Your Happy Healthy PetThe authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!
With a chirpy "voice" and quirky personality, the cockatiel is the most popular companion bird. Cockatiels are not big talkers, but most can whistle. This fun guide will help you from the initial "get acquainted" period throughout your bird's life with information on:
- Selecting a healthy bird
- Setting up a healthy and stimulating home
- Feeding, grooming, and veterinary care
- The unique behaviors of cockatiels
- Getting small children and cockatiels to coexist peacefully
- Teaching your bird to do tricks
With their amusing antics, cockatiels provide live entertainment and a welcome release from everyday stress. You provide proper care, and they'll provide great companionship for years!
A full-color guide to the most popular of all companion birds. Julia Rach Mancini (Indianola, IA) is the former managing editor and editor of Bird Talk magazine.
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Part I: The World of the Cockatiel.
Chapter 1: What Is a Cockatiel?
Cockatiel Basics.
Why Choose a Bird?
Cockatiels and Children.
Chapter 2: The Cockatiel’s History.
The Cockatiel’s Background.
How the Cockatiel Got Her Name.
Chapter 3: Choosing Your Cockatiel.
Where to Get Your Cockatiel.
Selecting Your Cockatiel.
Signs of Good Health.
Bringing Your Cockatiel Home.
Part II: Caring for Your Cockatiel.
Chapter 4: Home Sweet Home.
Choosing a Cage.
What to Put in the Cage Tray.
Location, Location.
Setting up the Cage.
More to Buy.
Chapter 5: Everyday Care.
Be Alert to Health Problems.
Cleaning the Cage.
Seasonal Needs.
Household Hazards.
Nasty Fumes.
Other Pets.
Chapter 6: Feeding Your Cockatiel.
Nutrition Requirements.
Water.
Foods to Avoid.
What About Grit?
The Pelleted Diet Option.
Chapter 7: Grooming Your Cockatiel.
Bathing.
Nail Care.
Wing Trimming.
Molting.
Wing Trimming Step by Step.
If Your Bird Escapes.
Are Mite Protectors Necessary?
Chapter 8: Keeping Your Cockatiel Healthy.
Avian Anatomy.
Feathers.
Avian Senses.
Cockatiel Health Care.
Cockatiel Health Concerns.
Signs of Illness.
Cockatiel First Aid.
Your Cockatiel’s First Aid Kit.
Can You Catch Avian Flu from Your Bird?
Medicating Your Cockatiel.
Caring for Older Birds.
Part III: Enjoying Your Cockatiel.
Chapter 9: Understanding Your Cockatiel.
Common Cockatiel Behaviors.
Learn to Read a Cockatiel’s Crest.
Stress.
Chapter 10: Having Fun with Your Cockatiel.
Taming Your Cockatiel.
Toilet Training.
Naughty Cockatiels.
Will My Cockatiel Talk?
The Trick to Training.
Tricks to Teach Your Cockatiel.
Traveling with Your Bird.
Appendix: Learning More About Your Cockatiel.
Some Good Books.
Magazines.
Online Resources.
Index.\n
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