Choosing a Good Book

It would be great if there were a set of books that answered all possible questions one might have about birds --kind of an avian encyclopedia with one book for each species, one for medical emergencies, one for food and nutritional questions, and so forth. Unfortunately, such a priceless compilation of facts does not exist. We are forced to try and find individual books on our own, determining along the way which opinions are the best for our case. All too often not knowing (without trial and error at our bird's expense) what advice is truly the best. We have found, in my opinion, books with truly dangerous information. While others at first appear contradictory, they in fact show only dissimilar approaches based on different experiences. Bird care, like people care, is not a one-size-fits-all project.

So how can someone find a book that is not only worth the money but will answer all those questions? Here are a few ideas to help you get started. They are in no way intended to be the ultimate in criteria, but they are somewhere to start.

1. First find a book that deals with the type of bird you are going to be getting (or are looking for, or thinking about.) There is no use buying a book on Macaws if you are in the market to buy a budgie for your kids. Much information about the different species regarding the feeding, handling, and all around care can be very specific.

2. Try to find an unbiased review or critique of the book. Don't just use the one provided by the author or publisher --they are naturally biased.

3. Make sure it is written in terminology that you (or whoever is going to use it) will understand. Why get a college text on Avian Parasitology if you are not going to be able to understand the information it contains? On the other hand, it would not do to get a child's book for anyone other than a child since the information would not be as detailed as is needed for the long-term care of a bird.

4. Try to find out what you can about the author --again from sources other than the book cover. How long have they been working with birds; what kind of work (a breeder wouldn't necessarily be the best reference for training); what other books have they written; any articles in magazines (preferably national); ask around, talk to other bird owners who have the same type bird and find out what books they recommend (provided they are owners who can be trusted.)

5. Get more than one book. This may sound redundant, but as stated before, there is more than one opinion on the proper way to do most everything. Compare. Use your common sense as to what you think will work best in your particular situation. But be careful! If one book suggests something that you think is too off the wall, too contrary to the advice of other books, or just dangerous, DON'T DO IT! Just because it's in a book doesn't mean it can't be wrong.

No book will answer all the question you will come up with. Owning a bird is much like raising a child, there are always diverse opinions and techniques. All you can do is obtain as much information as possible, combine it with your common sense and do the best you can. Good luck and ENJOY!

Recommended Books & Bookstore

Search WWW Search avianrescue.org

AvianRescue.org is a project of Coventry Companion Bird Survival Center.
All copyrights are held by their respective owners as indicated.
You are encouraged to print any needed information for personal use,
unless otherwise specified. No part of this website may be used for another source,
online or printed, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Refer any questions or comments to: coventry@snowcrest.net

Hosted by Excelr8 Networks

Copyright © 1998-2008
September 28, 2003