| Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots It is unlikely that anyone who first brings a companion parrot into his or her life has the idea that it will be a temporary situation. Unfortunately many parrots do not stay in their homes because their caregivers don't have the information they need to provide the behavioral guidance that keeps them tame. With over thirty years of bird experience and her theory of Nurturing Guidance, Sally Blanchard's practical advice shows you why biting and aggression are actually the easiest behavioral problems to understand, prevent, and solve. Sally Blanchard's long awaited Beak Book will play an instrumental role in keeping reader's parrots in their homes. |
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A Great Relationship Builder
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| Review Date: April 7, 2003 |
| Reviewer: Kathy Wright, Richmond Heights, MO USA |
I have not yet even finished the book, but it has already been well worth the price. This book has really straightened me out! I thought my parrot, who has been my beloved companion since 1986, was developing behavioral problems. This book has made me accept that these so called problems are my responsibility and that her behavior is a result of my input. I have started thinking about what every action I take teaches her (great examples in the book--like looking in the mirror) and have started patterning more acceptable behavior by becoming more calm and understanding in my dealings with her and by focusing on her more when we are interacting. When incidents occur, I now analyze them and learn from them. The difference is amazing, even from a mature (20ish and going strong) legally imported parrot whose first owners did not appreciate the beautiful friend that she is. To benefit from this book, you need to examine both yourself and your avian companion and take responsibility for creating a positive and trusting relationship. As I felt that our problems were of comparatively recent origin, I was able to see through the examples how recent stresses in my own life had subtly influenced my behavior and my relationship with my parrot. (In the author's terms, perhaps I have "confused" her!) By adjusting my own tone of voice and behavior (always be calm!), I saw an immediate result and our relationship has improved vastly. I really appreciate the author's philosophy and creativity in dealing with avian/human problems, although it was sad to read that many of the people she has counseled were too stubborn or impatient to accept her advice. I look forward to Sally Blanchard's next book. And, as for the comments on organization, who cares? Life is not always organized! |
Parrot Books
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| Review Date: February 22, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Jeff, midlothian, VA United States |
| If this book was written on toilet paper, I'd still recommend it. 95% of the books written on birds and parrots are fallacious, outdated and just useful as curiosities for what-not-to-do. Sure, its not the best organized book but still is chock full of information, and less expensive than Companion Guide. I reread both books over and over and find something useful each time. Its not a story book, its a reference book. Dictionaries aren't well written either. |
every parrot owner should have this book
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| Review Date: January 14, 2005 |
| Reviewer: R. Muller, Utah |
| Occasionally my parrot was biting me so I called a rescue organization who recommended this book to me. It is FANTASTIC! I haven't been bitten by my bird since. I learned to respect when my bird was uncomfortable with something and that handling a bird when they're extremely excited can be asking for trouble. I can't say enough good things about this book. BUY IT! |
Teaches you how to think about your parrot
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| Review Date: May 13, 2004 |
| Reviewer: Book Ish, Boston, MA |
| If you're looking for an instant formula to solve biting you won't find it here. You will find a lot more. There is plenty of practical advice, but much more thoughtful discussion and anecdote. Sally Blanchard's real gift - and her gift to us - is to teach us how to think about our birds, how to be a careful observer and how to build a mutually trusting relationship with the little creature's we're blessed with (even when we sometimes feel cursed). One person complained about the organization, but on reflection I think the book's slightly meandering collage-like style is an asset. Instead of letting us flip to the page or paragraph with the quick fix, the book forces us to slow down, listen to, and think about our birds (it starts with a nice little essay on the beak itself) - which is really the first step in building a long-lasting healthy relationship with anyone or anything. I'm sure Sally Blanchard could have been a dynamite therapist, and we and our parrots are lucky she turned her empathic intellect to a relationship in dire need of it - the parrot-human relationship. |
What your bird wants you to know.
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| Review Date: August 17, 2002 |
| Reviewer: cb, encino, ca US |
| It's as simple as that -- every behavioral problem manifested in pet birds is the result of human behavior. With this book, the first in a projected series, the decades of Sally's empirical wisdom can be yours. Your bird will thank you for it! There are typos, and the green screened background on some pages is a bit too busy, but you cannot fault the wonderful advice, case studies, and sympathy for what tortures our avian friends must endure at the hands of their "caregivers." |
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