And my friends say birds don't know what they are saying....

[LtlWngdAngl]

it was a little disturbing in that matter, yes. BUT at the same time, I understand a little bit more of what my birds are going through when some of those signs appear. I believe she did encourage it to a further extent than most of us would, but at the same time, I think it was fueled more by her scintific mind than what was actually good for the bird and it's living situation as part of the family. She's just lucky that her husband was a scientist also and understood what was going on. I personally wouldn't have put up with some of it, but at the same time, because she put up with it and then wrote about it, I understand a little more about parrot behavior. I think it is a wonderful book for anyone interested in birds, or animals for that fact. It was SO insightful, and has even helped my bonding process with my conure, though the first time he attacks me for my boyfriend for trying to hold my hand or just inching close to me, we'll have problems. There's a line that most parrot owners need to draw between bird and human. It's fine to incorporate them into your daily family life, routine, and meals, in fact, it's almost better for them that way. However, you do need to make sure that they have, at least an understanding, of their place in the family and home. Though we all know that they'll see how much they can get away with, there is such thing of letting them get away with too much, like dominating the refrigerator like Tikko did in the book. I think she was too anxious for the bird to trust and love her that she let it go too far. Luckily, though, she did understand what was going on and how, because she let it get to that point, how to respond to him.
Though I don't necessarily agree with how far she took bonding with Tikko, I did learn a lot about bonding and birds in general, and I believe I am better for having read it.
I guess in general, it was kind of mixed emotions, though mostly positive.

[TooLover]

I personally don't own nor have read the book - is it good, something I might like to read?

[LtlWngdAngl]

If you have any interest in birds or bird behavior, it's awesome! I REALLY learned A LOT from it. It has also helped me A LOT in understanding my conures stand-offish tendencies and has helped me begin the bonding process with him. I also now understand my quaker a lot better. Before, I didn't know what some of his gestures meant, and whether or not they were negative or positive, but now I'm able to recognize them a lot better. The only problem with how she interacts with the bird is that she has allowed the bond she has with the bird to develope into a SERIOUS courtship of her by the parrot, she allowed the bird to take it far beyond just bonding. But most of the bood isn't really about her relationship with Tikko, most of it deals with basic parrot and animal behavior and how natural tendencies and aptitudes can be seen in pet birds as well. It also teaches things about other birds, not just parrots. My minor is in Anthropology, and she relates a lot of anthropological theories and reasonings into her own observations and conclusions. It really is very interesting, I couldn't put it down. It was well written, and at times, even very comical! I managed to read the whole book in less than the one week I was traveling. I don't advise anyone to raise their birds or bond with them as she has, but it really is a must-read for any birdlover. You can find it at any Barnes and Noble. Mine was out of it, but I ordered it thru them, and 3 days later picked it up and didn't have to pay anymore for it for me to order it that way.

[TooLover]

Thanks so much for your input; I am going to purchase one myself. I own only a few books, but do subscribe to magazines and of course I get the wealth of my knowledge off of this wonderful board!
Any other books you think I may be interested in ?

[TooLover]

Since it has been so darn hot here, the birds' time on the back porch is limited. This has been making everyone a bit cranky, including me! Yesterday Elwood was screaming and nothing I did made him happy. I picked him up and asked him what was up; he told me "want out". That is what I say to them when I take them out to the porch - "do you want to go out"? Just thought it was cute......................

[LtlWngdAngl]

Birds for dummies was a cute reference read, complete with parrot jokes.
As far as stories, I just started The Parrots of Telegraph Hill, but I forget who it's by. So far it's pretty good.

[The Outlaw]

Laurie:

If I may suggest one book, it would be My Parrot, My Friend. Its a wonderful book for those who want to truly build a long and wonderful relationship with their birds.

THE OUTLAW

[LtlWngdAngl]

Outlaw: do you have the author of that one?? Is it more story or more reference??

[Casa Amazona]

Yeah, the tone of the book was disturbing to me -- as though she were encouraging behavior that wouldn't be good for his overall state of mind.

[Casa Amazona]

I believe the authors of "My Parrot, My Friend" are Bonnie Munroe Doane and (don't know first name) Quackenbush (or something like that). It's a great book for anyone with any interest in relating to parrots. I got my copy of eBay for next to nothing.

Joanie