Rating:  Summary: Even 'old-timers' will find inspiration Review: Having been graced with companion parrots for more than 15 years, I was worried this text might be more geared toward the new parrot owner, and I would find it elementary. Not so. There are numerous hand-made toys and play areas in my home, but I found the ideas in this book very inspiring. Sometimes it takes new eyes to spark the creative juices, and this book did just that. Thanks, ladies!
Rating:  Summary: Great ideas to keep your bird busy. Play gym designs incl Review: I enjoyed this book it had great ideas. Some things had me saying, wow I could've thought of that !. Great play gym designs. While I didn't follow one exactly it empowered me to create my own play gym rather than buy one. I wish i'd read this before buying the first play gym for my amazon for $150 ! I spend about $20-$30 to build the second one for my B&G macaw based on the ideas I found in this book
Rating:  Summary: Only one thing wrong Review: I just got this book. I immediately began to flip through it. The ONLY thing wrong I can see with it is that the plans are not immediately with the playstands. You have to look to find them. Barring that minute organizational thing, this book is a must have. In just flipping I picked up three new things to do for my fids. Yes, it is simple. Yes, you can do these things. No, they are not expensive. They have plans for a LARGE PVC play area... Truly, my fids will benefit from this book. I will be buying another copy for my club's auction. I know people will be tickled to get this book!
Rating:  Summary: Great ideas!! Review: I loved some of the ideas in this book, and the bird playstand instuctions alone are worth the price of the book. Maybe if you've had your parrot for years, it might not be the book for you;however, to a novice owner...very helpful. Well written with a touch of humor, I highly recommend!!
Rating:  Summary: Parrot-Toys and Play Areas Review: If anyone couldn't have worked out for themselves all the so-called ideas in this book and for that matter could not have done better: then they are not fit to look after a gold fish, let alone a parrot.
Rating:  Summary: Absolutely a must have Review: If you own a parrot, or are planning on purchasing...get this book! The price of toys retail is unreal! This book gives you so many ideas for 'free' or nearly free toys you can make, or have around the house! It also explains what is safe, and what isn't as well as the different types of toys (puzzles,shredders,etc) Really worth it.
Rating:  Summary: Many good ideas.... Review: If you think you can bring a parrot home and toss him in a cage and throw him a few vegetables and seeds everyday, and he will entertain you in return, guess again. Parrots are smart, and you are setting yourself up for a very large hassle if you don't take the time to find out just how smart they are (they can talk and understand what they say). D'Arezzo and Shannon-Nunn reveal just how smart these birds are by providing a very good overview of what bird owners need to do to keep their pet parrots entertained. That's right, the bird may entertain you, but the price you will pay or suffer the consequences is entertaining the bird. PARROT TOYS AND PLAY AREAS includes all sorts of toys-noisemakers, destructible and non-destructible toys, puzzles, preeners, push-`n-pull toys and plenty of other items that will lead you to believe you don't own a parrot, you own a three-year-old going on 12. Not all toys must be hand-made. The bird owner can find toys ready made at a local pet supply outlet. Some items made for other purposes also serve as parrot toys. Dog rawhide, whisk brooms, and cotton mop heads can be purchased at your local grocery or pet store. Wireless clothes pins are a little bit more difficult to locate, but can be found in craft stores. Plastic chains can be found in hardware stores. The list of toys provides a clue. Parrots like to dismantle things. D'Arezzo and Shannon-Nunn suggest if you don't provide them things they can destroy you can expect them to destroy other things-like your furniture for example. Bringing a parrot home is not so different from bringing a puppy home.
Rating:  Summary: A quick read Review: It is a quick read with some interesting ideas. Many of the ideas and more are available online for free. The authors could have included alot more. I enjoyed the little stories. Although the authors mention which wood is good to use, they never give a list of woods that should NOT be used. A reference table of things to use (and NOT to use) would be good. I would have appreciated more different kinds of play area designs and instructions. Index is useless.
Rating:  Summary: Very fun and practical!! Review: These authors KNOW PARROTS! This book is jammed with creative ideas for delightful (and appropriate) parrot toys. Its "how-to" instructions, information about various species, and insights into the purpose of toys (such as fulfilling a parrot's need to chew, preen, and manipulate) make it a wonderful resource. It has something for every budget and every pet bird. After following its explicit step-by-step instructions for making a parrot "adventure station" (materials about $30), I have something far more usable and versatile than many of the trees that cost hundreds. (All my Amazon knows is life has become a LOT more fun!)
Rating:  Summary: Fantastic!! Review: This book is awesome. Im always looking for "unique" parrot books. Most of them offer the same ol', same ol' stuff dealing with the exact same beginner topics. And I certainly dont care to get a breeder book (not into breeding birds). Theres not many authors out there who will venture into a "niche" area of the bird world - but this one struck it JUST right! I dont think theres a book of its equal in the parrot book market. It offers EXCELLENT suggestions and is well written and catagorized. The black and white cartoons in there also add funny humor that any bird owner will appreciate. Theres even a section in the back with instructions and a list of items needed to build a wonderful PVC birdie stand!
I use this book all the time as a reference tool when my Quaker Parrot gets a bit bored. :) The sections on "cheap" and "home made" toys comes in handy as well (not to mention - a great money saver since store bought toys are SOOO expensive!).. :-D
Any "more experienced" parrot owner who is tired of buying books that deals with the same "been there done that" topics should get this book. In fact, ANY parrot owner should get this book no matter what. All parrots need fun in their life. :)
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