Book Description
Bobbi Brinker shares her knowledge and experience with African greys in all of the areas that are important for the pet owner and for the breeder. Bobbi's unsurpassed understanding of the essential African grey is matched only by her ability to convey the information with respect, compassion, and empathy for greys and for the people with whom they share their lives. Bobbi's love and respect for these birds is obvious throughout the book. She offers sound, sensible information in a series of thought-provoking articles. The book represents the author's deep convictions drawn from years of observation and experience hand raising grey babies. Common misunderstandings about African greys are explained clearly and with an inescapable logic. The book contains important and vital information presented in a clear and relevant way for prospective African grey owners. Although the title leads one to conclude this book is exclusively about grey parrots, it is an important guide and reference for owners of all parrot species. Originally published and distributed by the author to aviaries and grey owners, Lucky Press is very proud to have obtained the worldwide English publishing rights to Bobbi Brinker's book and to offer the second edition of For the Love of Greys to the trade and to the public. This latest edition comes with a new, color cover and updated references sure to keep the reader up-to-date on the latest information. Many of the articles in this book have been translated into Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Polish on the World Wide Web. Many of her articles have been reprinted in bird club newsletters, nationally and internationally and offered as educational handouts at conferences and bird fairs. This book and her articles are given by other breeders to their clients to help them better understand and manage their African greys.
Customer Reviews:
For the Love of Greys by Bobbi Brinker.......2007-04-30
Bobbi's book is the bible of parrot care in my home! I believe it has made me a better parrot owner. A MUST HAVE for new African Grey owners!
For the Love of Greys.......2007-02-20
A must have for anyone owning or thinking of owning an African Grey parrot.
Very good informations!.......2007-02-12
Book is nicely writen and it has tons of good information about all aspect in term of raising greys. I can definitely tell the writer really loves her greys.
FANTASTIC!!.......2006-10-29
Wish I had bought this book first! Bobbi Brinker tells it like it really is and doesn't sugar coat anything. This book was most instrumental in helping me decide to have an African Grey Congo in my life.
Every parrot-owner should have this book.......2006-04-25
This is truly an outstanding book. The author is a bird-whisperer, having great insight into dealing with parrots, as the special intelligent and talented beings they are. So many interesting suggestions on all aspects of a parrot's life. I'm very grateful to Bobbi Brinker.
Product Description
African Greys have a deserved reputation for extreme intelligence and ability to repeat words. They make fascinating pets and companions. Books in the Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series present basic information about pets for new or soon-to-be owners. Advice and instruction covers feeding, housing, health care, training, grooming, protection against hazards, and more. Texts emphasize pet care basics and are easy for all readers to understand, but most titles also present facts that even experienced pet owners and breeders will find new and useful. All books in this series are filled with high quality full-color photos and instructive line art. Paperback / 96 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2001
Customer Reviews:
VERY GOOD BOOK.......2007-02-22
It is a great book, answering everything an owner has to know for an African Grey parrot.
Kim Bloomer, co-author Whole Health for Happy Dogs.......2006-07-07
I recently read Maggie's book and was very delighted with it. I have never owned a bird, but have always been fascinated by them. This book really put some things in perspective for a complete novice on the nature of these birds. I think it is a very good guide for those of us who know absolutely nothing about them but would like to. Maggie was recently a guest on our online radio show and it was wonderful to hear her birds talking in the background as we spoke and listen to her share her complete love of and admiration for these wonderful birds.
This book has beautiful photography to go along with Maggie's simple to understand and implement writing in this book and I highly recommend it.
A must read.......2006-06-01
This little book is packed with information about how to care for, and be a good companion to, the incredibly intelligent African Grey parrot. It's a very good how-to with lots of advice and information - and more importantly, for those considering bringing one of these amazing birds into their families, it provides a good synopsis about the nature of the lifetime commitment that comes with that decision.
