Loaded with color photos, tip boxes, and check lists, The Simple Guide to Bird Care & Training provides the tools needed to select the right bird, welcome it into a home, and then keep it happy and healthy. With chapters on feeding, housing, health care, and training, this handbook covers all there is to know about caring for an avian companion. The book also includes helpful tips and expert solutions to the most common situations faced by owners - from problem behaviors, such as feather picking and biting, to training issues, such as wing clipping and talking. Most importantly, the book uses compassion and humor to help owners transform a new pet into a cherished and well-adjusted member of the family.
A budgie, as the common parakeet is typically called, is the subject of this Complete Care Made Easy pet guide that presents new and experienced bird keepers with insight into every aspect of selecting, caring for, and maintaining well-behaved happy pet birds. Angela Davids has written an ideal introductory pet guide, with chapters on the characteristics of the irresistible budgie, the history of budgies in the wild, selection of a healthy, typical pet bird, housing and care, feeding, training, and health care. The selection chapter offers potential owners excellent advice about selection of the color and sex, suitability of the delicate budgie with families, children, and other pets. In the chapter on housing and care, the author discusses selection of the right cage, placement of the cage, and the purchase of toys, cups, perches, and more. A bird’s diet is critical to its ongoing health, and the chapter devoted to feeding the budgie gives the reader all the info he or she needs about choosing the best diet, different types of seeds, greens, fruits, veggies, grit, as well as human foods to avoid. The chapter “Training Time” addresses finger training, towel training, perch training, and offers an easy-to-follow primer on teaching a budgie to talk. The final two chapters of the book will be useful for bird fanciers interested in learning more about the breeding and the basic color variations and genetics of this perfect beginner’s bird. The book concludes with an appendix of bird societies, a glossary of terms, and a complete index.
Author Nikki Moustaki certainly cannot resist the splendid lovebird, and her valentine to this irresistible avian wonder is the subject of this Complete Care Made Easy pet guide. This colorful guide offers vital information to both new and experienced bird keepers about this hookbilled parrot, covering all aspects of selecting, caring for, and maintaining well-behaved happy pet birds. Bird specialist and trainer Moustaki has written an ideal introductory pet guide about lovebirds with chapters on the history and characteristics of lovebirds, selection of a healthy, typical pet bird, housing and care, feeding, training, and health care. The chapter “A Look at Lovebird Species” gives readers a glimpse into all nine species. Although nine species exist--ranging from red faced to black collared lovebirds —only the peach-faced, black-masked, and Fischer’s are widely available to pet owners. The selection chapter offers potential owners excellent advice about the three main species of lovebirds and how to select the best one from those available commercially. In the chapter on housing and care, the author discusses selection of the right cage, placement of the cage, and all the necessary accessories. A bird’s diet is critical to its ongoing health, and the chapter devoted to feeding gives the reader all the info he or she needs about choosing a proper diet for the lovebird . The final two chapters of the book will be useful for bird fanciers interested in learning more about the breeding and the basic color variations and genetics of this beautiful small parrot. The book concludes with an appendix of bird societies, a glossary of terms, and a complete index.
Who doesn’t wish to share his or her home with a cage full of “Furry Mongolian Friends” aka gerbils!? Author Susan Anastasi certain does! She describes these irresistible critters as “quiet, clean, friendly, curious, active, and easy-to-please.” In deciding whether the gerbil is for you, Anastasi offers this advice: “If you are looking for a seemingly limitless cache of cuteness—from their long, fanning whiskers and large almond-shaped eyes to heir bunnylike hind legs and tufted tail tips—then gerbils are for you!” Clearly bitten by the gerbil bug, the author begins by providing some basic natural history about gerbils, their origins on the Mongolian range, and an overview of their behaviors. Anastasi defends her favorite pocket pet and asserts that the gentle gerbil does not deserve its Latin name (Meriones ungiculatus), which translates as “clawed warrior.” Filled with terrific color photographs, Gerbils summarizes the basic needs of these adorable rodents, specifically addressing their housing requirements, the cost and commitment involved, and their interactions with children and other pets. The following are devoted to purchasing a healthy gerbil from a pet shop, hobby breeder, or shelter; introducing the gerbil to the home; housing and feeding; taming and handling the pet gerbil; health considerations and potential household hazards; breeding and raising the young; and exhibiting gerbils at shows. The discussion on housing covers the selection of the ideal enclosure, basic housing setup, accessories, safety, and a guide to cleaning the tank. The chapter “Taming and Handling Your Gerbils” offers a step-by-step socialization process to acclimate the gerbil to its new handler and surroundings plus instructions for handling the gerbil and discouraging nipping. All keepers will be interested in the chapter on keeping gerbils healthy through smart preventative care; topics covered include allergies; broken limbs and head injury; teeth, tail, and ear problems; dehydration; diarrhea; heat stroke; hypothermia; mites, and more. Gerbil enthusiasts who are looking to become gerbil midwives will find complete instructions for breeding and raising pups (baby gerbils) in the chapter about reproduction. It covers planning a litter, setting up a breeding tank, mating, caring for the pregnant mom, birthing, fostering, growth cycles, weaning, handling pups, and more. The chapter “Fun with Gerbils” offers ideas for games, art projects, photographing, and training gerbils to do seven fun tricks. Resources include lists of publications, clubs, organizations, and websites. Glossary of terms and index included.
