The Complete Book of Cockatiels

How can you keep your cockatiel's mind active and engaged? What foods are most nutritious and most interesting for your pet? What do you need to know about mating and breeding behavior? What's the best way to hand-raise chicks so that they get the most from their parents, and from you? All your questions are answered in this complete book for the cockatiel enthusiast, presented in beautiful color. The Complete Book of Cockatiels includes the most recent information on nutrition, breeding and social behavior from the University of California-Davis cockatiel research project. This is a book serious enthusiasts will learn from and novices will treasure. Everything you need to know to keep a healthy, happy bird is here. Topics include choosing a bird, choosing a veterinarian, nutrition and feeding, daily care, enclosure design, socialization and play, treats, toys, training, safety concerns, medical emergencies, communication, behavior and breeding. A selection of stories from cockatiel owners illustrates how these charming birds have changed people's lives. A treat for the eyes and the mind.

When I first got a cockatiel I received the bird in a paper bag and a bag of seed. No instructions, no guidance. I went to the library and couldn't find anything about cockatiel care. I finally bought some books. They had been written by Australian authors who could get their chicks in the wild, or at least observe wild cockatiels. I started educating myself, and eventually wrote some information for the American pet cockatiel owner, based on my experience.

And what an experience it's been. This book was a compilation of articles I'd written for the American Cockatiel Society and BIRD TALK magazine over the years. With an informal twist, you'll find much of the same information in the more easily available and later book: "Cockatiels For Dummies(R)."

Love your cockatiel, they're such great friends and give back as much love as they get!