Birdhouse

ABK BOOKS AND AUSTRALIAN BIRDKEEPER MAGAZINE are one of the best references for bird keepers.  Here a list of all books available.  If you like to purchase one go to www.birdkeeper.com.au

* Australian BirdKeeper Magazine

Published in six glossy, colourful and informative issues per year, each contains regular features and articles on all popular cage/aviary birds. Articles are written by top breeders/aviculturists and veterinarians from all over the world and feature information on the care, management and breeding of pet and aviary birds.
58 pages
ISSN  1030-8954    Published by: ABK Publications

* A Guide to Colour Mutations and Genetics in Parrots

This title, that has taken Australian author, Dr Terry Martin BVSc, some five years to complete, is the most definitive, collective work ever attempted on this intriguing and contentious subject. Drawing on information from specialist parrot mutation breeders from all over the world, Terry Martin has collated over 700 colour photographs in this 296-page soft and hardcover title with text that is both approachable and easily understood.
Presented in three parts, the author takes the reader through a comfortable and absorbing introduction to understanding the basic principles of mutations and colour genetics in the first two parts. The information has been supported throughout with a plethora of colour photography resulting in a highly digestible and understandable journey. Part three is for the adventurous, being the technical manifest of genetics in parrots.
Over 80 species of parrot are discussed with numerous examples of breeding outcomes to assist the breeder in understanding how various mutations can be bred and developed. The underlying objective throughout this book is Terry’s attempt to standardise the naming of colour mutations internationally. All in all a compelling read that will undoubtedly stand the test of time and become a major reference source for many years to come.
Contents: Part 1—Understanding Mutations, Understanding Basic Genetics, Establishment of New Mutations, Primary Colour Mutations, Key to Naming Mutations. Part 2—Combinations of Mutations. Part 3—Scientific Investigation of Colour Morphs, Loci for Colour in Parrots, Index of Primary Mutations by Species.
296 pages
ISBN: 0 9577024 7 7 (Hardcover)  ISBN: 0 9577024 6 9 (Softcover)    Author: Dr Terry Martin

* A Guide to Asiatic Parrots (Revised)

This complete revision sees the addition of over 70 colour images of new mutations, improved text including new genetic tables and more information on nutrition, housing and breeding.
Contents include General Management, Housing, Feeding, Breeding, Keeping Records, Ringing, Stock Management, Pairing and Mating, Handraising Asiatic Parrots, Surgical Sexing, Diseases of Asiatic Parrots, Common Health Problems in Asiatic Parrots, Prevention and Control of Disease within the Aviary, Stress and Disease, Basic Rules used to Prevent Disease entering an Aviary, Recognising Disease, Health Check of Newly Acquired Birds, Physical Examination, Quarantine of New Birds, Worm Infestation and Treatment.
Species include the Indian Ringnecked Parrot and their many mutations, the Alexandrine, Plum-headed, Derbyan, Malabar, Slaty-headed, Moustache, Malayan Long-tailed and Blossom-headed Parrot.
88 pages
ISBN  0 9587102 52     Authors: Syd and Jack Smith

* A Guide to Neophema and Psephotus Grass Parrots (Revised)

This revised edition features over 160 full colour images of new mutations, examples of breeding expectations, housing, feeding and management.
Contents include Management, Housing, Feeding, Breeding, Hybridising, Ringing, Keeping Records and Surgical Sexing.
Species include the Bourke’s, Turquoise, Scarlet-chested, Elegant, Blue-winged, Rock, Orange-bellied, Red-rumped, Mulga, Blue-bonnet, Hooded, Golden-shouldered and Paradise Parrot.
88 Pages
ISBN  0 9587102 44    Author: Toby Martin
*A Guide to Eclectus Parrots as Pet and Aviary Birds (Revised)
This long awaited title features a comprehensive description of all 10 subspecies. Chapters include:
Taxonomy and Identification, Eclectus in the Wild, Eclectus in Captivity—As Pet and Aviary Birds, Housing, Feeding, Breeding, Artificial Incubation and Handraising, Troubleshooting and Symptoms of Breeding Failure, Taming and Training, Colour Mutations and Genetics, Diseases and Disorders.
Featuring over 250 colour photographs this 160-page title is available in both soft and hard cover format.
160 pages
ISBN: 0 9750817 0 5    Authors: Dr Rob Marshall and Ian Ward

