Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.


Pekin Bantams, 22 Jul 2008
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep or already has Pekins.

It's clearly written and contains everything you need to know. If you're interested in breeding bantams it's good to have this book to refer to so that the standard of the bird is kept as it should be and doesnt deviate.

A lovely book, well written and well illustrated. A must for any Pekin Bantam fanatic!

Pekin Bantams, 29 Jun 2002
This very informative book is all the beginner wanting to keep Pekin Bantams needs. It has chapters on the different types of Pekin, the colours available, and most importantly the general management of Pekins. This includes the different types of housing, feeding, breeding, showing and health of the birds. The book is full of photographs in colour and black and white, which illustrate well the points made in the book and show the best specimins of the breeds and the characterisitcs which these fascinating birds display. The authors long experience and obvious love for keeping bantams comes through in this book and we as beginners have found it an invaluable reference book and a joy to read.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.


Pekin Bantams, 22 Jul 2008
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep or already has Pekins.

It's clearly written and contains everything you need to know. If you're interested in breeding bantams it's good to have this book to refer to so that the standard of the bird is kept as it should be and doesnt deviate.

A lovely book, well written and well illustrated. A must for any Pekin Bantam fanatic!

Pekin Bantams, 29 Jun 2002
This very informative book is all the beginner wanting to keep Pekin Bantams needs. It has chapters on the different types of Pekin, the colours available, and most importantly the general management of Pekins. This includes the different types of housing, feeding, breeding, showing and health of the birds. The book is full of photographs in colour and black and white, which illustrate well the points made in the book and show the best specimins of the breeds and the characterisitcs which these fascinating birds display. The authors long experience and obvious love for keeping bantams comes through in this book and we as beginners have found it an invaluable reference book and a joy to read.

An excellent introduction to genetics and livestock breeding, 14 Sep 1999
This book is ideal for the reader who has a little knowledge of genetics. The first few chapters cover the basics of genetics in general, and inheritance patterns. Further chapters explain selection and breeding strategies for cattle and sheep with very useful and easy-to-understand charts and graphs, along with plenty of real-life examples. Very good explanations of inheritence patterns, the effect of various genes on traits, etc.

Those with no knowledge of genetics may find the language and data a bit technical and obscure, but it is worth persevering through the first few chapters to gain the basic knowledge needed to continue on through this book. Essential for anyone seriously interested in taking a more calculated, scientific approach to stock improvement.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.


Pekin Bantams, 22 Jul 2008
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep or already has Pekins.

It's clearly written and contains everything you need to know. If you're interested in breeding bantams it's good to have this book to refer to so that the standard of the bird is kept as it should be and doesnt deviate.

A lovely book, well written and well illustrated. A must for any Pekin Bantam fanatic!

Pekin Bantams, 29 Jun 2002
This very informative book is all the beginner wanting to keep Pekin Bantams needs. It has chapters on the different types of Pekin, the colours available, and most importantly the general management of Pekins. This includes the different types of housing, feeding, breeding, showing and health of the birds. The book is full of photographs in colour and black and white, which illustrate well the points made in the book and show the best specimins of the breeds and the characterisitcs which these fascinating birds display. The authors long experience and obvious love for keeping bantams comes through in this book and we as beginners have found it an invaluable reference book and a joy to read.

An excellent introduction to genetics and livestock breeding, 14 Sep 1999
This book is ideal for the reader who has a little knowledge of genetics. The first few chapters cover the basics of genetics in general, and inheritance patterns. Further chapters explain selection and breeding strategies for cattle and sheep with very useful and easy-to-understand charts and graphs, along with plenty of real-life examples. Very good explanations of inheritence patterns, the effect of various genes on traits, etc.

Those with no knowledge of genetics may find the language and data a bit technical and obscure, but it is worth persevering through the first few chapters to gain the basic knowledge needed to continue on through this book. Essential for anyone seriously interested in taking a more calculated, scientific approach to stock improvement.

Great book: lots of information and cute pictures., 03 Aug 2001
This is a very informative and well organized book. I bought it before I got my Vizsla, and it has helped me a lot to find right right approach to this lovely but occasionally exuberant breed. It has lots of good advice for all stages. A slight drawback for Europeans is the book's American-centred view, but this really affects only the chapter on tests and championships (less than 10% of the book). The book has many excellent photographs, all black and white but all very well shot. Some fill a whole page and are so cute that you'd tear them out and frame them. I have since also bought the 2nd edition of Gay Gottlieb's book, which has many cute colour pictures and which, among many other things, covers the subject of test and trials in the UK well, but I still like Coffman's book too. The two books complement each other nicely. Buy and read both before you venture into getting a Vizsla. It's a worthwhile investment for both your and your future dog's happiness, and a good read.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.


