by Mattie Sue Athan

Companion parrots range in size from the large Hyacinth Macaw to the tiny Parrotlet. In between this size range are numerous birds with more numerous personality traits.

Mattie Sue Athan has attempted to show some of the many differences in these birds as well as some of the similarities and in doing so, she gives us a book that will help prospective owners decide which type of parrot is right for them.

She also wants prospective owners to know whether any parrot is right for them, as she indicates that a parrot is not necessarily the perfect pet for everyone.

Mattie Sue Athan discusses the pros and cons of baby parrots versus older parrots in need of a new home with some very useful advice.

She identifies the birds that have the best known talking ability, but indicates that not all birds of any particular type can be guaranteed to talk as well as the fact that many birds talk, even though their
species are not known as talking birds.

At this point, Mattie Sue Athan divides the common pet birds into the area they originate from and discusses many traits known about the various species. There are pictures of most of the parrots in this section.

Then she goes into general care of parrots, that would cover any of the species and includes information on cages, perches, and grooming.

The behaviour chapters deal with both advice on developing a bird’s behaviour and helping to change the wrong behaviours – specifically, screaming, biting and feather chewing or plucking.

You will find a lot of very useful information in the book, whether you are looking for your first bird, or your tenth bird.