[.uk] The Essential Parakeet (The Essential Guides) (ISBN 087605338X)

Not new material...:
THE ESSENTIAL PARAKEET looks very much like an earlier book about Budgies by Julia Rach. Many of the photos are identical (Renee Stockdale). The publisher is the same publisher. The difference seems to be the book jacket and the word Parakeet instead of Budgie. This Parakeet book includes much of the same material on cage specifications, diet, and other considerations concerning the health and maintenance of Budgies, found in the earlier book by Rach. So what is the difference between a Parakeet and a Budgie? According to the editor, Americans call Budgies "Parakeets." "Not all Parakeets are Budgies", says the editor, Budgies are a specific species with a Latin name `Melopsittacus undulatus' or the "song-parrot with wavy lines." Sometimes these little birds are called "grass parakeets" in their native Australia. I don't think the book is a very helpful source of information about why Parakeets are different from Budgies. Maybe their is no difference. Maybe a Budgie by any other name is still a swell bird. Get Rach's book and you won't need this book.

good book full of great Info:
a good book for people who are just starting out with parakeets full of wonderfull Info & has great pictures good price too

Helped me choose my parakeet:
Although I had done a lot of research on the internet before purchasing my parakeet...I prefer to say adopt, actually...this book gave me so much more information! It told me what kind of parakeets you shouldn't get--the ones that hang back in the cage, make watery poops, and dash away from your hand. I got one that came up to me and cheeped. You should get this book for it is chock-full of information, but also try tons of other books and do research on the web. After all, you DO want to be the greatest pet owner for your parakeet, right? I suggest you take the little "quiz" in the front of the book to see if you're ready for a parakeet before taking further actions.

almost covers the most basic of information:
While I appreciate the psychological advice on just how to break the news of a dead parakeet to a family member, I really required more practical information - like what temperature is best for a healthy bird... or say... should I get a cuddle bone? The book does mention to keep your bird's cage out of direct sunlight (wouldn't the bird enjoy a little sun in the winter?) and to keep him out of drafts (in the summer wouldn't a nice breeze be appreciated?) I felt the book needed to concentrate more on actual facts instead of generalities & add more photos diagramming wing clipping & nail trimming.

Good for beginning budgie enthusiasts:
Very nice book. It is pretty thorough and has excellent advice for choosing a healthy happy pet and the correct cage and accessories you will need.