Ever since her daughter rescued a fledgling rook years ago, Esther Woolfson has been fascinated with corvids, the bird group that includes crows, rooks, magpies, and ravens. Today, the rook, named Chicken, is a member of the Woolfson family, along with a talking magpie named Spike, a baby crow named Ziki, a starling, a parrot, and others. From their elaborate bathing rituals to their springtime broodiness and tendency to cache food in the most unlikely places, these corvids share a bond with humans that one might never have imagined before reading this book.Letting her experience speak for itself, Woolfson likens the fears and foibles of corvids to those of humans, taking into account the science of bird intelligence, evolution, song, and flight. She highlights their big personalities and capacity for affection: Chicken hates computers and machines, while she loves evening neck scratches on Woolfson s knee. It is through this intimate lens that Woolfson invites us to reconsider the kind of creature capable of being man s best friend."

Originally published in the early 1900s. This useful little book deals with all aspects of these popular cage birds: Breeding and Management - Feeding - Ailments - Colours - Habitat and Wildlife - Sexing - Taming - Teaching to Talk, etc. Many of the earliest cage bird books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Originally published in the early 1930s. The author Lt. Col. A. H. Osman was a recognised expert on all aspects of pigeon racing and breeding. This book was originally written in answer to the many questions he received relating to getting birds fit and their training and preparation for long distance racing. The illustrated contents include: Importance of Strain - Young Birds - Yearlings - Third Season Pigeons - Old Birds - Late Birds - Feeding - Exercise etc. Many of the earliest books on pigeons, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

On September 6, 2007, an African Grey parrot named Alex died prematurely at age thirty-one. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were "You be good. I love you."

What would normally be a quiet, very private event was, in Alex's case, headline news. Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous--two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex's brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add. He could sound out words. He understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures.

The fame that resulted was extraordinary. Yet there was a side to their relationship that never made the papers. They were emotionally connected to one another. They shared a deep bond far beyond science. Alex missed Irene when she was away. He was jealous when she paid attention to other parrots, or even people. He liked to show her who was boss. He loved to dance. He sometimes became bored by the repetition of his tests, and played jokes on her. Sometimes they sniped at each other. Yet nearly every day, they each said, "I love you."

Alex and Irene stayed together through thick and thin--despite sneers from experts, extraordinary financial sacrifices, and a nomadic existence from one univer-sity to another. The story of their thirty-year adventure is equally a landmark of scientific achievement and of an unforgettable human-animal bond.

Fresh Air or Bust To stay healthy, your chickens need plenty of ventilation probably more than they re getting today. This was discovered over 100 years ago, but has been largely forgotten. Today s small-flock housing tends to be dank, dark, and smelly. Chickens, like miners canaries, are easily harmed by poor air quality. Wet litter breeds disease. Darkness forces chickens, like parrots, to be artificially inactive. Dank, dark, and smelly is a deadly combination Closed chicken houses are so harmful that knocking out a wall can cause an immediate improvement, even in winter. Chickens, after all, have a thick coat of feathers to keep them warm, but are vulnerable to poor air quality and pathogens in the litter; and their unwillingness to eat in the dark means they can starve in the midst of plenty. Fresh-Air Poultry Houses was written by Dr. Prince T. Woods, a noted poultry health expert. Dr. Woods describes not only his own poultry houses, but those of many of his clients, giving the book a breadth of experience that makes it a unique resource. This 1924 book is old-fashioned and a little eccentric, but in a good way. Fresh-Air Poultry Houses is a good example of the Norton Creek Press motto: Most of the best books are out of print and forgotten, but we can fix that See our Web site at http: //www.nortoncreekpress.com

This book provides a ready resource with easy to follow instructions to aid you in providing first aid to companion birds in emergency situations. The information in this book has been collected, compiled and edited from a variety of sources. The information here is provided as a resource for first aid for your companion bird. As we all know, first aid provides an immediate response to an immediate physical need or discomfort. First aid is never intended to be a substitute for competent medical attention, in this instance, your avian veterinarian.

This little book provides delightful, down-to-earth insights into what it's like to actually live with one of the grandest, most beautiful animals on our planet, the peacock. It gives loads of tips on what to feed these birds, sheltering tips, and whether or not to let them roam freely about your property or keep them in a pen. The author will give you lots of useful information about what to expect should you decide to bring home your own birds.

The author relays his own personal experiences from many years of living with and raising peacocks. He shares his observations about what the famous peacock calls mean, how they get along with other animals and with people. He gives you hints about to build effective pens. He also gives you the down sides of co-existing with peacocks so you can make an informed decision about whether it really makes sense for you to bring them into your life. Knowing about the potential problems you could encounter, you aren't blinded by the beauty of these creatures in making a decision you may later regret.