Pekin Bantams, 22 Jul 2008
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep or already has Pekins.

It's clearly written and contains everything you need to know. If you're interested in breeding bantams it's good to have this book to refer to so that the standard of the bird is kept as it should be and doesnt deviate.

A lovely book, well written and well illustrated. A must for any Pekin Bantam fanatic!

Pekin Bantams, 29 Jun 2002
This very informative book is all the beginner wanting to keep Pekin Bantams needs. It has chapters on the different types of Pekin, the colours available, and most importantly the general management of Pekins. This includes the different types of housing, feeding, breeding, showing and health of the birds. The book is full of photographs in colour and black and white, which illustrate well the points made in the book and show the best specimins of the breeds and the characterisitcs which these fascinating birds display. The authors long experience and obvious love for keeping bantams comes through in this book and we as beginners have found it an invaluable reference book and a joy to read.

An excellent introduction to genetics and livestock breeding, 14 Sep 1999
This book is ideal for the reader who has a little knowledge of genetics. The first few chapters cover the basics of genetics in general, and inheritance patterns. Further chapters explain selection and breeding strategies for cattle and sheep with very useful and easy-to-understand charts and graphs, along with plenty of real-life examples. Very good explanations of inheritence patterns, the effect of various genes on traits, etc.

Those with no knowledge of genetics may find the language and data a bit technical and obscure, but it is worth persevering through the first few chapters to gain the basic knowledge needed to continue on through this book. Essential for anyone seriously interested in taking a more calculated, scientific approach to stock improvement.

Great book: lots of information and cute pictures., 03 Aug 2001
This is a very informative and well organized book. I bought it before I got my Vizsla, and it has helped me a lot to find right right approach to this lovely but occasionally exuberant breed. It has lots of good advice for all stages. A slight drawback for Europeans is the book's American-centred view, but this really affects only the chapter on tests and championships (less than 10% of the book). The book has many excellent photographs, all black and white but all very well shot. Some fill a whole page and are so cute that you'd tear them out and frame them. I have since also bought the 2nd edition of Gay Gottlieb's book, which has many cute colour pictures and which, among many other things, covers the subject of test and trials in the UK well, but I still like Coffman's book too. The two books complement each other nicely. Buy and read both before you venture into getting a Vizsla. It's a worthwhile investment for both your and your future dog's happiness, and a good read.

Essential reading..., 20 May 2007
I bought this book purely to qualify for free postage (cheap skate I know), but I am so glad I did!

This book has joined what is becoming a mini collection of dog breeding books, as I count down the days to when my first litter of pups is born. I have to say that if I was told I could only keep one book on the subject this would be the one, it has made me feel infinatley better about the upcoming welping, which up until now, non of the other books have managed to do.

Its easy to read, plus has many diagrams and advice on what to do when problems arise.

I would recommend this book to anyone venturing into the world of dog breeding. No doubt I will still be panicing when the event happens, but not as much as I would have been if I had never found this little gem.

A must have for all potential dog breeders, 07 Jan 2006
I bought this book as I wanted to breed my 2 Labradors. I refered to the book time and time again for the many stages of the breeding process, from mating to pregnancy to delivery to weaning. My Labrador gave birth to 5 healthy puppies 8 weeks ago. The only criticism I have of the book was that it said that instinct would take over during delivery. Unfortunately, this did not happen so I was glad that I knew what to do with the puppies as soon as they were born (which was all due to this book). I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who was thinking about breeding any kind of dog - it's thorough and informative - just what you and your dog needs!

Full of Interest, 23 Mar 2005
This book is easy to read and extremely informative. I have lent it to friends of mine who are dog breeders and they say it is the best book on the subject that they have read.
In fact, I wonder if I'll ever get it back!

Complete Book of Dog Breeding, 05 Jun 2003
Very informative and well written account of dog breeding, right from before conception to weaning puppies. It covers all sections in great detail with excellent illustrations. Even though it is written by a vet it is a very sympathic help guide to breeding. Would recommend anyone interested in breeding dogs to buy and read.

Complete Book of Dog Breeding, 05 Jun 2003
Very informative and well written account of dog breeding, right from before conception to weaning puppies. It covers all sections in great detail with excellent illustrations. Even though it is written by a vet it is a very sympathic help guide to breeding. Would recommend anyone interested in breeding dogs to buy and read.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.


