The most comprehensive and current book on its topic, this handbook provides both novice and experienced aviculturists with detailed information and techniques for managing and breeding pekin robins and other small softbill birds. The topics covered include: biology; housing; predator management; acquisition, quarantine and acclimation; breeding; hand-rearing; feeding; cultivating live food; health care; and conservation breeding. As well the book includes an extensive list of softbill species, complete with beautiful watercolor prints of the various birds described. The author"s own precise drawings and photographs complement the descriptions and instructions within each section, enabling readers to better understand the procedures being outlined. In addition, the inclusion of case histories drawn from the author"s own aviculture experiences provides interesting anecdotal information that takes the book away from being simply a "how-to" manual