So please - if you're a new Grey owner, or just thinking about buying one, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.
well .. what Can I say lol.......2006-03-02
Amazon is a very Good service .. no waiting around ;)
an this book ha ha was very Nice only problem was so Nice I Ordered it twice an sent a copy to Mother as We both have African Grey Parrots an She said Richard
.. thats the Book I already sent to You
so Yes very Nice Book !
Great parrots.......2005-10-16
Book give us all knowledge to start take care of african grey parrots.
Very good Book
Average customer rating:
- Good potential, but ultimately disappointing
- valuable book for parrot owner!
- Good information.
- African Grey Handbook
- Good info!
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African Grey Parrot Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks)
Mattie Sue Athan
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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African Grey Parrots: Everthing About History, Care, Nutrition, Handling, and Behavior (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
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For the Love of Greys
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A New Owner's Guide to African Grey Parrots (New Owners Guide)
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The Essential African Grey (Essential (Howell))
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Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot
Accessories:
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Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior
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Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Barron's)
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African Grey Parrots: Everthing About History, Care, Nutrition, Handling, and Behavior (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
ASIN: 0764109936 |
Product Description
The African Grey can acquire a larger vocabulary than most other parrot varieties?but with or without speech, it's a favorite companion among bird lovers. Here is detailed advice on nutritious feeding, caging, grooming, disease prevention, and much more. Titles in Barron's popular Pet Handbooks series instruct pet owners on health care, feeding and housing, and other facts important to owners and their pets. All books in this series have high quality, full-color photos, instructive line drawings, and run to an average of approximately 140 pages. Paperback / 144 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2000
Customer Reviews:
Good potential, but ultimately disappointing.......2007-09-22
Although this book has the potential to be useful, it is let down by a number of faults. Firstly, the authors do not explain a number of key terms that they use frequently throughout the books - for example, "Step Ups". The book never describes how exactly to perform this exercise with your bird, despite referencing it frequently as important in its own right, and as a solution to behavioral problems.
Linked to this problem, the glossary is nigh on appalling, with such definitions given as (using step-ups as an example again): "Step-up: practice of giving the step-up command with the expectation that the bird will perform the behavior." This tells you nothing of what step-ups actually are!
Other problems include references in the text to other sections which don't exist, or references to items, on the same page, which don't appear at all on the page, or on any adjourning pages.
I also found the authors' style of writing annoying at best, jumping frequently from overly colloquial to overly "scientistic". I use scientistic in the context that it seems the author is attempting to sound scientific, without actually pulling it off - instead, it comes off as cumbersome and pretentious.
I don't have another book to recommend as an alternative, but if you are considering buying this book, please consider these faults before you buy and are possibly disappointed!
valuable book for parrot owner!.......2007-09-10
Together with the other parrot-thematic books from the same author it is the hardware of information I have used. I have an african grey for three years now and at the beginning I made a search for every available information about the topic.
So it happens that this books I liked most as they are easy to understand, easy to read and enjoyable illustrated.
African Grey is a parrot which needs time and you have to keep in mind that he may outlive you by years. So what you teach him now will be remembered in 60years when your children will keep him a company.
It is a responsibility but a nice one:)
Yes, I can recommend to you.
Good information........2007-02-12
Has general good informations, but not sure about some of the writes point of view...
African Grey Handbook.......2005-10-24
This book is great! It deals with ALL aspects of the African Grey - from physical care, to emotional care to socializing with other birds and humans. Through the book I picked up valuable hints and tips which has enabled me to ensure that my Grey is happy, content and playful. I can greatly recommend this book to all. This book will enrich both the novice Grey owner (who still thinks that he is the boss) as well as the seasoned 'pet' of a Grey!
Good info!.......2005-08-28
This book has a lot of good information about the African Grey species!
