Suggested Reading Materials for Basic Bird Care

Diet/Nutrition
Grooming
Handfeeding
Health/Medical/Safety 		Hygiene
Other Helpful Articles
Parrot Books
Pet Sitting/Sitters 		Photographing Birds
Potty Training
Speech Training
Diet/Nutrition
  • Armstrong, D. Stewart. "Diet and Nutrition" in The Bird Care Handbook & Resource Guide, 1st ed., Monterey, CA: Seacoast Publishing (1997): 12-13.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "A Healthy Parrot Diet," The Pet Bird Report.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Diets & The ‘Idiot Factor’," The Pet Bird Report.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: Proper Nutrition and Eating Behaviors," Bird Talk, 15 (March 1997): 116-119 (mentions grey cheeks).
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Cage 'n' Cookin': Success with Fruits and Vegetables," Bird Talk, 19 (Jan. 2001): 68-71.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Nutrition Dos and Donts," Birds USA, 2002/03: 78-83.
  • Clipsham, Robert. "Fight Malnutrition With Table Foods," Bird Talk, 16 (April 1998): 98-107.
  • Davis, Chris. "Do or Diet," Bird Talk, 20 (Mar. 2002): 38-47.
  • Davis, Chris. "Foiling the Finicky Eater," Bird Talk, 13 (Aug. 1995): 46-54.
  • Feldman, Peter. "Problems and Solutions: What to Feed?: A Solution," The Aviary.
  • Henzler, David J. "Avian Nutrition," Bird Talk, 10 (Jan. 1992): 36-40.
  • Kauffman, Melissa L. "Your Bird's Nutritional World," Birds USA, (1998/99): 72-77.
  • McWatters, Alicia. "The Mash Diet: Learn to make this nutritious blend of foods in your own kitchen," Bird Talk, 15 (Mar. 1997): 122-127.
  • McWatters, Alicia. "7-Day Diet," Bird Talk, 18 (Feb. 2000): 23-33.
  • McWatters, Alicia. "Stress Relief Through Dietary Support, Part I," BirdBreeder On-line (Nov. 1997) and "Stress Relief Through Dietary Support, Part II" (Dec. 1997).
  • Poole, David. "Safe and Unsafe Foods For Birds," Petcraft (1996).
  • Rind, Sherry. "Basic Avian Dietary Guidelines," Bird Breeder, 67 (Jan. 1995): 18-20.
  • Schwab, Susan. "Nutrition: Foundation for a Healthy Bird," HotSpot for Birds.
  • Sondel, Nancy. "Hooking Your Hookbill on Pellets," Bird Talk, 14 (May 1996): 34-40.
  • Walz, Patricia. "Nutrition ABC, 123...," Bird Talk, 14 (May 1996): 42.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "Basic Nutrition," Birds USA, (1997/98): 96-101.
  • Wissman, Margaret. "20 Things You Must Know About Nutrition," Bird Talk, 17 (Aug. 1999): 62-77.
  • Zielenski, Len. "Converting a Bird's Diet," The Aviary.

Grooming

  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: The Exception to the Rule," Bird Talk, 15 (Sept. 1997): 74-75.
  • Gonzalez, Fran. "Wing Clipping Basics," Bird Talk, 14 (May 1996): 72-75.
  • Kikuchi, June. "Grooming—Just Do It! Keep your bird safe and healthy with these simple grooming tips," Birds USA, (1997/98): 108-109.
  • Mizera, Richard. "Small Birds: Time for a Trim—Here's How," Bird Talk, 19 (Apr. 2001): 72-73.
  • Pattison, Jean. "When and How to Clip a Weaning Baby," African Parrot Society.
  • Samuelson, Phil. "Clip Those Wings!" Bird Talk, 12 (Apr. 1994): 72.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "Proper Toenail Clipping," Bird Talk, 14 (Apr. 1996): 28-29.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. and Bill Parsons. "Correct Wing-Clipping Techniques," Bird Talk, 11 (May 1993): 69.

