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Interview With Mattie Sue Athan - Page 2

© Anne Watkins

Items covering caging, toys, bathing, diet, parrot body language, aggression, and talking birds are only a few of the fascinating and informative sections this book has to offer. The anecdotes interwoven throughout the book give it a personal, comfortable feel and there are many clear, full color photographs depicting typical parrot behavior. Various parrots are caught in the act of enjoying showers, stretching greetings to their owners, playing, displaying, and interacting with humans. After reading this book, you will have a clearer understanding of what makes your companion bird tick.

Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior, is, in the words of Ms. Athan, to "be considered the second half of Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot." Issued by Barron's Educational Series, Inc., the book is chock full of brilliant color photos, clear line drawings, and well explained, easy-to-understand terms. It is must-read material for anyone considering the adoption of a companion bird.

Ms. Athan devotes chapters to each type of parrot, from tiny parakeets to majestic macaws, and every species in between. These chapters contain useful information that will aid both the first-time bird shopper and the experienced parrot owner in the selection of a pet bird. The special needs, basic physical descriptions, diet requirements, and general personality traits of each bird are covered.

Other 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." Each chapter covers in depth aspects of parrot behavior that will guide you to a better understanding of your bird.

Ms. Athan explains how to groom your companion bird with a minimum of stress in a segment titled "Low-stress Grooming: A Behavioral Perspective." Her technique advocates an approach that is minimally invasive and is much easier on a shy or frightened bird. Other sections of the book explain the importance of providing a variety of perches, discuss what happens when a bonded parrot survives its owner, what to do during the bird's first few days in its new home, and the importance of proper placement of the cage inside the home. Tips on training and rewards, screaming parrots, biting birds, feather mutilation, health issues, recovering escaped birds, and many, many more informative sections are invaluable for anyone who shares his or her life with a companion bird.

A well-written, comprehensive book that will provide hours of entertainment and education, Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior is one I highly recommend to anyone who loves birds.

The copyright of the article Interview With Mattie Sue Athan - Page 2 in Companion Birds is owned by Anne Watkins. Permission to republish Interview With Mattie Sue Athan - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.