Amazon.com
When Irene Pepperberg, a professor at the University of Arizona, says goodnight, she typically hears the reply "Bye. I'm gonna go eat dinner. I'll see you tomorrow." Though the response itself is not unusual, the source is, for it comes from Alex, a gray parrot, Pepperberg's main research subject for the past 22 years. That parrots can talk is well known; what Pepperberg set out to study was their cognitive abilities. By teaching the bird the meaning--not just the sound--of words in order to communicate, she hoped to discover how his brain worked. She exhaustively details her fascinating results in The Alex Studies.
Pepperberg bought Alex--a parrot of average intelligence and without lofty pedigree or training--from a pet store when he was 1. Since working with Pepperberg, he has developed a 100-word vocabulary and can identify 50 different objects, recognizing quantities up to six, distinguishing seven colors and five shapes, and understanding the difference between big and small, same and different, over and under. He can tell you, for instance, that corn is yellow even if there is no corn in view, as well as correctly select the square object among various shapes and identify it verbally. What this all means, stresses Pepperberg, is that Alex is not merely parroting but actually thinking; he bases answers on reason rather than instinct or mimicry.
Though the anecdotes are rich and Alex makes a lively subject, this is principally a research paper relying on intricate details and a prodigious amount of data (the notes and references alone run to 79 pages). This is not light reading, particularly for the layperson. Still, The Alex Studies manages to be more than a valuable contribution to science, for in providing ample evidence of our similarities to other creatures, the book ultimately calls into question the concept of human supremacy over the animal kingdom. Pepperberg's stated goal is "to provoke awareness in humans that animals have capacities that are far greater than we were once led to expect, and to remind us that all we need to examine these capacities are some enlightened research tools." She has provided such tools in this seminal work. --Shawn Carkonen
Book Description
Can a parrot understand complex concepts and mean what it says? Since the early 1900s, most studies on animal-human communication have focused on great apes and a few cetacean species. Birds were rarely used in similar studies on the grounds that they were merely talented mimics--that they were, after all, "birdbrains." Experiments performed primarily on pigeons in Skinner boxes demonstrated capacities inferior to those of mammals; these results were thought to reflect the capacities of all birds, despite evidence suggesting that species such as jays, crows, and parrots might be capable of more impressive cognitive feats.
Twenty years ago Irene Pepperberg set out to discover whether the results of the pigeon studies necessarily meant that other birds--particularly the large-brained, highly social parrots--were incapable of mastering complex cognitive concepts and the rudiments of referential speech. Her investigation and the bird at its center--a male Grey parrot named Alex--have since become almost as well known as their primate equivalents and no less a subject of fierce debate in the field of animal cognition. This book represents the long-awaited synthesis of the studies constituting one of the landmark experiments in modern comparative psychology.
Customer Reviews:
Alex the african grey! The Alex Studies by Dr Irene Pepperberg.......2007-10-10
This is a great book about how Alex came to be and how he became so smart. Dr Irene Pepperberg chose Alex as a young parrot and began teaching him language and to associate words with objects. Alex became very smart and could hold a pretty decent conversation. This book shows just how intelligent parrots are and they are more than just pets, they are our lifelong companions. The Alex Studies is an excellent read, I reccomend this book highly.
Schooling psittacines.......2007-08-16
What can a bird learn? Irene Pepperberg set out to find out. As with children, the best way to assess what has been learnt is to ask. Primarily for that reason, she chose birds capable of forming human words. An African Grey parrot, who she dubbed Alex [Avian Learning EXperiment], became the subject of her investigations. Earlier efforts in laboratories were unsatisfactory. Why should Mynahs, reputedly excellent mimics, fail to learn speech in laboratory conditions? When in homes with several people providing input, they chatter endlessly, almost to distraction. The solution, Pepperberg decided, was the intense social environment. To that end, she developed a training method that produced astonishing results.
