Rating: 
Summary: The Beak Book, many topics but poorly organized
Review: I have a well-behaved parrot. I have many publications on parrots and place into practice much of what I learn so we both benefit from the relationship. I purchased "The Beak Book" to learn more on the topic of parrot behavior. A relationship with a parrot is like care for a garden, although far more complex. It must be nurtured to grow well and bear fruit.The subtitle for this book is "Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots." There are many anecdotes on biting and one can benefit from reading this book. It is not well organized. Later chapters do not build on previous ones. Information within the chapters is not well categorized, but placed in extended lists. There are too many points in the lists. The points should be grouped to general categories for improved comprehensive. This book would benefit from a good editor. Tips are placed on pages throughout the book. The page background where these tips are written does not contrast well with the text and it is hard to read. The book is well illustrated by the author, who has extensive knowledge and experience in the emerging field of parrot behavior. Sally Blanchard deserves much credit for her dedication to companion parrots and her attempt to improve their lives through this book. It would have been much better if more time were spent on its organization and structure. There may be too many topics. One and a half pages is devoted to "reading body language." Because parrots are sentient creatures, that topic is robust and complex and an entire chapter or book can be devoted to it. Perhaps Sally or someone else can write more on that in a subsequent publication. I look forward to Sally's next book, but hope she devotes more effort in the analysis phase so it's better structured and organized. "The Beak Book" is not designed as a learning guide for one to read, then understand, prevent and solve aggression and biting behaviors.
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Relationship Builder
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Relationship Builder
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Parrot Books
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Do yourself and your parrot a favor - get this book!
Review: If you have a parrot you must get this book. It should be standard issue with every pet parrot. Just skimming through the book is a revelation. I'm not finished reading it yet, and it's already made a difference in my relationship with my parrot.
Rating:
Summary: Do yourself and your parrot a favor - get this book!
Review: If you have a parrot you must get this book. It should be standard issue with every pet parrot. Just skimming through the book is a revelation. I'm not finished reading it yet, and it's already made a difference in my relationship with my parrot.
Rating:
Summary: Don't bite the hand that feeds you
Review: If you own a companion parrot you have been bitten once or twice in you life. It goes with the territory. To understand the reasons why and how to prevent it, read this book.
You owe it to your parrot and yourself to have this book on your bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: Don't bite the hand that feeds you
Review: If you own a companion parrot you have been bitten once or twice in you life. It goes with the territory. To understand the reasons why and how to prevent it, read this book.
You owe it to your parrot and yourself to have this book on your bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: Teaches you how to think about your parrot
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: What your bird wants you to know.
Review: 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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