Bird Talk (2-year)

There are three main drawbacks to Bird Talk. First, the information is very basic. Those interested in in-depth information on any species won't find it here - check out books or the AFA Watchbird (the American Federation of Aviculture's magazine) for more serious information. Second, as another reviewer pointed out, the material is often redundant. Subscribe for two years or more, and you'll feel like you're reading back issues instead of a current magazine. Finally, the magazine tends NOT to cover the more difficult aspects of bird ownership in any depth. As any parrot rescue can tell you, parrots (like dogs) can have some serious behavior issues if not properly socialized and cared for, including screaming, feather picking, aggression, and self-mutilation. The magazine glosses over or outright ignores the more difficult side of parrot ownership, which is unfortunate, especially since so many up-and-coming bird owners rely on it for information.


I look forward to this magazine every month.....   February 8, 2005
Dianne Foster (USA)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

We've had a subscription to BIRD TALK magazine for two years, and I just renewed for a third. BT is the magazine to read if you want to go beyond books. Articles in BT are written by various bird lovers, many of whom, like Mattie Sue Athan, have also written book or two. Many of the BT authors are avian veterinarians and many like Athan breed and raise and/or rehabilitate parrots or are simply extremely knowledgeable about companion birds. I find the monthly collection of articles very diverse-important to me as I have 18 companion birds, of 8 different kinds.

BT carries plenty of information about excellent bird resources- suppliers, breeders, avian vets, etc. as well as toy makers and food suppliers). I found an advertisement for a small mom and pop organization in California that manufactures play gyms and stands using old grape vines from the vineyards. These vines are harvested as the vineyards are replenished with new plants. Grape vine play gyms are wonderful fun for the birds-exercising bars as well as chewing toys-and great for giving the old beak a workout on something other than your ear or hand.

Every month a different bird is featured on the cover, and in the lead article and centerfold. I saved the Senegal centerfold to hang in my office and remind me of my own little `Bertie' the Senegal when I am at work. I hand my copies of BT to my granddaughters after I have read them cover to cover and they have used the centerfolds to decorate their room. BT recently carried an article on feather-plucking and we all read it as one of the Cockatiels had developed this bad habit. Following the advice in the article, we had the vet check Quincy out and when she pronounced him disease free, we began to examine factors in his environment. We were able to get to the root of the problem and now Quincy is his old self. Thanks BIRD TALK, keep up the great work.

Periodically, the book includes a feature article on an endangered species, environmentally sensitive bird habitat and/or and Ecotour. Bird companions are often also avian conservationists.


A must have for parrot owners and bird lovers   October 26, 2001
Lucy D. Robinson (Mercer Island, WA USA)
14 out of 17 found this review helpful

When you have parrots, you can never have too much information. Especially new parrot owners should have at least one year of this magazine. It's full of articles on behavior, medical issues, fun stories, and serious conservation issues. I especially like the behavior articles. They have excellent authors like Mattie Sue Athan, Bobbi Brinker and a host of other well known authors, breeders and bird owners. I have a Macaw, Cockatoo and African Grey - and I have pulled back issues of Bird Talk many a time to find things out like "why is he doing that?" or "should he be doing this?" It especially helped when my parrot was beginning to act aggressive, I found out from Bird Talk that this tends to happen when they are moulting. So make sure you get your info, you won't be sorry.


If you and your bird are both grown-ups, don't bother...   December 15, 2003
12 out of 16 found this review helpful

As another reviewer pointed out, everything is about baby birds. If you acquire a bird as an adult, this magazine will only frustrate you.

They offer basic information to get the beginner started, assuming they are buying a baby, but a serious bird owner will outgrow this magazine in about a year.

If you and your bird have made it through adolescence, and you feed pellets/fresh fruits/veggies/fresh water daily, keep a clean environment and don't use non-stick cookware/aerosols/etc. you've probably already outgrown it.

And Bird Talk is geared toward inexperienced pet bird owners, not breeders. Breeding is far too advanced for the audience that this magazine is directed to, so they touch very lightly on it, offering nothing that a breeder wouldn't already know.


For parrot newbs and kids   April 6, 2005
Betty La Fongga
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

Not for breeders, or for people whose birds have serious health or behavioral problems. Just a nice fluffy mag for people new to birds.

This magazine isn't only about baby birds. Sure a lot of the content is geared toward owners of young birds. But face it, that's how most people get a bird. They buy a young one. But be assured, there are plenty of articles on older/adopted birds.

However I do agree that if you are an adult who has owned a bird for a year or even less, or if you have any previous bird-smarts, you will quickly outgrow this magazine. It doesn't help that the articles are recycled rather frequently. I worked in a pet store for over two years, and when things got slow, I would read this mag as it was sold at the checkout. (Meaning I have pretty much read every issue for at least two years)

The magazine is highly devoted to parrot owners. I'd say at least 80% of the content is on parrots in any given issue.

On the bright side, it's a good, quick read for kids or adults with no bird experience, and the pictures are nice.