This book thoroughly documents the author's methods and results, providing a fascinating account of the cognitive abilities of at least one psittacine species, the Grey Parrot. Incorporating a technique she calls M/R - for Model/Rival, Pepperberg would "teach" an assistant what she wished Alex to learn. The bird observed this, then was encouraged to emulate the learning experience. This meant the bird had to understand what was to be learned and use its innate abilities to achieve it. Speech was the first lessons, but things moved well beyond simple words quickly. Shapes, colours and materials were the next level, with Alex discriminating among them both singly and in groupings. The object was to understand what Alex could comprehend and act on. Alex also learned to differentiate - "larger", or "different" or, most significantly for a bird - "abscence". He could note when something was missing, naming the missing object. The method resulted in Alex's expressing his own needs and wants, even ending a training session by declaring he wished to quit.
Pepperberg's research findings are in direct contradiction to past scientific efforts. The book is therefore richly detailed with the methods used and was information was obtained. There are photographs of test object layouts, even stills from X-ray videos of how Alex forms his speech. She is clearly challenging the received wisdom of established opinion. She's careful to avoid terms like "consciousness" or even "intelligence", although the latter comes in for some discussion late in the book. She finds only one example of Alex's communication she thinks can be deemed "creative". Much more important, in her view, is that we need to understand previously under-evaluated cognitive capabilities in parrots. They are a long-lived and social species, conditions which lead to interaction among individuals and reinforced learning. Social interaction, combined with carefully devised teaching methods are essential to proper learning, whether with children, other primates or psittacines. The capacity is there, and we need to recognise it. The Alex studies clearly demonstrate that at least these psittacines are capable of far more than the simply mimicry we've long attributed to them. Human primacy in learning, once considered fundamental to our place in Nature, is clearly at an end.
Pepperberg's narrative is thoroughly detailed and supported by an equally thorough bibliography. The reading may be a bit of a slog for the novice reader. The citation method breaks up sentences, a common technique with ethography studies, but cumbersome to cope with. The method is in line with her concern for academic acceptance. She excuses the approach as not desiring "to overwhelm readers with facts and figures" [although there are still plenty of those] but to encourage an enlarged sensitivity to the abilities of non-human species. She has certainly accomplished that task, and admirably. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
Brilliant work.......2007-04-13
The importance of Dr. Irene Pepperberg's work is much wider reaching than just talking parrots. This book chronicles the amazing studies she has done with Alex, her African Grey parrot in cognition and language acquistion. Discovering that Grey parrots have such abilities should make the threat to their habitat and the horror of illegal smuggling of these intelligent birds much more pressing and urgent to the public. That Dr. Pepperberg's techniques can also be applied to assisting children with learning difficulties adds to the benefits of these unique and startling discoveries. If you are interested in animal intelligence, especially if you have a Grey at home, you will be amazed by this book.
Thanks!.......2007-01-20
The book was in great condition and it arrived promptly. The price was also great- I've seen it for more than twice as much more elsewhere. Thanks for the pleasant transaction!
Excellent information, but ridiculously tough to read.......2005-03-08
The work that Irene Pepperberg and Alex have done is incredible, and this book would be fascinating if the "Notes" were included in the text and the references were footnoted at the end of the book or at the bottom of the page. While the use of APA style substantiates the credibiltiy of her research and increases the book's value as an intellectual property, it is difficult to find a complete sentence without multiple references cited in parentheses scattered throughout. This makes the normal "flow" of reading almost impossible, and unnecessarily compromises both enjoyment and ease of comprehension. Definitely read this book if you're interested, but keep the aspirin close for the headache you're bound to get while trying to sort out the legitimate text from the references.
Book Description
2005 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Winner for Best General Interest Book!
Hoodoo is an eclectic blend of African traditions, Native American herbalism, Judeo-Christian ritual, and magical healing. Tracing Hoodoo's magical roots back to West Africa, Stephanie Rose Bird provides a fascinating history of this nature-based healing tradition and gives practical advice for applying Hoodoo magic to everyday life. Learn how sticks, stones, roots, and bones - the basic ingredients in a Hoodoo mojo bag - can be used to bless the home, find a mate, invoke wealth, offer protection, and improve your health and happiness.