* A Guide to Macaws as Pet and Aviary Birds

Recognised internationally as one of the world’s most accomplished and talented aviculturists, published author and speaker, Rick Jordan has produced the perfect companion for anybody interested in macaws, whether as pets, or as breeders.
Featuring spectacular full colour photography throughout, this 136 page soft cover title is packed with valuable and highly useable information.
Set out in three sections:
Section 1: Breeding Macaws (including aviary design and construction, nutrition, breeding, incubation and handrearing, diseases and disorders).
Section 2: Macaws as Pets and Companion Birds (including housing, feeding, health aspects, behavioural problems).
Section 3:  Species: Blue and Gold Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Buffon’s Macaw, Military Macaw, Green-winged Macaw, Red-fronted Macaw, Hyacinth Macaw, Blue-throated Macaw, Severe Macaw, Red-bellied Macaw, Illiger’s Macaw, Yellow-collared Macaw, Blue-headed Macaw, Red-shouldered (Hahn’s) Macaw, Red-shouldered (Noble’s) Macaw. Captive Rarities: Spix’s Macaw, Lear’s Macaw. Gone Forever: Glaucous Macaw, Cuban Macaw.
136 pages
ISBN: 0 9577024 93    Author: Rick Jordan

* A Guide to Basic Health & Disease in Birds (Revised)

Since its first publication in 1996, this book has proven to be one of the most sought after and respected titles worldwide in this generic range of avian publications. The author’s devotion and concern for all aspects of avian health and husbandry have again been reflected in this revised edition.
Contents
Why Do Birds Get Sick?, So You Have a Sick Bird!, How Do I Know if my Bird is Sick?, Signs of Illness, How to do a Physical Examination, How to Make Your Visit to the Veterinarian more Successful, First Aid, Purchasing Your First Bird, Annual Health Examination for Pet Birds, Hints on Keeping Birds in Captivity, How to Set Up a Quarantine Program, Medicating Birds, Bird Restraint, Common Problems, Infectious Diseases, Exotic Diseases, Non-Infectious Diseases, List of Common Diseases According to the Species, Post-Mortem Examination for the Aviculturist, Antibiotics in Aviculture, Avian Parasite Control, Psittacosis, Disinfection.
Diagrams
Features of a Typical Bird, The Alimentary Canal of a Typical Bird, The Respiratory Tract of a Typical Bird.
Tables
Table of Antibiotics, Common Parasiticides.
112 pages
ISBN:  0 9577024 5 0    Author:  Dr Michael J Cannon

*A Guide to Australian Grassfinches

The popularity of Australian Grassfinches worldwide is largely due to the hardiness of these tiny, gregarious and colourful birds. The 18 members of the Grassfinch family Estrildae recognised in Australia are featured in detail.
General topics covered include Acquiring the Birds, Quarantine, Nutrition, Housing, Breeding Seasons, Subspecies, Coloured Mutations and Health Problems—to name a few. Diagrams indicating visual differences and some 160 colour photographs support the text. A must for every finch breeder’s library.
80 pages
ISBN  0 9587102 28    Author: Russell Kingston

* A Guide to Rosellas and their Mutations

Under Revision

* A Guide to Neophema and Neopsephotus Genera and their Mutations

This English revised edition of the popular French title Les Euphemes provides extensive coverage of all the known mutations in this group.  Featuring over 250 beautiful photographs, this title provides the mutation breeder with all the latest genetic information to assist with successful breeding.  Species include the Bourke’s, the Scarlet-chested, the Turquoisine, the Blue-winged, the Elegant, the Rock and the Orange-bellied Parrot. General chapters over Housing, Feeding, Breeding, Handrearing and Health and Disease.
224 Pages
ISBN 978 0 9804924 0 8 (Hard Cover)
ISBN 978 0 9804924 1 5 (Soft Cover)             Author:  Dr Alain Campagne MD

