Unfamiliar with bird psychology - any good books?

[Firethorn]

Although I am extremely familiar with the physiology of birds I am NOT familiar with there inherent personalities. Can you guys suggest any good books? I fell in love with an unavailable sulfur crested cockatoo many years ago and have wanted a cockatoo ever since. This time around I've chosen a muloccan cockatoo. What expectations should I have? I'm of the opinion that nature beats nurture every time. So what is the nature of a muloccan cockatoo versus a sulfur crested cockatoo? Psittacines live a VERY long time so I want to get it right. I don't want to end up adding another dysfunctional parrot to the world over some selfish want. Help?

 

[svheartsdesire]

My Parrot My Friend....Amazon

 

[SailBoat]

I am not aware of a book written 'specific' to psychology of birds. There are several that touch on it as part of a more generalized offering of owning/caring for companion parrots. If they exist, it is highly likely that they would be targeted to a specific group of birds. This based on the psychological patterns of companion parrots would be very different from say; Eagles or Hawks. It addition, with in companion parrots you have flock groupings and social (family) groupings, which patterns would also differ. With the limited research and PHD funding in the Avian World, funding for such a study would be hard to find.

There are several books that look closely into the "Art" of Reading the "Body Language" of Companion Parrots, which more commonly target social (family) groupings of parrots. See the first Posting in the Amazon section of this Forum. The cross-section of books in all areas of Companion Parrots range from very good to very, very poor. The same is true regarding body language.

By understanding their body language, it allows us humans a glimpse of the psychology at work below the surface, and with that, a better understand of our parrots. I am guessing that this is what you are really more interested in, correct?

Sally Blanchard has several books that may interest you: Companion Parrot Handbook, Amazons, The Beak Book.

 

[Taw5106]

I thought I wanted a cockatoo and an Amazon picked me, then an Ekkie. I can't complain, they are both sweetie pies for me.

 

[SailBoat]

Since your interests are really more targeted in and around the World of Cockatoos. I would recommend that you Post in that section of the Forum with a title that is more specific to your actual wants: How best to live with and understand Cockatoos for a life time relationship.

Mentally healthy Toos are a real joy to be around. Your points are well taken and your wants; Do It Right - The First Time, is a joy to hear.

The Too people are great and will quickly get you the background you are looking for, whether directing to to a specific book(s) or their input.

Enjoy!

 

[Birdman666]

M2's are the HIGHEST MAINTENANCE of the HIGHEST MAINTENANCE parrot.

They are extremely needful things... and are THE MOST PRONE to plucking disorders of the bunch.

Bluntly, most people can't or don't meet their emotional needs, so they end up plucked down to their very last head feather, and covered in sores.

7 out of every 10... THOSE ARE NOT GOOD ODDS! And that is what you are taking on. It can be done, and they are wonderful birds, but most people don't pull it off.

M2'S are also the LOUDEST of the LOUD.

These birds are jet engine noise loud. So, screaming protocols apply. Nip it in the bud before it starts.

SC2's are extremely prone to tantrum throwing.

An SC2 with spoiled bird syndrome is right up there with a U2 with spoiled bird syndrome. They will throw fits, and can keep it up for hours on end to get their way....

DON'T GO DOWN THE SPOILED BIRD SYNDROME PATH. Tantrums DO NOT get rewarded!!! EVER!!!

BOTH species need structured interaction. They need to be taught to self entertain.

I really don't know any books that really can prepare you for life with them. Being around them. There's no substitute for that.

Go to a rescue and play with the toos. Trust me, there will always be toos at a rescue. ALL of them.

My daughter's favorite parrots are SC2's.

We don't have one... but we have fostered them.