Pekin Bantams, 22 Jul 2008
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep or already has Pekins.

It's clearly written and contains everything you need to know. If you're interested in breeding bantams it's good to have this book to refer to so that the standard of the bird is kept as it should be and doesnt deviate.

A lovely book, well written and well illustrated. A must for any Pekin Bantam fanatic!

Pekin Bantams, 29 Jun 2002
This very informative book is all the beginner wanting to keep Pekin Bantams needs. It has chapters on the different types of Pekin, the colours available, and most importantly the general management of Pekins. This includes the different types of housing, feeding, breeding, showing and health of the birds. The book is full of photographs in colour and black and white, which illustrate well the points made in the book and show the best specimins of the breeds and the characterisitcs which these fascinating birds display. The authors long experience and obvious love for keeping bantams comes through in this book and we as beginners have found it an invaluable reference book and a joy to read.

An excellent introduction to genetics and livestock breeding, 14 Sep 1999
This book is ideal for the reader who has a little knowledge of genetics. The first few chapters cover the basics of genetics in general, and inheritance patterns. Further chapters explain selection and breeding strategies for cattle and sheep with very useful and easy-to-understand charts and graphs, along with plenty of real-life examples. Very good explanations of inheritence patterns, the effect of various genes on traits, etc.

Those with no knowledge of genetics may find the language and data a bit technical and obscure, but it is worth persevering through the first few chapters to gain the basic knowledge needed to continue on through this book. Essential for anyone seriously interested in taking a more calculated, scientific approach to stock improvement.

Great book: lots of information and cute pictures., 03 Aug 2001
This is a very informative and well organized book. I bought it before I got my Vizsla, and it has helped me a lot to find right right approach to this lovely but occasionally exuberant breed. It has lots of good advice for all stages. A slight drawback for Europeans is the book's American-centred view, but this really affects only the chapter on tests and championships (less than 10% of the book). The book has many excellent photographs, all black and white but all very well shot. Some fill a whole page and are so cute that you'd tear them out and frame them. I have since also bought the 2nd edition of Gay Gottlieb's book, which has many cute colour pictures and which, among many other things, covers the subject of test and trials in the UK well, but I still like Coffman's book too. The two books complement each other nicely. Buy and read both before you venture into getting a Vizsla. It's a worthwhile investment for both your and your future dog's happiness, and a good read.

Essential reading..., 20 May 2007
I bought this book purely to qualify for free postage (cheap skate I know), but I am so glad I did!

This book has joined what is becoming a mini collection of dog breeding books, as I count down the days to when my first litter of pups is born. I have to say that if I was told I could only keep one book on the subject this would be the one, it has made me feel infinatley better about the upcoming welping, which up until now, non of the other books have managed to do.

Its easy to read, plus has many diagrams and advice on what to do when problems arise.

I would recommend this book to anyone venturing into the world of dog breeding. No doubt I will still be panicing when the event happens, but not as much as I would have been if I had never found this little gem.

A must have for all potential dog breeders, 07 Jan 2006
I bought this book as I wanted to breed my 2 Labradors. I refered to the book time and time again for the many stages of the breeding process, from mating to pregnancy to delivery to weaning. My Labrador gave birth to 5 healthy puppies 8 weeks ago. The only criticism I have of the book was that it said that instinct would take over during delivery. Unfortunately, this did not happen so I was glad that I knew what to do with the puppies as soon as they were born (which was all due to this book). I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who was thinking about breeding any kind of dog - it's thorough and informative - just what you and your dog needs!

Full of Interest, 23 Mar 2005
This book is easy to read and extremely informative. I have lent it to friends of mine who are dog breeders and they say it is the best book on the subject that they have read.
In fact, I wonder if I'll ever get it back!

Complete Book of Dog Breeding, 05 Jun 2003
Very informative and well written account of dog breeding, right from before conception to weaning puppies. It covers all sections in great detail with excellent illustrations. Even though it is written by a vet it is a very sympathic help guide to breeding. Would recommend anyone interested in breeding dogs to buy and read.

Complete Book of Dog Breeding, 05 Jun 2003
Very informative and well written account of dog breeding, right from before conception to weaning puppies. It covers all sections in great detail with excellent illustrations. Even though it is written by a vet it is a very sympathic help guide to breeding. Would recommend anyone interested in breeding dogs to buy and read.

A useful addition to an Equine library, 26 Nov 2000
This is well-researched and compiled book; useful for the REALLY serious horse enthusiast. Filled with masses of interesting information, but possibly a little 'overloaded' with details about 'broken-coloured' horses. Contains a superb 'references' section and a well-complied index. It is a pity that ALL the illustrations are in black and white, but this may partly account for the good value for money of this book.

