sure would get me evicted! I bought the book as well as her Guide to the Well Behaved Parrot and Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior. They changed everything! I now live harmoniously with 6 well behaved parrots--the Grey no longer screams and we are VERY HAPPY. I owe this in large part to these excellent books. The author has years of experience and knowledge about African Greys. Anyone who wants a grey should read it BEFORE they bring the bird home. Anyone who has a grey should read it because greys live a long time and are highly intelligent--this book will help solve everything from screaming behaviors to health issues. I strongly recommend this book as well as her others. this is essential reading.

Already having six Parrots I didn't think I needed the book, but my wife insisted that we get it (Saved $5.00 from my local pet store price)After reading the first two chapters I realized there was a lot to learn about African Grey's. Mattie Sue Athan lets you know right from the start that owning a Grey is not like any other Pet you've had before or probably after. She covers all the major areas of concern, and then some. By the time I finished the book I was looking at my Grey in a much different way. Greys are very complex, sensitive creatures and this book teaches you how to communicate on their level, and hopefully they will respond with many years of love and companionship. This book is great for the beginner (I'm not sure a Grey is though) and a definite read for the seasoned Parrot owner who is getting their first Grey, or has a Aviary full of Greys. Thanks Mattie.

Quaker parrots have been said to be either the best or worst kind of parrot you could own, and thanks to this incredibly helpful and imformative book by Mattie Sue Athan all three of of my Quakers fit into the best category. After several years of having parrots, I relaize how little I actually knew about them when I started out and can truthfully attribute much of my success to Ms. Athan's incredible insight. I would definitely reccomend this book to anyone buying a Quaker, as well as Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior. Both are invaluable resources for any concientious parrot owner. Lots of luck to all out there interested in buying a little (or big) feathered friend!

I put a deposit on my quaker without knowing much about it. All I knew was that my aunt had had one and it was cute, but you couldn't touch it. After I made the deposit, I came to amazon and bought this wonderful book. It inspired my passion for parrots. If I hadn't bought this book, Sweet Pea might be a lot like my aunt's quaker, cute, but you wouldn't be able to touch her. She is an integral part of our life, and is like the child we can't have. My only problem with the book is that is doesn't mention "trick" training as part of the bonding process. But it is not a big enough problem to warrant giving it less than 5 stars!

I am the happy companion of a 7 month old Quaker parrot. This book by Ms. Athan is a must read for anyone who has a Quaker, or is considering getting one. It has helped me to understand why my Quaker acts the way he does, and to properly train him to be a happy, friendly little guy. Ms. Athan clearly explains behaviors in an easy to read manner. She keeps it interesting. I have read this book cover to cover a few times, and have used it several times for reference. Her other book, "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot", is an essential read. This book reviews parrots' behavior in general, and also helps out with my Quaker. He may be small - but he's all parrot! Bottom line - good books by Ms. Athan.

This book provides a good overview of these parrots. There are not that many books about the Senegal and this one should provide the basic information necessary about these birds...PS- the book is a lot cheaper on Amazon then at a pet store, if you can even find it...It is worth it, especially, if this is your first parrot..

I bought this book AFTER I bought my baby Senegal Parrot. Boy how I wish I had bought it before I bought the bird. As a first time bird owner, Guide to Senegal Parrot and Its Family is chock full of very useful information. Topics covered are cages, behavior, diet, talking, etc. Covers just about everything you need to know to have a healthy and happy relationship with your special parrot friend.

As the owner of two Senegal Parrots I can definetely say that this is THE book for anyone who owns one of these fiesty green fids!!

It will give you good basic information. There are lots of other books out there on parrots but this is the one if you own a Senegal.

Being a bird owner is a serious responsibility this book will help you determine if this bird is for you.