Must Have Books

[Rispa]

What are must have books for bird owners and breeders? What books are best for handfeeding, incubating, medical dealings and setting up an aviary? What about species or group specific? Websites are also welcome.

[Lisa]

When I first started with zebra finches, 10 or 15 years ago, I was buying every book I could find on them.

Truthfully, nowadays, I get my best information right here on the Finch Forum. I've also found really good info on the Finch Info Center (also part of this site http://www.finchinfo.com/general/index.php ) and also on the Avian Web (especially bird health symptoms) http://www.avianweb.com/

I also really like The Waxbill Finch Society
http://www.waxbillfinchsociety.org.uk/profiles.html

[Rispa]

The first two links I already use regularly, but the last one is new to me. Thank you

[L in Ontario]

Personally, I've never bought or read any book about my finches and parrots. Like Lisa - I've found all the support, assistance and information (and lot of friendships) right here on the Finch Forum - the BEST avian forum anywhere!

[lovemyfinch]

I agree wholeheartedly with Liz and Isa.....best support group ever

[Sally]

In total agreement as well. The down side of books is that our world is changing so fast, sometimes the information in them becomes obsolete. I know that in just the short five years I have been on this forum, I have changed much of my program, usually as a result of what I have read on this forum.

[Rispa]

I'm learning how true all the things you guys are saying are. There was one book on handfeeding and another on incubating that I hear are really good and that I want to get. I can't remember the names off of the top of my head.

Do you guys know of a good site to research roofing for an aviary. I'll take pics of the place my aviary is going to be in the future and post them and ask for more advice then, but meanwhile I wouldn't mind doing a bit of reading

[Dayna]

I agree with everyone that has previously posted. I've learned more on this forum in my short time here than in any book or magazine that I have read. There is no better learning material than talking to other people/breeders that are in the hobby already.

[Dayna]

Not including all the great friends you make on the forum that you can't in books ;)

[dan78]

Rispa there are some good books out there that really can help with certain areas, under the microscope by Dr Danny Brown is a very good book about learning about certain techniques to identify diseases or infections. Another good book that I want is the finch by Russell Kingston which has good info on finches on alot of topics. Yes books are handy to have no batteries or load up time with alot of info just a grab away but times do change and new ideas never hit a hook straight away. I use alot of old school methods which work just fine and tweak a little here and there. I personally believe that you should try and get an avian disease book this will help you alot more than a book about breeding and caring which is freely given on forums such as this but a good book on sickness is worth the $$$ due to diagnosing a sick bird is really helpful.

[Rispa]

You have good points. What book do you have about avian disease? Or which do you think are good ones?

[dan78]

Rispa there are a few books about again diseases but which ones are good is hard to say, I have one which had been borrowed and its called avaian illness which touches on alot of birds not just finches and gives medication advise. Its old back in the 80's it was published. Still tracking down a good book on this subject and waiting for a reply from a vet to help get the right book, once he has given me a title I will give it to you.

[Rispa]

Thank you Dan

[L in Ontario]

You could also check out/Google the Merck Veterinary Manual which is availabile online to anyone now.

[Rispa]

I'm so glad I decided to make this thread. That site is so comprehensive. It isn't just useful bird wise, but also for my dogs and if my sister ends up getting a hedgehog for that too. Thank you very much!