OMG, of all the discoveries I was not expecting today.

[GoldenPhoenix]

I was despairing because I was looking for any kind of bird related store in the area and I couldn't find it. I was at Petco this morning, which is near my bank I was trying to visit.... but since its Columbus day, its closed. So I went to Petco to look at birdstuff. They have a hand-raised Jenday Conure going for $600 right now. But I really wanted to see large cages. XD All they have is their Petco brand playtop cage. They also had some budgies as well. Anyway, I wandered over to the cat section, cause I've been thinking of switching my Kazmir to a healthier food. I got something to try, and was at the cashier paying for it, and I mentioned that Petco doesn't have much in the way of large parrots in store, only online, so she, being awesome told me about this bird store in the area, just 6 miles from my home. and I'm going :11:
I can't wait to go check it out!!! I would on my bike BUT I am just getting over a sinus infection, and shouldn't do such a long trip until I'm better. But man, I'm glad she told me. I can't wait to go see, and get some first hand experience around birds. This lady also told me she used to own a U2, but because she developed COPD had to give her up for her health. But she said she rehomed her to a forever home, instead of just turning her over to a shelter. I'm glad I ran into a knowledgeable bird person. :O

But wow, this is what I get for actually talking to people!! Whooo. I'm so excited right now. xD

 

[Allee]

What a nice surprise! Be sure to let us know how and who you like at the store, especially the ones with beaks.

 

[Terry57]

So excited for you! Looking forward to hearing all about it when you make it over there, and I hope you feel better soon

 

[GoldenPhoenix]

I went there anyway on my bike. I just couldn't wait. and it was awesome. I finally got to look at cages, and see the actual size of some birds, they had 6 macaws(One Hyacinth, one Greenwing, two Harlys, one B&G and one Scarlet), 4 amazons(2 Yellow naped, one was a baby, one Double-yellow headed and one red-lored, 2 pionus(White-capped, and blue-headed), 4 caiques(Two black-caps and two white bellies), 2 TAGs, 2 Rainbow Lories, 2 Pineapple GCC's, 2 Parrotlets(Blue and White) and one Major Mitchells cockatoo.

I got to hold a few of the birds, I started with the baby yellow-nape amazon, she was real sweet, kept wanting to climb on my shoulder, managed it and nibbled my ear. Then I held the B&G macaw, named Sam, he was pretty okay with that, though he did nip my finger, but I was expecting it. It hurt, but no worse than any scratches I've gotten from my cat. I also held both of the white bellied caiques and one of the black-caps. Besides the Scarlet and Greenwing having a screaming contest I found that Echo, one of the white-bellies was the most obnoxious with his rapid-fire screeches. xD I also held one of the TAG's, real sweet and one of the lories who was on the floor exploring my shoe. xD I really wanted to hold the red-lored zon, but he's an older bird, 30 years and he was being grouchy today, wouldn't step up for the lady either.

Hnnng. They charge a good deal more for their products than I can get online, but they do have hand-raised babies available during the breeding season. I may have to look into that. I much rather go local if I have the choice than shipping from a breeder out of state. I also liked how they had java stands on display, their cages are spendy, but the java stands are /less/ expensive than online. They also have a huge selection of toys and perches, natural wood perches, they even sell bird toy parts and foot toys. I was very pleased with the selection. and a bus goes out there too, easy access for me. I look forward to going back to visit.

 

[Terry57]

Wow, sounds like they had a good selection of birds for you to see!
Which one stole your heart?

 

[GoldenPhoenix]

Wow, sounds like they had a good selection of birds for you to see!
Which one stole your heart?

The baby YNA. xD I wanted to take her home the minute she was on my hand. So sweet and personable. I had no doubt she was raised and socialized properly.
I'm in no position to buy a bird right now. I also did NOT have the money for her(She's going for $1,100 right now), which also helped.