Australian Parakeet Handbook, the New

I recently got my first Red Rump parakeet. Ordered this book to get good basic information on care and such. Felt it was a good basis all around book for all Australian parakeets. Went into many types of the Australian keets.

THE NEW AUSTRALIAN PARAKEET HANDBOOK by Matthew Vriends, is a relatively technical volume covering "everything about purchase, housing, care, nutrition, behavior, breeding and disease' and a special chapter on `understanding the Australian Parakeet' Ever wonder where that blue or yellow budgie you own fits into the larger scheme of the Parakeet world? This book won't tell you. NAPH describes the whereabouts of selected parakeets native to Australia, not `Melopsittacus undulatus. You won't find `Budgies' in the index either, and the `Grass Parakeet is not the Budgie according to this book. Vriends book covers the so-called `broad tailed parakeets' ornamental birds you might encounter on a field trip and want to breed yourself, could you catch a pair. Vriends Includes descriptions of Nymphicus hollandicus known to most of us as the`Cockatiel' and he also writes about lesser known species such as Rosellas, Ring-necks and Red-rumped Parakeets, as well as the Yellow-vented Blue Bonnet parakeet which must be a sight to see in the wild. Vriends book is really a breeding and "birding" book comparable to those published by the Smithsonian on captive breeding programs for `threatened' birds held in captivity and/or finding them in their threatened habitats, and would make a good companion on your next trip through Australia to search the bush and back roads. In fact, one great shot shows an old guy with camper in the background, feeding a wild flock of Australian King Parrots with bright red heads (could this be the author?). The book includes many photos with poor captions and plenty of black and white drawings which I find offputting when trying to determine which species might be lurking on the fence post yonder.

This was one of the very few books that covered to any degree the rare species of bird that I recently purchased. I have also seen this title in a highly respected local bird farm library.Highly recommended for not extensive information on each breed, but short summaries on about every breed of Australian parakeet you need to know about.

Dr. Vriends is one of the formost authorities on birds, and this book is an excellent example of his knowledge in unusual species. It covers all Australian parakeets that are usually kept, and is currently the most comprehensive guide to these interesting beauties. Highly recommend this book for all who own or are considering owning Australian broad and long tailed parakeets.