Customer Reviews:
About as bad as Hoodoo Mysteries.......2007-08-19
The caption for my review about sais it all. This is yet another "new age" fluff bunny attempt at sterilizing a tried and true folk practice into some modern hip thing for anyone to go to Barnes and Noble to pick up. If you are looking for an authentic guide to african american conjure, I reccomend Mules and Men by Zora Nele Hurston and Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic by Cat Yronwode. If you want to still use this book too I suppose it would make a good substitute for toilet paper or perhaps kindling.
murky at best sexist at worse.......2007-05-15
First off when I bought this book I had a lot of high hopes for it but upon reading it I found it to be way to water down for me to like it. First it brings up in candle magic how the view point of black as being evl? Okay black candles (not people) can be used for 'negative' work but than she spouts of with it being racist to say this. She also attacke Austin Powers about the mojo comment (can you imagine that a piece of fiction and a comedy to boot). You can't take everything so serriously and expect other people to take you serrious.
Also I didn't like how she used certian roots that were actually more used for women attracting men like queen elzibeth's root john the conquerer root can also be used to attract women not just to attract luck. Not to mention after reading this book I felt she had this reverse sexism going on. For example in one passage in women comming of age she brings up how women are all special blah blah blah, than the next passage about men comming of age it was almost completely ignorant. It almost seemed to me like she thought of men as complete dogs.
Also most of her recipes seemed completely stripped and although I am new to Hoodoo and in fact learning as I go I will not use anything Lewellan has to offer. I will just have to wait untill the Hoodoo Herb And Root Magic comes instead of trying to learn a form of hoodoo that I didn't want to learn in the first place.
Happy, informative book.......2007-01-04
This book was a pleasure to read. It's written in a style that you can't help but admire the writer and and feel that they wholheartedly believe in their subject and want to help you understand it too. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a better undersanding of HooDoo. It's not the usual airy-fairy crap that fills the shelves.
Modern Mojo!.......2006-09-19
This wonderful book stands out among most titles Llewellyn puts out. Hoodoo is a strange and wonderful system of magic that is skillfully handled by this gifted author. Ms. Bird has a wonderful writing voice that comfortably presents this seemingly lost art.
I knew very little about Hoodoo before this book. Indeed, other than some bad horror films and cultural bias against "black" magic, this is a precious American tradition that needs more exposure. It all seems very familiar with Stephanie's presentation. West African magic is not a bad thing. Indeed, just the opposite. Much like European Witchcraft, Chinese Feng Shui, Hoodoo ranks at the top of the heap of the magical traditions of our small planet
Part aromatherapy, part cosmetic this rich tradition does nothing more than enhance the practioners life. Hoodoo can build self esteem and rebuild a culture here in the the U.S. that has gotten away from it magical roots. Either through fear or social pressure, black culture has abandoned its ethnic heritage.
Now is the time for a complete restoration of this tradition. Stephanie Rose Bird is a mid wife for this rebirth. Now, the internet has opened the door for this to happen. Hoodoo shops are starting to pop up carrying many of the more exotic supplies listed within. Most can be found on the web, if not.
Job well done!
A Good Intro to Hoodoo.......2006-08-22
I enjoyed this book- it is well written and Stephanie Rose Bird weaves the images she poses well. It also has some great practical uses, as a starter book for rootwork and mojo. It definitely is written in such a way that inspires the reader to incorporate their spirituality more fully into their daily life, and we can never have too much of that! My only qualms are that it does seem to be more of the typical "cookbook" format, which leaves foundation room to be filled to back up each working.