Handfeeding

  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: How Long Should I Hand-Feed?" Bird Talk, 17 (Aug. 1999): 82-83.
  • Bond, Mathew W. and Diane Downs. "Handfeeding & Weaning Baby Birds," Bird Breeder, 66 (June 1994): 34-39.
  • Brinker, Bobbi. "Handfeeding: Cornerstone to a Good Pet," Winged Wisdom (June 1997).
  • Brinker, Bobbi. "Handfeeding Methods: Good Methods Yield Good Pets," Winged Wisdom (Feb. 1997).
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "14 Fail-Safe Hand-Feeding Tips," Bird Talk, 22 (Apr. 2004): 50-55.
  • Cravens, Ed. "Handfeeding Baby Parrots with a Syringe," Pet Bird Report, 9 n. 2 (Feb. 2000): 40-44.
  • Forster, Susan (Chamberlain). "Covering the Cage: Help With Hand-Feeding," Bird Talk, 11 (May 1993): 16-20.
  • Gould, Barbara and Geoffrey. "Nest Box: Faster, Easier Hand-feeding," Bird Talk, 17 (July 1999): 14-15.
  • Grindol, Diane. "Hand-feeding and Weaning Baby Parrots," BirdBreeder On-line (Apr. 1998).
  • Linden, Phoebe Greene. "Eating as a Social Behavior in Parrots: Implications in Weaning," The Pet Bird Report, 3 (J/F 1993): 34-36.
  • Linden, Phoebe Greene. "Eating Skills for Recently Weaned Chicks," The Pet Bird Report, Issue 23: 38-45.
  • Maneke, Debbie. "Handfeeding," ACS.

Health/Medical/Safety

  • Beck, Louise. "Light Makes a Difference," Bird Talk, 17 (Feb. 99): 30-36.
  • Bauck, Louise. "Tips from the Vet," HARI.
  • Blumberg, Joel. "The New Bird Exam," The Pet Bird Report.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "10 Steps to Bird-Proofing Your Home," Bird Talk, 19 (Feb. 2001): 44-49.
  • Clark, Pamela. "A to Z Guide to Bird-Proofing Your Home," Birds U.S.A, 2002/03: 16-25.
  • Clipsham, Robert. "Preventive Health Care," Bird Talk, 14 (Feb. 1996): 41-50.
  • Downey, Christine. "Is Your Bird Sick? Take Action," Bird Talk, 16 (Dec. 1998): 72-79.
  • Halvorson, Joy. "The DNA Analysis To Sex Birds," Bird Talk, 11 (Sep. 1993): 56,58-59.
  • Higdon, Pamela L. "Household Hazards," Bird Talk, 11 (Nov. 1993): 62-82.
  • Huber, Barton C. "Avian Health Care: Environment and diet are the keys to your bird's good health," Bird Talk, 14 (Jun. 1996): 76-83.
  • Keller, Rusty. "First Aid Kit," The Aviary.
  • McWatters, Alicia. "Herbs For Health, Herbs That Heal," Bird Talk, 18 (Apr. 2000): 58-63.
  • McWatters, Alicia. "Holistic Healing: Question and Answer," Bird Talk, 17 (July 1999): 54-63.
  • Nickolin, Theresa. "Avian Care Tips," Bird Talk, 13 (Mar. 1995): 16-26.
  • Pesek, Linda. "ASK THE VET (Keeping Your Bird Healthy)," The Aviary.
  • Rossum, Sharon J. & Anderson, Elizabeth. "Back Talk: Birds Left Together Leads to Injury," Bird Talk, 18 (Feb. 2000): 4 (mentions grey cheek).
  • Smith, Jeanne. "First Aid for Avian Emergencies: Learn how to react when your bird needs you most," Bird Talk, 14 (Jan. 1996): 32-36.
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "The Air They Breathe," Bird Talk, 19 (Dec. 2001): 38-43.
  • Tarski, Christine. "Exercise," The Aviary.
  • Wilson, Liz. "Avian Medicine: Why Is It So Expensive?," The Pet Bird Report.
  • Wilson, Liz. "Sleep: How Much is Enough for a Parrot?" Bird Times, (Feb. 99): 11.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "Avian Medicine for the 21st Century," Bird Talk, 20 (June 2002): 22-30.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "The Avian Respiratory System," Bird Talk, 14 (Aug. 1996): 16-23.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "The Birds and the Bees," Bird Talk, 17 (Apr. 99): 50-60.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "Carbon Monoxide: Hidden and Deadly," Bird Talk, 18 (Apr. 2000): 94-95.
  • Wissman, Margaret. "The Top 10 Bird Killers," Bird Talk, 17 (June 1999): 14-23.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "What to Expect During A Vet Exam," Bird Talk, 14 (Nov. 1996): 126-131.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. and Bill Parsons. "Recognizing Signs of Illness," Bird Talk, 12 (Mar. 1994): 14-17.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. and Bill Parsons. "20 Do's and Don'ts For Pet Bird Owners," Bird Talk, 15 (Aug. 1997): 88-93.