* A Guide to Popular Conures as Pet and Aviary Birds

Covering 13 of the most popular conures kept as pet or aviary birds throughout the world, this 112 page title is packed with easy-to-read, highly useable information and features full colour, superb photographs throughout.
Combined with their own experiences, Ray Dorge and Gail Sibley have recorded the result of extensive research through interviews with a number of successful conure breeders.
Covering such topics as Conure Behaviour, Obtaining a Conure, Husbandry, Housing, Diet and Nutrition, Diseases and Disorders, Pet Quality and Mutations, this title is sure to satisfy all fanciers and breeders of these parrots.
Species covered include: Sharp-tailed Conure, Golden-crowned Conure, Janday Conure, Sun Conure, Dusky-headed Conure, Patagonian Conure, Queen of Bavarias Conure, Nanday Conure, Fiery-shouldered Conure, Maroon-bellied Conure, Green-cheeked Conure, Crimson-bellied Conure and the Painted Conure.
112 Pages
ISBN  0 9577024 34      Authors: Ray Dorge and Gail Sibley

*A Guide to Australian White Cockatoos

Richly illustrated and full of practical hints, this well-researched, well-written book features facets of the author’s personal experience which shine throughout its pages.
Contents include Management, Housing, Feeding and Nutrition, Breeding, Diseases and Disorders Common to Cockatoos, Species Profile covering Distribution, Subspecies, Sexing, Breeding, General Comments and Mutations.
Species featured are the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Short-billed Corella, Eastern Long-billed Corella, Western Long-billed Corella, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo and Galah.
112 pages
ISBN: 0 9577024 1 8    Author: Chris Hunt.

*A Guide to Pigeons, Doves and Quail

A world first in aviculture, this title covers all species in this group available to the Australian aviculturist. Stunning colour photography throughout is supported by precise, easy-to-read information on the care, management, health and breeding of these unique birds.
Species include Pigeons and Doves: Wompoo Pigeon, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, Purple-crowned Fruit-Dove, Torres Strait Pigeon, Topknot Pigeon, White-headed Pigeon, Wonga Pigeon, Green-winged Pigeon, Brown Pigeon, Common Bronzewing, Brush Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon, Flock Pigeon, Squatter Pigeon, Partridge Pigeon, Spinifex Pigeon, Rock Pigeon, Diamond Dove, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Barbary Dove, Spotted Turtledove, Senegal Dove, Ruddy Turtledove, Masked Dove, Talpacoti Dove, Bleeding Heart Pigeon, New Guinea Ground Dove, Nicobar Pigeon, Victoria Crowned Pigeon. Quail: Brown, King, Stubble, Japanese, Bobwhite, Californian, Little Button, Painted Button, Black-breasted Button, Red-chested Button, Red-backed Button.
184 pages
ISBN  0 6462305 8 1    Author: Dr Danny Brown

*A Guide to Pet and Companion Birds

This informative and often amusing ‘introduction to bird keeping’ appeals not only to the novice or want-to-be bird keeper, but also to the seasoned aviculturist looking for a refresher on the basics. Based on the authors’ combined 30 years of bird keeping experience, this guide walks you through the process of selecting  the right bird for you, caring for that bird and understanding its behaviour. The book also guides you through the growing pains of increasing your bird family, including what to do when your birds have gone forth and multiplied. All in all, the authors help you to create a happy and healthy environment so that bird keeping will always be pleasurable.
Contents include Why in Heavens Would Anyone Want a Bird for a Pet?, Responsibilities! What Responsibilities?, Making a Natural Selection, Bringing Your Bird Home, Bird Keeping – A Family Affair, All to do with the Cage, What’s on the Menu?, Attending to your Bird’s Personal Grooming, Keeping Bird-Fit, The Not-so-Secret Language of Birds, Low Risk Bird Handling, Taming, Training, Did Someone Say I Have a Behaviour Problem?, Increasing Your Flock, Afterthoughts, Aviculturist Responsibilities as a Whole and Parts of a Typical Parrot.
96 pages
ISBN  0 9587266 12    Authors: Ray Dorge and Gail Sibley