Not great!, 27 Sep 2008
We were thinking of keeping 2 or 3 for the pleasure it would give us and our two children but this book has put us off the idea completely...

At times confusingly written with far too many negative aspects described in detail and not enough positives.

Some might say the writing is 'charming' but, as a beginner, I needed to know detail which either isn't in this book or is made confusing by the writing.


A charming introduction to keeping chickens, 15 Aug 2008
Although I kept chickens many years ago I found this book a mine of useful information. It is charmingly written, very easy to follow, I read it at one sitting. It covers all aspects (I found the cooking and storage sections a pleasant suprise) and although some things could have been covered in slightly more detail, this information is easily found in other sources.

Excellent book - highly recommended, 01 Nov 2007
If you are thinking about keeping chickens everything that you need to know is in this book. Absolutely excellent!!

Mis-Understanding Owls, 22 Dec 2004
I read the other customer reviews on this book and found them both interesting. I was in the throes of receiving a tame and friendly but unwanted barn owl from the wildlife sanctuary it had been dumped at, so I can quite understand why the authour tries to put off enthusiastic but misled would-be owl-keepers. Given that they are incapable of house training and have very pointy feet they do not make great domestic pets. The added disadvantages of not being able to find carers when you want to go on holiday and that most vets are inexperienced in dealing with owls are facts that some people may not have considered before reading the book. Owls are, however, good fun to be with, although wipeable surfaces are a good idea!

I found the book very helpful in training, housing and feeding my owl, with plenty of lovely photos and hilarious cartoons to accompany. There are numerous appendices covering paperwork you might need to have to keep legal, where to buy essentials, example record sheets and incubation information. Vetinary information is not really given in this book but is briefly covered in 'The really useful owl guide' by the same authour.

As for hunting, the book is downbeat but fairly realistic. So far, admittedly with little training, my owl has successfully recovered a sock (still on husband's foot) and a ball of string, but nothing outdoors!!

Great book, all owl-keepers should buy it.

Not quite so understanding., 26 Oct 2004
Having had a passion for Owls since I was a boy, it was only a matter of time (and the right amount of land) before I began keeping them. Initially, I learned a great deal from knowledgeable friends who's support continues. It wasn't long, however, before some of the well-meaning advice from one friend was being contradicted by another and occasionally I needed to consult a more expert source altogether.

I had already come across this author's name and a book with the title "Understanding Owls" seemed exactly what I needed. What a pity that the one message which comes across from this book - Loud and Clear, is that the Owl is not Miss Parry-Jones' favourite bird. In fact, I don't think she likes them at all. Having read the book and certain sections more than once, I am left thinking perhaps it is the author who needs to learn a little "understanding."

Commencing with a short section on taxonomy and where the Owl fits in to the overall scheme of things, we then find coverage of such subjects as biology, distribution/habitat, diet, feeding, reproduction, survival and status before coming on to the all-important topic of keeping them. It is here that the author tries to deter the would-be keeper by commencing with the subject of "Problems" and immediately exaggerates the noise owls create. After a page on "Giving a Home to Wild Disabled Birds" she summarises what she has written so far with the words "So what have we got? Owls are noisy, and generally not much fun just to watch in a pen; that leaves us with owls for breeding and flying." (Incidentally, the errors in punctuation and grammar are not mine).

So far, her own down-beat attitude towards these magnificent birds makes you wonder why she bothers keeping them at all. Furthermore, you could be forgiven for thinking she was being forced to write this book against her will.

All that said, those first 40 pages then prove to be nothing more than a rather poor introduction to what now becomes a fairly useful book. Whilst still encountering the anti-owl sentiment here and there, we are now treated to the well described and illustrated subjects of; Housing, breeding, management, incubation, rearing, training and hunting.

Sadly, just as we were beginning to smile, the author returns to a very down-beat message at the end under the heading "Hunting." The message here has nothing whatsoever to do with hunting or even what is involved, just a couple of anecdotes about problems experienced by other people coupled with the author's wish to put off the reader at all costs. A bit like "I've started (in this way) - so I'll finish (in this way)." Which is altogether a great pity because this book could have been so much better.