Hygiene

  • Anderson, Sue. "The Bird Owner's To-Do List, Bird Talk, 17 (Apr. 99): 14-19.
  • Barras, Wanda. "How Clean is Clean? Sanitation? Antiseptic? Disinfection? Sterilization?," Hotspot for Birds.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "Causes & Cures: Bathing Your Bird," Bird Talk, 18 (Aug. 2000): 76-77.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Dealing With The Bird Mess Dilemma," Bird Talk, 14 (May 1996): 16-20.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Spring Cleaning," Bird Talk, 13 (Mar. 1995): 108-119.
  • Charette, Sally. "A Safe, Clean Sweep: Learn some helpful hints from a fellow bird owner on how to keep your home neat," Bird Talk, 14 (Dec. 1996): 76-83.
  • Corbett, Penny. "Ask the Experts: How Clean Is Clean Enough?" Bird Talk, 15 (Aug. 1997): 97-98.
  • Hefton, Donna M. "The Fundamental Aspect of Care: Bathing the Psittacine," Bird Talk, 15 (April 1997): 16-28.
  • "Hygiene," The Real Macow Parrot Club.

Other Helpful Articles

  • Blanchard, Sally. "Developing Pet Potential," Bird Talk, 12 (Feb. 1994): 46-48.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "15 Way To Teach Your Parrot To Be A Good Pet," Bird Talk, 15 (Jan. 1997): 78-79.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: Keeping a Baby Tame," Bird Talk, 15 (Aug. 1997): 112-113.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "Questions to Ask the Breeder and/or Pet Shop before You Buy a 'Bappy'," The Pet Bird Report.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Buying a Cage for Your Feathered Friend," Birds USA (1996/97).
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Housing Accessories For Your Pet Bird," Birds USA, (1997/98): 48-56.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Make Your Bird's House a Home," Bird Talk, 16 (Aug. 1998): 50-73.
  • Chamberlain, Susan. "Selecting a Cage: Ten Tips for Cage Shoppers," Birds USA (1996/97).
  • Davids, Angela and Melissa L. Kauffman. "15 Ways to Entertain Your Bird," Bird Talk, 15 (Jan. 1997): 114-116.
  • Davis, Chris. "Heart to Heart: Help Your Bird Adapt to Change," Bird Talk, 17 (Dec. 1999): 20-21.
  • Davis, Chris. "Heart to Heart: When a New Baby Arrives," Bird Talk, 17 (Nov. 1999): 16-17.
  • Davis, Chris. "Socializing & Bonding," Birds USA, (1997/98): 58-61.
  • Demarco, Charlotte. "More Time for the Birds," Bird Talk, 16 (Dec. 1998): 64-71.
  • Dicker, Layne David. "10 Milestones in a Bird Lover's Life," Bird Talk, 17 (Feb. 1999): 16-22.
  • Dillon, William H. "Legal Issues for Birds: Learn more about the responsibilities bird owner's face," Bird Talk, 14 (Aug. 1996): 40-44.
  • Dorge, Ray with Sibley, Gail. "Owning a Parrot," Bird Talk, 18 (Nov. 2000):50-55.
  • Kaplan, Elise. "Step Up and Step Down," Bird Talk, 22 (Apr. 04): 22-24.
  • Kaplan, Elise. "Stick to Basics: Perch Training today, pease of mind tomorrow," Bird Talk, 22 (Sept. 2004): 48-51.
  • King, Terry Ann. "Avian Sociology 101," Bird Talk, 17 (Oct. 99): 80-85.
