Birds Off the Perch: Therapy and Training for Your Pet Bird

by Diane Grindol, Frank Kocher, Larry Lachman

Book Overview

You love your pet bird, even when he misbehaves, but how can you train him with compassion? Birds off the Perch proves that rewarding good behavior is kinder and more effective than traditional discipline through punishment. This revolutionary approach combines the expertise of an animal behaviorist, a companion parrot consultant and a veterinarian who use "family therapy techniques" -- such as learning to respect the bird's boundaries and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743227042
• ISBN13: 9780743227049
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Resource for Companion Parrots

I agree with the other reviewer, that this book provides excellent advice on how to live with a companion bird, and that the book is well written. The authors are clearly well knowledged and review all facets of the different types of birds, which should be thoroughly reviewed before you purchase: playfulness, loudness, availability, size, care requirements, and whether the types are recommended for experienced or for beginners only. One of the things I especially enjoyed is that they did not say, like many books do, that every bird is perfect for every person or situation. They gave realistic examples of some of the harder aspects of living with companion parrots and try to emphasize that it is a life decision to purchase a large parrot, because it is a lifelong responsibility. Personally my lifestyle would not allow me to have a large companion parrot anyway, but if I were considering the idea, this book would have provided a well-needed reality check.

Wish I had this earlier!

I got this a year after having my bird, and I wish that I had it from day one. The book offers great advice on how to live well with a compainion bird.It is written in a straight forward manner, and even gives examples of birds that they have worked with. There is also a list of birds and what personality traits they have. This is a good book to get when making a choice to get a bird, it will help you be prepared to bring your bird home, and it will help you get the kind of bird best suited to your situation and lifestyle.