How to Pick Bird Owner Books

There are thousands of authors and naturalists who claim to be experts on birds. A trip down the nature and science aisle at your local bookstore will expose a competitive marketplace of ideas at your disposal. You need to know what to look for when you pick bird owner books to avoid wasting your money on poorly-written books or misinformed authors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Investigate the qualifications of an author before you buy a bird owner book. You need to purchase books written by veterinarians and academic authorities to get the best information on bird ownership.

2. Search book review websites and monthly book reviews focused on non-fiction books to find pet-specific publishing houses. Publishers who specialize in books on pet potty training, coping with pet death and other pet-related topics use editors, artists and writers who know the ins and outs of bird ownership.

3. Look over the selection of bird owner books available at your local pet shop. Most pet stores carry popular current titles to help pet owners save time on their searches for books about birds.

4. Scour the selection of books on bird ownership at bargain book stores and book fairs. Most major cities have seasonal fairs of overstocked and out-of-print books, which are made available at discounted prices.

5. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on books written by her colleagues and local authorities on bird ownership. Your veterinarian will be conversant enough in the latest literature to offer her favorites.

6. Search for a bird owner book with a section on how to deal with the death of your pet bird. This section is critical for parents who want to purchase a bird for a small child who may be unfamiliar with death and dying.

7. Peruse bird owner books to find a publication with a detailed list of daily tasks for bird care. You should pick a book with a detailed checklist for waste removal, feeding and veterinary care to help you keep your new pet healthy.

8. Pick bird owner books that offer a CD-ROM, or other accompanying materials, to get the best value for your money. Books with an online component offer updated information on bird species, as well as ways to identify wild birds for budding naturalists.

Tips & Warnings

• Review the back covers and summaries of bird owner books to determine the scope of covered material. Pet owners who are experienced in dealing with birds may need a general book on how to deal with multiple types of pets. A first-time bird owner should select books that deal with training methods specific to her type of bird.