  • King, Terry Ann. "The Truth About Owners and Birds," Bird Talk, 17 (Apr. 99): 66-71.
  • Langlois, Cherie. "5 Ways to Improve Your Bird's Life," Bird Talk, 14 (Feb. 1996): 24-28.
  • Logue, Stephanie. "No Trouble at All," Bird Talk, 17 (Mar. 1999): 80-87.
  • Moustaki, Nikki. "The Buying Game," Bird Talk, 17 (Aug. 1999): 24-28.
  • Nickolin, Theresa. "What Scares Your Birds," Bird Talk, 13 (May 1995): 36-49.
  • Samuelson, Kathleen. "Choosing Bird Toys Is Not Child's Play," Bird Talk, 18 (Mar. 2000): 22-30.
  • Schroeder, Dick. "After You're Gone," Bird Talk, 17 (Feb. 1999): 90-91.
  • Sherwood, Sue and Lou Sherwood. "Bird Care Guide," HotSpot for Birds.
  • Shimniok, Rita. "Breeding Basics: An expert helps you determine if you're ready to raise birds," Bird Talk, 14 (Mar. 1996): 72-78.
  • Sondel, Nancy R. "Stretching Your Bird-Food Dollar," Bird Talk, 14 (Nov. 1996): 36-46.
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "Adopting a Second-Hand Bird," Bird Talk, 17 (Mar. 1999): 60-67.
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "Get Into the Groove," Bird Talk, 18 (Feb. 2000): 60-67 (gc photo: 66).
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "Good-Bye Bird Blues," Bird Talk, 17 (Dec. 1999): 78-85.
  • Wilson, Liz. "Take the Fretting Out of Petting," Bird Talk, 22 (Apr. 2004): 26-31.
  • Wilson, Liz. "10 Steps to a Better Relationship," Bird Talk, 18 (Feb. 2000): 86-89.

Parrot Books

Pet Sitting/Sitters

  • Moran, Patti. Pet Sitting for Profit (video)
  • Moran, Patti. Professional Pet Sitting: The Basics (video)
  • Moran, Patti. Professional Pet Sitting: Success Tips From the Pros (video)
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "No Sweat! Become a Bird Sitter," Bird Talk, 20 (July 2002): 68-69, 97.
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "No Sweat! Find the Perfect Pet Sitter," Bird Talk, 20 (June 2002): 66-69.

Photographing Birds

  • Austin, Janice. "Photographing Your Bird," Bird Talk, 12 (Oct. 1994): 76-77.
  • Bird Photography books, Birdgifts.com.
  • Hofland, Allison K. "Taking Perfect Photos of Your Birds," American Cage-Bird Magazine, 63 (Sep. 1991): 19-22.
  • Ilasenko, Eric. "Photographing Your Bird," Birds USA, 1999-2000: 94-103.
  • Ilasenko, Eric. "Picture Perfect," Bird Talk, 19 (Apr. 2001): 14-24.
  • Moore, Justin W. "Photographing Birds,"
  • Morrison, Diane. "Photographing Pet Birds," Bird Talk, 10 (Jan. 1992): 46-55.
  • "Photo Tips," Birds USA, 2004-2005: 110-111.
  • Salas, Kelly. "Avian Photographers Cyril Laubscher, Carolyn A. McKeone, Bonnie Jay and Eric Ilasenko share their experiences in avian photography," Bird Talk, 20 (Dec. 2002): 40-49.
  • "Top Tips on Photographing Birds," Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital, Feb. 2000.
  • Williams, Roger & Elaine Radford. "Coping with Special Exposure Problems," Bird Talk, 7 (Aug. 1989): 90.
  • Williams, Roger & Elaine Radford. "Picture Your Bird," Bird Talk, 7 (Aug. 1989): 82-89.
  • Wrobel, David J. "Lighting Techniques," Bird Talk, 7 (Aug. 1989): 82-89.