A complete book on breeding and marketing the most popular species of pet birds for the pet industry. The author has 25 years of experience in the field of exotic birds.
"Filled with the information every bird-owner...needs." Joel Murphy, DVM, ABVP, author of How to Care For Your Pet Bird Praise for Birds for Dummies(r) "Squawk about this! A lighthearted...informative book about the care and maintenance of our fine-feathered friends." - Gary A. Gallerstein, DVM, author of The Complete Bird Owner's Handbook "At last - a book that contains more than just pretty bird pictures. This was fun to read. It is clear, concise, factual, useful, and understandable." -Linda Biggi, owner, Bird Gardens Full-color guide to pet birds inside! "You will not be disappointed." Walter Rosskopf, Jr., DVM, Dipl. ABVP Certified in Avian Practice Get the word on birds! From finches and canaries to conures and macaws, this friendly guide describes the species that make the best pets, explains how to select the bird who's best for you, offers tips on bonding with your feathered friend, and provides expert advice on feeding and grooming. Discover how to: Choose the right bird for your budget and lifestyle Create a bird-friendly environment Minimize noise and mess Keep your bird groomed, fit, and healthy Bond with your bird Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily(TM) e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers
This Complete Care Made Easy title offers first-time cockatiel owners insight into every aspect of selecting, caring for, and maintaining well-behaved happy pet birds. Angela Davids and her flock of bird experts have put together an ideal introductory pet guide, with chapters on the characteristics and history of the charming cocktail, selection of a healthy, typical cockatiel, housing and care, feeding, training, and keeping the bird healthy. The selection chapter offers potential owners excellent advice about owner suitability, selection of the color and sex of the bird, and also addresses legal and health issues about which all pet bird owners should be aware. In the chapter on housing and care, the author discusses selection of the right cage, citing of the cage, accessories, toys, playgyms, and more. A bird’s diet is critical to its ongoing health, and the chapter “Feeding Your Cockatiel” gives the reader all the info he or she needs about choosing the best possible diet, the different types of seeds, fruits, veggies, as well as human foods to avoid. The final two chapters of the book will be useful for bird fanciers interested in learning more about the breeding of cockatiels and the basic color variations and genetics of this handsome tropical bird. The book concludes with an appendix of bird societies, a glossary of terms, and a complete index.
Lovable and charming little pets, these little wonderful cockatiels are some of the most popular pet birds in the world. These creatures are related to parrots and hail from the wilderness of Australia. In captivity, when allowed to interact with people early and often, cockatiels are affectionate and gentle. Thanks to their relatively compact size, cockatiels can be handled with ease. You won't need a big house to keep these birds happy. A cockatiel will be glad to see you return home from work, sit next to its cage for a bedtime story, or stay by your side simply treasuring your company. This bird's warm disposition can readily endear it to the right owner and household. While you don't have to be an experienced bird-handler to provide a suitable home for a cockatiel, taking one home does entail a good amount of responsibility and other certain cockatiel-only requirements. Prior to making the commitment, it's vital you know what you and your bird are in for. This book was written for the beginner cockatiel owner in mind, plus anyone considering one of these fascinating creatures as pets. You'll learn what to look for when selecting a bird, how to care for your cockatiel and form a nurturing relationship together, what to feed your cockatiel and more. With this book you'll quickly discover how to create a living area where your bird will thrive and live a long happy life. Need help deciding if a cockatiel is the pet for you and your family? This book will help you approach the decision-making process in a smart way. You'll also find out about basic training, breeding, grooming, cleaning, and bonding with cockatiels. A tamed cockatiel is a well-behaved bird that's a joy to have around. Included, too, among crucial topics are common diseases that harm cockatiels and how to bird-proof your home. The goal is to keep your little pal safe without dampening its curious and cheerful nature.