Book Description
All aspects of caring for African Grey parrots are covered in this comprehensive book. The Guide to Owning an African Grey Parrot contains information about housing, feeding, and training these sensitive and intelligent birds. An in-depth section on health care, in addition to a thorough discussion of the species' natural history and behavioral traits, is certain to prove useful to experienced owners as well as those just beginning to know and love these spectacular parrots.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Reading!!.......2007-07-13
This book has great information especially for the new bird owner. I would highly recommend reading it to anyone who is even just thinking of getting an African Grey! It gives alot of insight into things a first time bird owner might not think about ahead of time.
Book Parrot.......2005-10-16
This book tell us all necessary information about what we want to know about african grey parrots
Book Description
This is an essential guide for anyone with an interest in wildlife who visits Africa--from the tourist on safari to the more experienced naturalist. Compact and beautifully illustrated, it is ideal for use in the field, while its coverage is the most comprehensive for any book of its size.
- First pocket guide to cover every species of terrestrial African mammal
- Adapted from the highly acclaimed Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals
- Fully illustrated with the author's superb color artwork
- Easy-to-read distribution maps
- Concise text and clear layout for quick, easy reference
- Practical format makes it ideal for use in the field
Customer Reviews:
African Mammals Book.......2007-09-29
It is a good book...diagrams are detailed well and descriptions are good of the animals....good guide book for college classes.
If Kingdon or Estes say it, believe it !!.......2007-06-27
Excellent information if studying. Kingdon is an excellent source of CORRECT information when it comes to African animals.
The Best Guide for Field Use in Africa!.......2006-08-05
This compact little guide is a condensed version of The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by the same author. That book is easily the best overview of African mammals, with detailed info on each species/genus, but it is not really practical for use as a field guide (see my review of it).
This book contains the same illustrations arranged in a format that makes them handier for actual identification in the field.
It is very comprehensive, covering every single species of African mammals with the exception of bats, rodents, insectivores, elephant-shrews and hyrraxes, which are usually represented by one species for each genus. But every single genus is represented, and of rodents, every species of squirrel is dealt with separately.
Maps and brief info on distribution and ecology of each taxon is now to be found on the pages facing the illustrutions.
The latter are a mixed bag, as in the original work: while most are quite good, even excellent and life-like, others are quite awful, either showing animals with stiff, straight limbs/bodies as if drawn with a ruler (like the Crowned Monkey) or in highly unnatural positions (like the Potto with the limbs twisted out, or the Cheetah standing up like a circus horse).
All things considered, this is easily the best field guide to mammals of Africa, though for more in-depth information on each taxon, you may still want to have the original book in addition to this one.
Book Description
Jonathan Kingdon, one of the foremost authorities on African mammals, has written and illustrated this new field guide which sets new standards in African mammalogy. The author covers all the known species of African land mammal in a concise text providing full information on identification, distribution, ecology, evolutionary relationships, and conservation status. The focus is always on the mammals as seen in the field and on their ecology and evolutionary interrelationships. Introductory profiles summarize the characteristics of the various mammal groups, and the author simplifies many of the more complex groups of mammals by referencing genera. Twelve newly recognized species of bushbaby, fourteen newly named baboons, guenons, and mangabeys and nine newly described colobus monkeys contribute to a modern treatment of the monkeys. New species of bats, rodents, and fox as well as a fully revised listing of the duikers, squirrels and genets are included. Kingdon combines his long personal experience of life in Africa and his artistic talent with the best that modern natural history and biological science can offer. With over 480 color pictures and 280 maps covering some 1,100 mammal species, this book is an essential companion to all visiting Africa or with an interest in the mammals of the continent.
Key Features:
- Employs the most up-to-date classification and lists all 1,150 known species
- Focuses on mammals as seen in the field and in their evolutionary interrelationships
Customer Reviews:
An excellent book for wildlife study.......2007-06-08
This book is beautifully illustrated and the text explains clearly the animals life style, habitat and diet. Brilliant.
A must for African Animal lovers.......2007-04-11
Having seen a dilapidated old copy of this book in the hands of our safari guide,in Tanzania whose knowledge was unbelievable, we just had to have one when we got home.The information contained is unsurpassed.Kingdon's research into the genetic background and the locations of the animals is amazing.Illustrations,diagrams etc. very reader friendly. A great book.