Potty Training

  • Gonzalez, F. "Potty Train Your Parrot," Bird Talk, 3 (Dec. 1985): 38.
  • Kaplan, Elise. "Potty Training," Bird Talk, 22 (July 2004): 52-55.
  • Lambdin, W.H. "Potty Train Your Bird," Birds N Ways.
  • Rei. "Potty-training Your Bird."
  • Rhea, M. "Potty Train Your Bird," Bird Talk, 6 (July 1988): 44.
  • Warsalla, Denise. "Training Tips: Potty Training Parrots," Bird Talk, 8 (Aug. 1990): 64-73.

Speech Training

  • Athan, Mattie Sue. "Eliminate Foul Language and Other Nuisance Sounds," Bird Talk, 17 (Feb. 1999): 76-83.
  • Beane, C. "Teaching Birds to Talk," Bird Talk, 4 (Jun. 1986): 32.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: Teaching a Parrot To Talk," Bird Talk, 14 (Dec. 1996): 12.
  • Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: To Talk or Not To Talk," Bird Talk, 14 (Aug. 1996): 46-47.
  • Carney, Eric P. "Speech Training!"
  • Davis, Chris. "Yak Kitty Yak, Please Talk Back," Bird Talk, 18 (Aug. 2000): 62-67.
  • Doss, J. "Learn to Speak Parrot," Bird Talk, 10 (Aug. 1992): 68.
  • Grindol, Diane. "5 Ways to Rev Up Your Bird's Vocabulary," Bird Talk, 23 (Aug. 2005): 32-35.
  • Higdon, Pamela L. "Talking Birds," Bird Talk, 11 (June 1993): 50-62.
  • Higdon, Pamela L. "Talking Questions and Answers," Bird Talk, 13 (Jun. 1995): 52-59.
  • New, K. "How Birds Learn to Talk," Bird Talk, 5 (Oct. 1987): 40.
  • Nickolin, Theresa. "Teaching Birds to Talk," Bird Talk, 10 (Apr. 1992): 108-119.
  • Parrots: Look Who's Talking.
  • Samuelson, Phillip & Kathleen Etchepara. "Look Who's Talking!" Bird Talk, 9 (Jan. 1991): 88-99.
  • Stanley, Nora A. "Teaching Your Bird to Talk," The Aviary.
  • Sweat, Rebecca. "The Who, Why and How of Talking," Bird Talk, 22 (Aug. 2004): 20-26.
  • "Talking Success Stories," Bird Talk, 13 (June 1995): 82-90.
  • Tevis, P. "How to Train Your Bird to Talk," Bird Talk, 2 (Aug. 1984): 44.
  • Wilson, Liz. "Parrot Psychology: To Speak or Not to Speak," Bird Talk, 20 (May 2002): 16-17.
  • Wissman, Margaret A. "Causes & Cures: How Do Birds Vocalize," Bird Talk, 20 (May 2002): 18-21.
  • Wordy Birdy.
  • Worth, Gail. "Teaching Your Parrot to Talk," Bird Talk, 15 (Jan. 1997): 113.
Also check out the following online sources:

  1. Alicia McWatter's Avian Nutrition & holistic health
  2. The Aviary's Archives and Care sections for more articles/information.
  3. Birds n Ways' Library of Articles/FAQs - lists excellent bird care articles too numerous to reference here.
  4. Feather Junction Aviary's Index of Article Links.
  5. The Pet Bird Report's Articles listing.
  6. The Real Macaw Parrot Club Newsletter.
  7. Winged Wisdom article archive.

Improve the quality of your bird(s) life. Try a subscription to BirdTalk magazine which always has great articles on all aspects of bird care, species showcases, ads, and much more. You may wish to consider subscribing to Sally Blanchard's The Pet Bird Report which has a lot of good information on basic bird care and also features different parrot species.

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