*A Guide to Pheasants & Waterfowl

Author of the highly regarded A Guide to Pigeons, Doves & Quail, Dr Danny Brown has produced this superlative title on pheasants and waterfowl. The informative, easy-to-read text is lavishly supported with beautiful colour images throughout. Covering all aspects of caring, housing, management and breeding of these unique birds, this title is a credit to the author and an ideal reference source.
Contents include General Management, Housing, Compatibility and Hybridisation, Restraint and Handling, Flight Restriction, Nesting Facilities, Reproductive Manipulation and Sexing, Incubation Troubleshooting, Nutrition, Making the Most of your Avian Veterinarian, Choosing your Stock, Common Diseases and Disorders and Administration of Medications.
Species include Waterfowl: Magpie Goose, Black Swan, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Cape Barren Goose, Grass Whistling Duck, Water Whistling Duck, Burdekin Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Australian Shelduck, New Zealand Shelduck, Egyptian Goose, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Pink-eared Duck, Freckled Duck, Australian Wood Duck, Green Pygmy-goose, White Pygmy-goose, Mandarin Duck, Carolina Duck, White-eyed Duck, New Zealand Scaup, Australian Blue-billed Duck, Musk Duck. Pheasants: Silver Pheasant, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Siamese Fireback Pheasant, Nepal Kalij Pheasant, Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Reeves’ Pheasant, Ringnecked Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Blue Peafowl, Green Peafowl, Guineafowl, Chukar Partridge.
248 pages
ISBN  0 9587102 36    Author: Dr Danny Brown

* A Guide to Australian Long & Broad-tailed Parrots and New Zealand Kakarikis

This full colour title presents the general management, housing, diet, nutrition, breeding and handrearing of the Crimson-winged, Princess, Regent, Superb, King, Red-capped, Mallee Ringnecked, Cloncurry, Port Lincoln and Twenty-eight Parrot and the Red-fronted and Yellow-fronted Kakariki.
88 pages
ISBN  0 9587455 3 6    Author: Kevin Wilson

*A Guide to Zebra Finches

This title features 96 pages of easy-to-read, highly informative text covering such topics as History and Ecology, Housing, Feeding, Health, Choosing Stock, Exhibiting and includes all currently recognised Australian colour varieties of these internationally popular endemic birds.  Full colour throughout, this book is a must for any Zebra Finch enthusiast.
96 pages
ISBN 0 9577024 2 6    Authors: Milton, John and Joan Lewis

*A Guide to Incubation & Handraising Parrots

Written by Western Australian aviculturist, Phil Digney, this title covers all necessary requirements needed to successfully take an egg through to a fully weaned chick. Beautifully illustrated with colour images throughout, this title also includes many charts and diagrams, and informative text laid out in an easy-to-read format, providing an invaluable reference for any serious bird breeder.
Contents include Incubation: Artificial Incubation, Meet the Egg!, Choosing an Incubator/Hatcher, Equipment, Handling the Egg, Incubation, Hatching Details, Problems and Troubleshooting, Egg Weighing. Handraising Parrots: The Goal, Fundamentals, Brooders and Brooding, Formulas, Feeding Instruments, Feeding the Newly Hatched, Growth Phase, Peak/Weaning Phase, Weaning Black Cockatoos, Pulling Chicks, Troubleshooting.
104 pages
ISBN  0 9587102 1 X    Author: Phil Digney

* A Guide to Cockatiels and their Mutations as Pet and Aviary Birds (Revised)

Completely reformatted and revised, this title includes 375 colour images depicting all mutations established worldwide.
Chapters include:  Wild Cockatiels, Aviary Birds—Housing, Feeding, Breeding, Artificial Incubation, Handrearing, Companion Birds—Housing, Environment, Enrichment, Feeding, Behaviour, Colour Mutations—Basic Genetics, Worldwide Mutations—European, North American and Australian, Combination Colours, Health and Disease. A must for both pet and breeder enthusiasts.
200 pages.
ISBN Soft Cover: 978 0 9750817 7 8
ISBN Hard Cover: 978 0 9750817 8 5
Authors: Dr Terry Martin BVSc and Diana Andersen

* A Guide to Lories and Lorikeets (Revised)

