The Essential Parakeet by Betsy Sikora Siino

The little friend of whom we speak is, of course, the hamster. Much to his benefit, as we will see, he also doesn’t happen to have much of a tail. Though a homebody at heart, he can also be an inquisitive guy with a desire to explore the world beyond his cage door. He’s fundamentally a vegetarian (though he might say yes to a bite of meat now and again, if it’s offered) who demands a clean home and regular exercise, yet he tends to be a bit too susceptible to stress. A gentle soul, he is most content among those who respect his quiet nature, his diminutive size, and his unique view of the world. Get Rach's book and you won't need this book.Imagine a friend who is soft and warm and fits in the palm of your hand. Maybe a Budgie by any other name is still a swell bird. I don't think the book is a very helpful source of information about why Parakeets are different from Budgies.

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. 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. The difference seems to be the book jacket and the word Parakeet instead of Budgie. Many of the photos are identical (Renee Stockdale). THE ESSENTIAL PARAKEET looks very much like an earlier book about Budgies by Julia Rach. If you have a pet parakeet or are planning to get one, read this book. I'm sure he will benefit greatly from the knowledge I have gained in this great book! I have referenced it at least ten times since I bought my budgie. This book is jammed with practical tips on how to care for your bird and his cage. I found this section quite interesting, a nice way to get into the head of my little feathered friend!

The fourth chapter of the book called, 'Parakeet Particulars' is excellent! I loved the descriptions of what behaviors you will see in your new pet. I have already referred to this chapter several times since buying my new budgie, 'Murray'. The ten steps to better bird care was a great resource.

And this book definitely provided some of the most useful information I have read on our little feathered friends. As I was preparing to buy a parakeet, I felt it was my responsibility to read all about them. This book was by far the best one that I have read. Over the last week I have read several books and other writings on parakeets.

The Essential Parakeet by Betsy Sikora Siino