About the Best Currently, but Could Be Improved.......2004-06-17
First let me say that in general I find this book excellent, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the mammalian fauna of Africa.
It is very comprehensive, covering every single species of African mammals with the exception of bats, rodents, insectivores, elephant-shrews and hyrraxes, which are usually represented by one species for each genus. But every single genus is represented, and of rodents, every species of squirrel is dealt with separately.
The information accompanying each species is very detailed and appears up to date.
Now for the shortcomings:
1) The illustrations are next to the description of each species. Given how detailed/long the texts are, this means that usually there are just 1 or 2 species shown on each page, so to compare all antelopes you must look through a hundred pages or so - not very practical in a field guide!
2) Maps are often pages away from the text and illustration, with no reference to their whereabouts. I often thought there was no map for a species/genus, only to find it pages away, combined with the map for another taxon.
3) While illustrations are identified by the species' English name, the maps are confusingly id'ed by Latin names only. If you aren't familiar with the latter, it takes some cross-reference to find out which species' range you are looking at.
4) The illustrations vary so much in standard that it is hard to believe they were drawn by one person... While most are quite good, even excellent and life-like, others are quite awful, either showing animals with stiff, straight limbs/bodies as if drawn with a ruler (like the Crowned Monkey) or in highly unnatural positions (like the Potto with the limbs twisted out, or the Cheetah standing up like a circus horse).
Note that a cheaper, condensed version of this guide, without the first 3 shortcomings listed above and more practical for field use is now available: The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals. It is probably the book you would want to take to Africa while keeping this one at home for reference.
Outstanding Guide.......2004-04-27
This guide book is simply one of the best regional mammal guide books in existance. As well as providing good descriptions of the mammals, it looks at them in the context of their evolutionary history. It does contain a few errors, as is to be expected in a book of this scope. For example, servals are reported from Egypt, where, as far as I am aware, they have not been recorded in historic times. Overall, however, the book is outstanding.I used it throughout a 14-month trip to Africa and it never let me down.
A very useful guide with many lovely illustrations.......2002-12-11
This is a great reference for animals, the guide may not be as thorough as some, but in my opinion, it's thorough enough for the average person..and then some. It has detailed information on the animals it lists, and goes beyond many field guides in this respect. I definitely recommend this book for someone who wants a useful book, loaded with well-drawn color pictures.
Book Description
The Essential Guides have all the facts that the new or experienced pet owner needs for a successful relationship with his or her pet. Packed with interesting sidebars, the books discuss the special characteristics of the pet; bringing your new pet home; the optimal way to feed your pet; and how to properly groom your pet. Also included are comprehensive chapters on health care and how to train your pet like an expert.The many vibrant and descriptive photos in the Essential Guides are taken by a professional photographer, and each book contains perforated fact cards with lots of helpful care tips. Consulting Editor Ian Dunbar, Ph.D., MRCVS, is the founder and an ongoing member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. onsulting Editor Pamela Leis Higdon, an aviculturist of long standing, was an associate editor for Bird Talk magazine and the first managing editor of Birds USA.
Customer Reviews:
Must have for the beginner!!.......2005-08-26
I have to agree with the rest of the reviewers. This is a must have for the beginner with Greys!! My baby looks just like the one on the cover and she is now 5 years old. I got this book amoung others when I was doing my research. This is one of my favorites for information!!
TehEssential African Grey.......2005-08-03
Being a proud owner of a grey this book is a good source of reference.
African Grey.......2005-07-09
This is a very complete little book on the basic's of owning an African Grey. Very descriptive with good photos showing the differences between the varieties.