NM

Understanding Owls is excellent, 01 Aug 2002
I bought this book and hoped that it did what it said on the cover - namely showed me how to understand owls! It didn't let me down, it is excellent. It explained all about owls, buying, weighing, housing, training etc all in good details, and all written with wit making it an interesting and enjoyable read. It doesn't preach like some books, (expecting only those who live in the middle of the countryside with 10 acres of land at their disposal own owls), but teaches with common sense and understanding and tells us our potential pitfalls and remedies for a whole host of issues. I recommend this book to anyone interested in owls whether they own one already or not - it is an informative guide and very well written. Definitely worth its money.

Really useful for the first time breeder., 20 Oct 2006
This book is excellent. A really useful, easy to understand guide which is certainly a must for the first time breeder.
All the diagrams are easy to follow and the glossy pages and photographs make it a pleasure to use.


Pekin Bantams, 22 Jul 2008
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to keep or already has Pekins.

It's clearly written and contains everything you need to know. If you're interested in breeding bantams it's good to have this book to refer to so that the standard of the bird is kept as it should be and doesnt deviate.

A lovely book, well written and well illustrated. A must for any Pekin Bantam fanatic!

Pekin Bantams, 29 Jun 2002
This very informative book is all the beginner wanting to keep Pekin Bantams needs. It has chapters on the different types of Pekin, the colours available, and most importantly the general management of Pekins. This includes the different types of housing, feeding, breeding, showing and health of the birds. The book is full of photographs in colour and black and white, which illustrate well the points made in the book and show the best specimins of the breeds and the characterisitcs which these fascinating birds display. The authors long experience and obvious love for keeping bantams comes through in this book and we as beginners have found it an invaluable reference book and a joy to read.

An excellent introduction to genetics and livestock breeding, 14 Sep 1999
This book is ideal for the reader who has a little knowledge of genetics. The first few chapters cover the basics of genetics in general, and inheritance patterns. Further chapters explain selection and breeding strategies for cattle and sheep with very useful and easy-to-understand charts and graphs, along with plenty of real-life examples. Very good explanations of inheritence patterns, the effect of various genes on traits, etc.

Those with no knowledge of genetics may find the language and data a bit technical and obscure, but it is worth persevering through the first few chapters to gain the basic knowledge needed to continue on through this book. Essential for anyone seriously interested in taking a more calculated, scientific approach to stock improvement.

Great book: lots of information and cute pictures., 03 Aug 2001
This is a very informative and well organized book. I bought it before I got my Vizsla, and it has helped me a lot to find right right approach to this lovely but occasionally exuberant breed. It has lots of good advice for all stages. A slight drawback for Europeans is the book's American-centred view, but this really affects only the chapter on tests and championships (less than 10% of the book). The book has many excellent photographs, all black and white but all very well shot. Some fill a whole page and are so cute that you'd tear them out and frame them. I have since also bought the 2nd edition of Gay Gottlieb's book, which has many cute colour pictures and which, among many other things, covers the subject of test and trials in the UK well, but I still like Coffman's book too. The two books complement each other nicely. Buy and read both before you venture into getting a Vizsla. It's a worthwhile investment for both your and your future dog's happiness, and a good read.

Essential reading..., 20 May 2007
I bought this book purely to qualify for free postage (cheap skate I know), but I am so glad I did!

This book has joined what is becoming a mini collection of dog breeding books, as I count down the days to when my first litter of pups is born. I have to say that if I was told I could only keep one book on the subject this would be the one, it has made me feel infinatley better about the upcoming welping, which up until now, non of the other books have managed to do.

Its easy to read, plus has many diagrams and advice on what to do when problems arise.

I would recommend this book to anyone venturing into the world of dog breeding. No doubt I will still be panicing when the event happens, but not as much as I would have been if I had never found this little gem.

A must have for all potential dog breeders, 07 Jan 2006
I bought this book as I wanted to breed my 2 Labradors. I refered to the book time and time again for the many stages of the breeding process, from mating to pregnancy to delivery to weaning. My Labrador gave birth to 5 healthy puppies 8 weeks ago. The only criticism I have of the book was that it said that instinct would take over during delivery. Unfortunately, this did not happen so I was glad that I knew what to do with the puppies as soon as they were born (which was all due to this book). I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who was thinking about breeding any kind of dog - it's thorough and informative - just what you and your dog needs!

Full of Interest, 23 Mar 2005
This book is easy to read and extremely informative. I have lent it to friends of mine who are dog breeders and they say it is the best book on the subject that they have read.
In fact, I wonder if I'll ever get it back!

Complete Book of Dog Breeding, 05 Jun 2003
Very informative and well written account of dog breeding, right from before conception to weaning puppies. It covers all sections in great detail with excellent illustrations. Even though it is writt