| Exquisite Exotics Aviary Our Favorite Books Here are more of our recommended reading selections.
I believe the best way to develop a great relationship with your companion parrot is to use the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and positive reinforcement to empower your pet to make good choices in how he behaves. Unfortunately, there are many authors who suggest the use of behavior modification strategies that are truly punishing, yet masquaraded as a "positive" approach to behavior modification by the use of misleading "nice" labels for the techniques. There is no doubt that punishing strategies will work to modify your pet's behavior, it works and can work quickly, but is that truly how you want to share your life with your bird? It is well documented that punishement can have far reaching negative side effects. Punishement can lead to mistrust, withdrawl, escalating aggressive behavior, generalized fear and phobias. There are excellent and effective ways to empower your bird to make good behavior choices using ABA and positive reinforcement. It is my hope that all bird owners will choose to use the most positive and least intrusive measures to shape and modify the behavior of their companion parrots. It is highly important that you read the information in any book or periodical with a critical eye. As you digest the information you are reading, especially the "behavior training" information, please ask yourself these important questions: -
Is this advice suggesting a truly positive approach to working with my bird? -
If I follow this advice will I be truly empowering my bird to make a choice to behave in the appropriate way. -
There are authors who use words with soothing and comforting connotations to label actions that are really punishing and restrictive to the pet. Don't be lulled into thinking "It must be "pet empowering" and a positive reinforcer just because the author says it is." Actions labeled with "nice" sounding words can be truly positive and empowering for your pet but they can also be misleading. Scrutinize what the author is asking you to do. Think about why the bird will be responding. Is he trying to escape a negative stimulus? Have you removed something that was a positive reinforcer to "punish"? If you do what the author is suggesting with/to your bird, will your bird be behaving (reacting) because he is making a choice to do something he wants to do or will his behavior (reaction) be because he is trying to escape a punishement? It is always best to choose to the most positive and least intrusive reinforcement possible in shaping the behavior of your parrot. We have placed a red star in front of the books we feel will be particularily helpful to the new Congo owner. *For the Love of Greys By Bobbie Brinker. If you or a friend have an African Grey, are a breeder of African Grey Parrots, are planning on getting one, or would just like to know more about these amazing birds, then this book is a must! The author shares her knowledge and experience with African Greys in the areas of socializing, behavior, nutrition, breeding, and more. Bobbie’s website is www.parrottalk.com You will find many links to informative articles she has written as well as to other interesting parrot related information. African Grey Parrots A Complete Pet Owner's Manual By Maggie Wright I think this is the best of the smaller, more inexpensive guides specifically for the African Grey. Information and advice to help you take good care of your African Grey parrot. Topics include origins, temperament, physical traits, feeding, health care, speaking, teaching, caging, grooming, and understanding your parrot's voice and body language. Maggie also publishes the parrot oriented magazine “Grey Play Round Table." Maggie’s website is www.africangreys.com Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot By Mattie Sue Athan. This is a must have book for every parrot owner. It is one of the first resources I check when I have a question about how to manage my birds! Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior By Mattie Sue Athan. *The African Grey Parrot Handbook By Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter. My Parrot, My Friend By Bonnie Munroe Doane. The Parrot in Health & Illness By Bonnie Munroe Doane. This book is a wonderful resource to help answer health questions. It is well written and easy to understand. | 