Good Basic Infomation.......2003-08-18
This book provides a good general overview of caring for an african grey. You'll need other books that go into more depth for behavior management, etc., but this book is a good starting point. While the book is current and up to date for the most part, the author does recommend giving your parrot a nut and bolt as a toy. Surprisingly, she does not warn that you must be careful that it does not contain zinc. The nut and bolt would have to be made of stainless steel to be safe, otherwise your bird could get heavy metal poisoning.
A Must Have Book For Beginners.......2002-03-19
I must say that the reviews that I read here on Amazon.com prior to me purchasing this book were right on. "The Essential African Grey" is wonderfully done and extremely informative. It is very easy to read with its subheads. This book not only covers the basics which are important, but also touches on possible diseases of African Greys, and details "what to look for" in a number of scenarios to help ensure your grey's health. This book is something you must own and perused again as situations may occur with your bird. And remember, greys (parrots) have only been domesticated two generations which still leaves the tag of wild for quite some time (way beyond our lifetimes), so we will always be learning and adapting new techniques, finding diseases (and hopefully proper vaccinations in the future, etc., etc.). This means that you need to check future books for more up-to-date methods and treatments in the future (as this author clearly spells out).
Product Description
This is our seventh set of Happy, Healthy Pet titles. These are books pet owners can turn to for the essential information they need to raise a healthy pet. All books contain information on: feeding housing grooming health care what to expect from the pet basic training As our series expands and focuses on different kinds of pets, the emphasis remains on making the pet a companion. In addition, owners of more unusual pets will particularly appreciate the expert advice in these books because professional care for their animals may be difficult to come by. As always, the instruction is from experts?people who know their pet intimately, but also remember what it was like to have one for the first time. Happy, Healthy Pet guides are rich with professional quality color photos and are designed to be enjoyable and easy to learn from.
Customer Reviews:
Decent for youth and under-educated, but..........2003-12-30
Ms Rach seems to have tried a bit too hard to write a book for youth but seems to think you talk down to them.
A fine try and the book does have a good deal of specific information but the detail is in all the wrong places to be of much interest to me.
Better to buy THE AFRICAN GREY PARROT HANDBOOK, or KEEPING AFRICAN GREY PARROTS.
WOW! I love this book!.......2001-06-21
This is the bestest book I ever readed in my whole life! Yeah, that's the ticket! I have one to sell, please buy it! PLEASE! Once I sell it, I will post my actual thoughts on this wonderful wack job... I mean expert of african greys.
The greatest advice in the entire world. Like, this book opened my eyes and made me think just like the bird does. Yeah, that's it! That's the ticket! I can speak African Grey now, because I read this wonderful book. Did I mention I am selling this book? Oy, chock full of information and history and will make you suicidal ... er I mean an expert!
Now days, anybody can call themselves an "Expert".......2001-06-08
This woman is a wack job at best. This book should be titled "The Adventures of my African Grey Sinbad!" The book is based on her bird and what little knowledge she has. You can learn more by spending 30 minutes with the guy at Petco or Petsmart. Want a good book on Parrots? Look up Mattie S. Athan!
She gives tips in her book, then on the next page the tip goes against what she just said on the last page! For instance: Don't buy a galvanized cage for fear of poisoning. Next page tells you to let it play with a nut and bolt. HELLO! Galvanized! One page says they are creatures of routine and let it get one. The next page says don't let it get into routine. Now days anybody can get published. THe book is more about her bird who she loves so much but is nutz. Her bird is crazy, bottom line. If you buy this book, keep it in the bathroom :) Just ... incase.
Good for a story and that's it.!.......2000-05-20
The book is well written I can't deny that.. but the author seems too obsessed with her female Grey called Sinbad.. she doesn't even know that Sinbad is an Arabic name for males and not females. The photos indicate that the author is fond of cheap as most of the cages portrayed are offensively so. She even recommends that Birds be allowed to play with Screws and Bolts for toys.
good.......2000-02-07
i like to say thes book is very good book i am sory i can't say more coz i can't sbeke englech
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