Birds for Dummies(r)

"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

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Describes the species that make the best pets and offers advice on care and feeding, grooming, bonding, and choosing the correct bird.

Birds have amazing capacity for love and affection. But they aren't maintenance-free; in fact, most birds have complex needs and desires that must be considered carefully when you choose which feathered friend to own.

Whether you are bringing a bird into your life or are a seasoned owner adding to your flock, Birds For Dummies helps you address the issues that matter most to you and the bird. This book also offers a 16-page full-color spread that introduces you to bird types from around the world and explains which ones make the best pets. It will show you how to

• Explore which bird is best for you and your lifestyle before you make a decision
• Find a reliable store from which to make your purchase
• Care for your bird, with sections dedicated to cages, carriers, toys, food and grooming
• Keep your bird healthy by identifying signs of illness and finding a quality veterinarian
• Create a harmonious living situation for you, your bird and other members of your household
• Minimize noise and mess your bird might be inclined to make in the home

Gina Spadafori is the pet-care columnist for the Universal Press Syndicate and the award-winning author of Dogs For Dummies(r) and Cats For Dummies(r). Brian L. Speer, DVM, Dipl. ABVP ECAMS, is president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

Foreword.

Introduction.

PART I: Which Bird For You?

Chapter 1: Birds and Humans: It's Only Natural!

Chapter 2: Narrowing the Choices.

Chapter 3: A Bird of Your Own.

PART II: Caring for your Bird Properly.

Chapter 4: All the Right Stuff.

Chapter 5: Starting Your Bird Off Right.

Chapter 6: The New Art, Science, and Fun of Feeding Birds Right.

Chapter 7: Beyond Food and Water: Bird Basics.

PART III: Keeping your Bird Healthy.

Chapter 8: How Birds Work: The Short Course.

Chapter 9: A Preventive Care Approach to Your Bird's Health.

Chapter 10: Your Bird in Sickness - and Back to Health.

Chapter 11: Lifelong Care for Your Bird.

PART IV: Living Happily with your Bird.

Chapter 12: Getting to "Good Bird!": Dealing with Behavior Problems.

Chapter 13: Living in a Multiple-Bird Household.

PART V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 14: Ten Bird Myths -

Debunked!

Chapter 15: Ten Steps to a Healthy Bird.

Chapter 16: Ten Questions to Ask When Buying a Bird.

Chapter 17: Ten Must-See Avian Web Sites.

Chapter 18: Ten Best Birds for Beginners.

Chapter 19: Ten Common Dangers to Your Bird's Life.

Chapter 20: Ten Disaster-Planning Tips for Bird-Lovers.

Chapter 21: Ten Classic Bird Jokes (Just the Clean Ones).

Appendix: Additional Resources.

Index.