The Large Macaw book

[Laurul Feather Cat]

Yes, libraries will allow photocopying of out of print reference books on a limited level. Also, if you live near a vet school, the library should have a copy.

This type of specialty reference 'bibles' are always very expensive because it is highly detailed and technical information collated by the a highly educated authors and then printed for professional use in very small batches; and usually in only one printing. The combination of limited availability with highly detailed and collated information make the books extremely expensive to buy and very very, very collectable.

Good luck with getting a copy. I am sure it is worth it if one is truely dedicated to macaws. I found a British specialty book on Senegal parrots of the same type and caliber of the macaw book: $275.00 and it was just about Senegals, the different color types and their wild habitat, free range habits and the technical stuff on breeding and husbandry. I could not afford it back in 2000. Now the price has gone up to 350 because it is out of print and of course I cannot afford it. But skimming through the book was a wonderful experience and I will always have a desire for that information. Always.

P.S: You could contact the author or the publisher and ask if an updated book will be coming available. Sometimes you can ask some of the better bookstores to check on the internet list of pending publications for a publication date.

 

[Zeb]

omg. I want it.

 

[avianantics]

I have this book, purchased it when it first came out. It's great and I agree with Doris, its a must have if you raise Macaws.

 

[ortegah]

These are the kinds of books they need to publish electronically! Then you wouldn't have to pay $500 for it

 

[MacDaddie]

I have a copy as well and I consider it one of my "prized possessions". When I got it I skimmed it from cover to back and then I read the areas that really intrigued me. I simply love it! Sometimes you can find copies that are in fairly good condition for $200 or so but you have to do a lot of digging to find them.

 

[patagonian]

Wouldn't if be funny if one o those used book stores had the book in stock!! You never know alot of times they dont know what they really have or how much it is worth!

 

[Michaelg]

I remember when it came out. I thought about buying a copy for $129 (the price back then), but decided not to because I was uncomfortable with the idea of buying anything from Joanne Abramson, who wouldn't return my phone calls when I was in CA shopping to buy a macaw. She was in the business, then, of selling macaws and had a "name", even back then. I'm not a breeder, anyways, but I guess it would still be a good thing to have, for a serious macaw keeper like me (4 scarlets and a few others and still looking for more).

 

[Leza]

Wouldn't if be funny if one o those used book stores had the book in stock!! You never know alot of times they dont know what they really have or how much it is worth!

i dont think my boss has a clue on its worth

 

[Big Blues]

We have the book as well, it is informational and I would be very interested in an updated version if that rumor is true.

 

[Onyxena]

My husband bought me this book a few years ago for my birthday. Now you guys are making me think I should sell it on ebay.....I like it though, it is like a reference manual. Very informative.

 

[Stevo]

Sounds like it's really only worth the $$$$$ for breeders/rearers of Macaws.

 

[MacDaddie]

Sounds like it's really only worth the $$$$$ for breeders/rearers of Macaws.

I wouldn't necessarily say that... it all depends on your "comfort zone". I would spend up to $250 for it, I respect those that have contributed/written the book and I find it very good reading and an excellent resource for information. I think every macaw owner should look through it at some point, there is a bounty of information packed into it and it gives us detailed information on the various macaw species that you really can't find anywhere else. In some ways, yes, it is geared towards macaw breeders but I also feel it's geared towards anyone who is obsessed with these birds as well.

 

[lotus15]

I've been trying to find a copy of it but it is too pricey. Where did you hear that they are coming out with an updated version? I recently spoke to Dr. Speer and he did not seem to be aware of an upcoming updated version...

 

[Deejo]

I've been trying to find a copy of it but it is too pricey. Where did you hear that they are coming out with an updated version? I recently spoke to Dr. Speer and he did not seem to be aware of an upcoming updated version...

About a year ago. A US macaw breeder told me there was a 'rumor' that a revised/updated publication was in the works.
As I said, just a rumor, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens someday. There is a huge demand! Or perhaps it would be an E-book? or DVD.

 

[Deejo]

I wouldn't necessarily say that... it all depends on your "comfort zone". I would spend up to $250 for it, I respect those that have contributed/written the book and I find it very good reading and an excellent resource for information. I think every macaw owner should look through it at some point, there is a bounty of information packed into it and it gives us detailed information on the various macaw species that you really can't find anywhere else. In some ways, yes, it is geared towards macaw breeders but I also feel it's geared towards anyone who is obsessed with these birds as well.

I agree. Although the title makes it clear that this resource book was intended for breeders, it goes far beyond that. Diet tips, behaviours, species identification and so much more.
If I wanted a copy, the max I'd pay is 250-300. However, if I were into breeding large macaws, I'd pay double that without question.
Have seen copies for sale on EBay for as much as $1200. a few years ago!

 

[TITANIS]

About a year ago. A US macaw breeder told me there was a 'rumor' that a revised/updated publication was in the works.
As I said, just a rumor, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens someday. There is a huge demand! Or perhaps it would be an E-book? or DVD.

I hope so! Ran out space for additional books (especially large ones) in my library ages ago!

 

[Laurul Feather Cat]

Nowadays with the electronic medium and self publishing being available, this type of book will become much more available to people who are 'hobby' specialists. Think of the savings just in manual typesetting which had to be done in the past! Once the book is on a computer program for the publisher, it can be held indefinitely and the publisher can run off copies in small batches much easier. Supply and demand economics for books!

Plus, the INTERNET makes collating technical information much easier, as well. No more traveling to the original scientist and going through his info, making notes and then writing the book. Now the original scientist's info is on computer, can be reviewed much easier and even have passages of info lifted word for word into the new book. Very exciting changes in publishing and scientific information being available for anyone willing to pay for it.

 

[Zeb]

Money talks.....why WOULDN'T they put it back as a limited re-print?

I say we start a petition with a list of buyers, and bribe someone into reprinting this for us....or at least a E-book version...something.....

 

[Saemma]

That's as pricey as *some* of my university textbooks. I wonder how much it cost before it became such a rare commodity?

 

[Deejo]

That's as pricey as *some* of my university textbooks. I wonder how much it cost before it became such a rare commodity?

If I recall the numbers from years ago, I think it was around $100.
The calibre of this type of text, when you consider who each of the authors are, makes this one of those books
that will always be sought after.