The many advances in psittacine medicine since the previous edition was published in 1996 are reflected in this Manual, which has been updated and rewritten under the direction of a new editorial partnership. The extended use of colour photographs adds to the extra usefulness of this successor to a well loved volume.

Clinical examination is presented in a logical, highly practical way, with integrated photographs of key features. The chapter ends with notes on critical and emergency cases. The basic techniques of injection, crop tubing, microchipping, and wing, claw and beak clipping are described and illustrated. The role of clinical pathology is demonstrated, including colour images of haematology and cytology, and a step-by-step post-mortem examination procedure is presented. Diagnostic imaging encompasses radiography, ultrasonography and endoscopy, with views o both normal abd abnormal presentations. Surgical principles plus procedures for both soft and hard tissues are then described.

Subsequent chapters cover systemic illnesses and disease by individua organ system. These are designed to be read in their entirety or to be referred to as needed.

For general practitioners the most commonly seen psittacine patients are small parrots, Cockateils and Budgerigars. A chapter is therefore devoted to dealing with common problems in these small patients. This practical approach to the sick bird is extended in an appendix of diagnostic algorithms for common presentations such as 'fluffing up', fitting and feather damage.

The editors both developed their interests in avian medicine from general practice and this has resulted in a practical, easy-to-use and relevantguide to psittacine medicine.

You love your pet bird, even when he misbehaves, but how can you train him with compassion? Birds off the Perch proves that rewarding good behavior is kinder and more effective than traditional discipline through punishment. This revolutionary approach combines the expertise of an animal behaviorist, a companion parrot consultant and a veterinarian who use "family therapy techniques" -- such as learning to respect the bird's boundaries and viewing sibling rivalry in a broad, environmental context -- to help you change the mischievous behavior of domesticated birds, including:

With additional chapters on choosing the right species for your family, breeding behavior and the appropriate medical care for your bird, Birds off the Perch is the only guide you'll need to keep your pet birds healthy and happy.

Seventeen years ago, when she adopted a neglected, orphaned thirty-year-old parrot named Tiko, the internationally renowned ornithologist Joanna Burger entered one of the most complex relationships of her life. Sullen and hostile when he entered Dr. Burger’s home, Tiko gradually warmed up, courting her during mating season, nursing her vigilantly through a bout with Lyme disease, and for a while even fighting her husband for her attentions. In time theirs was a relationship of deep mutual trust.

The Parrot Who Owns Me is Joanna and Tiko’s story, as well as the story of the science of birds, and of parrots in particular. Woven into the narrative are insights and fascinating revelations from Dr. Burger’s work—not only about parrots, but also about what it means to be human.

From Eared Grebes, Tundra Swans, and Peregrine Falcons to Lesser Yellowlegs, and Snowy Owls, Pennsylvania is home to a magnificent array of birds. In the first comprehensive summary and analysis in over a century of the birds of that state, Gerald M. McWilliams and Daniel W. Brauning provide a wealth of information for both the professional ornithologist and the amateur birder. This book treats all 428 species seen in the state, including breeding and wintering birds, migrants, and vagrants. Each entry provides the general status of a species; the locations where it is most commonly found; its natural habitat, migratory patterns, breeding habits, and seasonal status and distribution; and a summary of the bird's history in Pennsylvania. With clear descriptions of physiographic regions as well as 44 breeding distribution maps for the most commonly seen birds and 67 photographs of many rare and hard-to-find species, this volume is an indispensable resource about Pennsylvania's bird life.

Any chicken owner will know that there's more to these endearing, quirky, clever characters than the eggs and meat they produce. Cluck is a celebration of hens, roosters and chicks, combining high-quality photography with inspirational and amusing quotes to create the perfect gift for chicken fans. Some of the collection's quotations come from famous people (Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Mark Twain, Plutarch), others don't; some are philosophical, others light-hearted - all are memorable. Accompanied by beautiful pictures of a variety of these farmyard birds, from Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons to Welsummers and Silkies, this collection of quotes and proverbs will steal any chicken lover's heart.

Julius Caesar said that Britons 'thought it wrong to partake of hare, cockerel, or geese, but they keep these instead for reasons of affection and pleasure'. Throughout our history we have certainly admired birds and envied their brilliant plumage and ability to fly and we have a long and ongoing history of keeping all manner of birds for their beauty and companionship. The Garden Aviary shines a spotlight on the aviaries of private gardens and public parks. It will appeal to those interested in the social and cultural history of bird keeping or the history of garden buildings. Illustrated with examples of aviaries both grand and humble, this is an exploration of the garden aviary built as status symbol or as a tool for conservation and the preservation of genetic diversity, but primarily, as Caesar thought, for reasons of affection and pleasure.