Completely reformatted and revised, including new sections on Lories and Lorikeets as Pets, Diseases and Disorders, Colour Mutations and Breeding Expectations, this title is bigger, better and more colourful than the highly successful original edition. Peter’s exceptional photography again is beautifully supportive of the informative text which, together, make this a must-have title.
Contents
In the Wild, Lories and Lorikeets in Captivity, Diseases and Disorders, Lory and Lorikeet Species, Mutations.
Species
Black Lory, Duyvenbode’s Lory, Yellow-streaked Lory, Cardinal Lory, Black-winged Lory, Blue-streaked Lory, Red Lory, Red and Blue Lory, Violet-necked Lory, Dusky Lory, Rainbow Lorikeet, Red-collared Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Ornate Lorikeet,  Green-naped Lorikeet, Mitchell’s Lorikeet, Weber’s Lorikeet, Edward’s Lorikeet, Rosenberg’s Lorikeet, Massena’s Lorikeet, Perfect Lorikeet, Goldie’s Lorikeet, Mt Apo Lorikeet, Varied Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Chattering Lory, Yellow-bibbed Lory, Purple-naped Lory, Purple-bellied Lory, Stella’s Lory, Musk Lorikeet, Little Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Musschenbroek’s Lorikeet.
152 pages
ISBN: 0 9577024 4 2    Author:  Peter Odekerken

* A Guide to Gouldian Finches (Revised)

This complete revision features concise information on Gouldian Finches in the Wild and in Captivity, including Housing, Nutrition, Breeding, Mutation and Colour Breeding, Health and Disease. Supported by over 330 images, including an extensive selection of mutations. Authors have contributed to various chapters within the book.
ISNB 0 9750817 1 3    Author: ABK Publications

*A Guide to Black Cockatoos as Pet and Aviary Birds

Authored by successful breeders Neville and Noddy Connors, this title features 300 colour photographs over 160 pages and is available in hard and soft cover.
Chapters on Black Cockatoos in Captivity include Taxonomy, Conservation Aspects, Status, Housing, Nestlogs, General Husbandry topics and Feeding.
The extensive Breeding chapters include invaluable information on the Selection of Breeding stock; Pair Compatibility; Colony Breeding; Providing a Haven for the Hen; Management of the Aggressive Cock; Mating and Infertility, and Nest Inspection. A good amount of detail has been devoted to the Artificial Incubation and Handrearing chapters.
The next section discusses Black Cockatoos as Pets which guides the pet owner through Selection, Preparing a Home and points on what to expect over the first days of relocating a new pet into the family environment. Other details include Diet, Taming and Behavioural Problems in companion birds.
The individual species section features all the black cockatoo species and subspecies of the genus Calyptorhynchus, the Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus and the Gang Gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbraitum.
Information on each species includes their Distribution and Habits in the Wild, Diet, Breeding, Handrearing and growth charts, Status and Suitability as Pets in Captivity.
As Neville and Noddy Connors have not had the opportunity to keep the Palm Cockatoo, they approached William Horsfield of Amazona Birds in South Africa to prepare this chapter. William has not skimped on his information on keeping and breeding this grand species.
The final chapter on Health and Diseases was prepared by Dr Bob Doneley BVSc FACVSc (Avian Health).

* A Guide to Grey Parrots as Pet and Aviary Birds

This title authored by prolific Avicultural author, Rosemary Low, stands alone when compared to many other books on the Grey Parrot. Rosemary Presents interesting and diverse snippets gathered from various keepers’ personal experiences in pet and aviary situations. Supported by numerous colour images, topics examine the Grey Parrot in the wild as well as their housing, management, feeding, nutritional requirements, behaviour, enrichment, breeding, handraising, training and veterinary aspects in captivity. A must-read for anyone currently keeping this highly intelligent species, or contemplating it.
Hard Cover ISBN 0 9750817 5 6    Author: Rosemary Low
Soft Cover ISBN 0 9750817 6 4

* Under the Microscope—Microscope and Pathogen Identification in Birds and Reptiles

This 56-page, soft cover new title from ABK Publications’ most prolific author, Dr Danny Brown, is truly a ‘little gem’ of a book.
This easy-to-read reference has been produced to provide basic training in microscope use and pathogen identification for those aviculturists and herpetologists with the desire to take control of the potential health problems in their collections. It will also improve their management procedures and support in responsible medication practices by using a more scientific and educated approach.
This title will also become a necessary and useful reference for all veterinarians and veterinary students, and is the ideal companion to Dr Mike Cannon’s A Guide to Basic Health and Disease in Birds (Revised).
56 pages
ISBN: 0 9577024 85    Author: Dr Danny Brown