The Second-Hand Parrot
by Dianalee Deter, Mattie Sue Athan

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Book Summary Information

• Paperback / 96 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2002

• Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Barron's)
• Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior

Book Reviews of The Second-Hand Parrot

Book Review: A Parrot Owner's "Users' Manual"
Summary: 5 Stars

This new book, which advertises itself as a pet owner's manual, is the latest in a series of readable, informative, valuable parrot books written by Athan and Deter and published by Barron's as part of its "Educational Series" of books.

The two authors have collaborated on two other Barron's parrot-related books, "Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family" and "The African Gray Handbook." In addition, Mattie Sue Athan has also authored "Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior" and "Guide to the Quaker Parrot." Athan's first book, "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot " is now in its second edition and is generally recognized as an industry standard "bible" for care, training, and enjoyment of companion parrots.

"The Second-Hand Parrot" marks a slight departure from the authors' previous books. This is more of a "manual" or "handbook" - an easy reference guide that can be used to supplement any or all of the authors' other, more specified books. The writing style seems to be faster paced and more to-the-point than some of the other books. This is not necessarily "a bad thing." It's easier for the reader to get a quick, specific answer to a particular question.

Pet (or Companion) bird ownership has been growing geometrically in popularity in the United States and in many other parts of the world. Pet birds, especially parrots, are now the third most popular type of pet in the U.S. - exceeded only by the all-time favorite dogs and cats.

This growth in popularity has been a double-edged sword. While many more households now include pet parrots, a certain percentage of new owners find that these intelligent, complex animals are not a best fit in their family flocks. Unlike dogs and cats, with their thousands of years of domestication, most pet parrots are no more than one or two - or at the most - three generations from the wild. There are still many, many pet birds sporting the open-ring bands that may indicate a wild-caught parrot, imported before CITES restrictions were completely implemented.

Many well-meaning potential owners, attracted by the obvious beauty and intelligence of a pet parrot, may purchase one of these complex animals without considering the physical, emotional, and monetary investments that come along with the bird. Many times, a well-meaning owner loses interest or is put off when a bird reverts to its natural instincts - some instincts (including possible biting and messiness) that may be undesirable in some households.

The growth in popularity of parrots has also fostered a growth in second-hand or "used" parrots. Some owners may decide that they have made a mistake, and they try to sell or give away an unwanted, many times misunderstood pet bird. (I won't get into the very real - and very bad - possibility of an owner releasing a pet bird into the wild!) The "Second Hand" book mentions the growth in the number and types of previously owned birds that show up in the classified ads of a mid-sized urban area newspaper. If anything, the authors have understated the growth in the number of birds offered to new homes.

The book contains chapters on how birds arrive in a second-hand status, the types of birds offered, the costs attendant with even a `free' bird, and the special challenges facing the owner of a previously owned bird. Information is easy to find and well presented.

This is a well thought-out book. Each section and topic logically leads to the next thought or idea. The table of contents and the book's appendix are easy to use and informative. The book itself is printed well, with generous use of good pictures, illustrations, and topic-related sidebars.

"The Second-Hand Parrot" will be a godsend to anyone who is faced with the unique challenges (and pleasures) of adopting a previously owned bird. However, this book is also a must-have for any and all parrot owners. Anyone - who has included in their family flock - a lovely, intelligent, mischievous bird that also comes equipped with "toenails and something resembling a can opener on its face" (Pg. 19) should purchase "The Second-hand Parrot." The wisdom and advice in this short, easily read book easily apply to all parrots and all owners.

I recommend that this book be added to the collection of other fine books by the authors. This book, and its predecessors are users guides and owners manuals that should be read and re-read. They are all great value for the cost, and this new book is a great, easy to use, troubleshooting guide that can be productively utilized by both a first time, neophyte owner and by a seasoned parrot owner.

Summary of The Second-Hand Parrot

Birds Books

• Subjects > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Birds