The Banksy of The Bird World shares simple wisdom to help the birds we love to thrive. Bestselling author and illustrator, Matt Sewell, is back with his most inspirational book yet. Save Our Birds is a celebration of our endangered birds and call to arms for bird-lovers of all ages to help protect them. Matt has created new, beautiful watercolour artworks of Britain's most loved birds, and their habitats, all of which are sadly on the Red List - the respected, international guide to endangered species. Sewell provides a wealth of practical advice on how we can protect them from extinction. Explore cities, coastlands, woodlands and farms, leaving no habitat unexplored around the British Isles. From bird-friendly window boxes to community projects, discover the steps you can take, actions both big and small, to save our birds.

Filled with down-to-earth, common-sense advice, this absolute beginner's guide for first-time chicken keepers teaches you everything you want and need to know about raising a backyard flock. Keeping backyard chickens can be fun and simple, even if you have limited backyard space. To get started keeping backyard poultry, you'll learn about: The benefits of a backyard chicken flock Tips on negotiating chicken-keeping regulations How to select a breed to suit your needs The incubation process The art of brooding Setting up coops and runs Proper poultry nutrition How to protect your flock from predators Illness prevention and treatment With this knowledge, you can enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle with fresh eggs, free fertilizer (chicken poop!), and reduced household waste (chickens love table scraps!). Delight in the journey and achieve success with First Time Chicken Keeping. Each book in the First Time series distills how-to guidance and advice from an expert on a specific topic into targeted step-by-step instruction geared toward the absolute beginner.

On May 27th, 1784, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart met a flirtatious little starling who sang (an improved version of!) the theme from his Piano Concerto Number 17 in G to him. Knowing a kindred spirit when he met one, Mozart wrote "That was wonderful" in his journal and took the bird home to be his pet. For three years Mozart and his family enjoyed the uniquely delightful company of the starling until one April morning when the bird passed away. In 2013, Lyanda Lynn Haupt, author of Crow Planet, rescued her own starling, Carmen, who has become a part of her family. In Mozart's Starling, Haupt explores the unlikely bond between one of history's most controversial characters and one of history's most notoriously disliked birds. Part natural history, part story, Mozart's Starling will delight readers as they learn about language, music, and the secret world of starlings.

Meet Les Green. Head of the most potent pigeon racing team in the UK - known in pigeon racing circles as 'The Mafia'. A sharp-tongued, quick-witted ex-gang member from Salford who now devotes his life to breeding and racing pigeons that are as swift and consistent as the expletives that fly from his own foul mouth. The RPRA (Royal Pigeon Racing Association) - an organization filled with ex brigadiers - sees Les and his lads as a bunch of Northern upstarts out to make trouble. Given the chance, and if they weren't so damn good, the RPRA would ban them from competing. This conflict forms the backdrop as we follow Les from his legendary coop in North Manchester to the National Pigeon Racing convention in Blackpool; on to the $250,000 Las Vegas classic; and finally to take part in the ultimate pigeon race - the $1 million bonanza in Sun City, South Africa. A Very British Coop is the story of Les and his team trying to defy the odds and drag pigeon racing into the 21st century, meanwhile pursuing the ultimate feathered flying prize. It is also the first insight into a global pursuit which blurs hobby and sport, sees pigeons flown first-class round the world before changing hands for over $100,000, and where grown men will stop at nothing to see their bird flying into sight first.

With heart-shaped face, buff back and wings, and pure white underparts, the barn owl is a distinctive and much-loved bird which has fascinated people from many cultures throughout history. How did the barn owl colonise the world? What adaptations have made this bird so successful? How is the increasing impact of human disturbance affecting these animals? Answering these questions and more, Roulin brings together the main global perspectives on the evolution, ecology and behaviour of the barn owl and its relatives, discussing topics such as the high reproductive potential, physiology, social and family interaction, pronounced colour variation and global distribution. Accessible and beautifully illustrated, this definitive volume on the barn owl is for researchers, professionals and graduate students in ornithology, animal behaviour, ecology, conservation biology and evolutionary biology, and will also appeal to amateur ornithologists and nature lovers.

More than ever, Americans care about the quality and safety of the food they eat. They're bringing back an American tradition: raising backyard chickens for eggs, meat, fun, or profit. Chickens in Your Backyard has been the go to guide of chicken care for over 40 years. This revised and updated edition covers all the basics to turn your backyard into a happy homestead-from incubating, raising, housing, and feeding, through treating disease and raising chickens for show. Given some freedom and attention, these birds can become much more than the egg-and-meat machines of commercial hatcheries and broiler factories. Chickens provide backyard farmers with enjoyable pastime, as well as a supply of good food. About Rodale Classics: The new Rodale Classics line is a revised and updated set of our most iconic and bestselling gardening titles. Rodale has been the category leader in organic methods for decades, and gardeners are consistently turning to our tried and true guides for reference. The company will continue to identify appropriate candidates for inclusion into the series in future seasons. The uniform branding and design on these covers will unite these books into a set, capitalizing on the strength and authority of the Rodale brand.