In A Pickle Parrot Shop

We have found the people to be friendly and informative. We had purchased our Linnie elsewhere because they were out at the time but have bought supplies there and been treated well.

I purchased a Solomon Island Eclectus from this shop 6 months ago. I fell in love with the breed after seeing a pair at a bird show (the breeder did not have any babies available however). I did some research and came across this shop and was thrilled to find that they had exactly what I was looking for, hand-​weaned, and at a grand price (compared to what I had found otherwise). I was extremely taken back when I arrived at the store and was (not) greeted by the store owner who rather, seemed annoyed that I was there. Nonetheless, I was on a mission. Sure enough, I fell in love with the parrot that I had seen online and took it home two days later after placing a deposit. I spent roughly two thousand dollars, between the bird, its cage, food, toys, and supplements. The owner of the store, an elderly woman with gray hair and glasses, was extremely reserved, very unwilling to share any information, got snippy with me at one point when I asked if I could hold the bird for the first time, demanding to know if I had sanitized my hands and needed my «credentials» on bird handling experience. I purchased my bird simply because the bird and I bonded so well that I felt like it was just meant to be, but I was extraordinarily taken back by the sheer rudeness and brazen lack of personality coming from the woman who owned the shop.
Six months later I figured that perhaps I had caught this woman on a bad day and gave her business another visit. I am big on supporting local business owners, especially in a day of large chain store operations with poor customer service. I scheduled an appointment with this shop, to have our parrots wings clipped and purchase more feed. The woman treated me the same way that she did the first time that I patronized her shop. Two younger men took my bird into a back room and I then inquired if my children could hold a bird that they had been looking at. She told them «not until your bird is done with its wing trimming» (um, okay). I tried to talk to her about proper diet for my parrot and what to expect with molting. She was again very limited with the knowledge that she shared and did not crack a smile at any point, or show any signs of pleasantries until we cashed out. She actually responded to me at one point with «well you can go online and Google it…».
I browsed the store for items such as more food and toys and found them to be at least 20% higher than Foster & Smith, and even the Pet Supplies Plus up the street. This shop charges $ 28 for wing, beak, and nail trimming. Pet Supplies Plus charges $ 20. I would gladly pay more to support a local business, if the owner of the business didnt come across as being on permenant PMS.
I asked the woman if she remembered us from when we purchased our sweet baby from her 6 months ago and her response was «We sell so many of that kind of bird that it’s difficult to remember anyone».
This woman apparently doesnt understand that the product (s) that she sells are a «want» item versus a «need» item. In a shaky economy she will not survive with an ice cold, abrasive, and frankly rude demeanor towards visitors and customers in her store.
I will absolutely never spend another dime in that woman’s etablishment, I won’t even consider it. I was also told to never go to bird shows because they are crawling with diseases and sick birds. This woman doesnt know that 6 years ago I purchased a very healthy baby Quaker parrot and all of his accessories from a bird show, that I attend them whenever I am able, to purchase more toys and feed. I do this because bird shows have hand raised birds, and everything that the bird could need, for arguably the best price.
I do not reccomend this shop, to anyone. I would give it a negative star-​rating if I could.
Signed,
An Ex-​Customer
Independence, Ohio

This place is the best! They only carry the best food and treats, and have the largest selection of toys anywhere! I had an African Grey at the time I found the store and was so impressed by the quality of care for their babies, we ended up with an umbrella cockatoo from them! We’re in the process of getting a hyacinth macaw from them as well. The owners Jeanie and Paul are so super nice and very willing to help their customers. I walk in and am always greeted by my first name. They always ask about my birds and fawn over them when I bring them in for a grooming.
I can’t recommend this bird store highly enough. The best part is the viewing window into the baby room. You can walk up and watch the babies that are weaning right from there! They don’t sell babies until they’re weaned (which is great) and anyone who buys a baby can visit and get to know their baby during the weaning. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone in there to find an owner on the floor bonding with their weaning baby! It’s really wonderful to see!
Edit: June 2013
Well, we didn’t end up getting a hyacinth because of legislation that had passed last year. Jeanie and Paul really tried for us though! We ended up with a beautiful greenwing macaw baby that we are thrilled with! I visited him all through his weaning process and really got to bond with him before he came home. He turned out to be an amazing little (big) guy! Super sweet and an amazing mimicker/​talker for only being a year. He’s not a biter, instead he pushes a hand away with his claws when he doesn’t want to be touched. He has great manners! He was also vetted by Dr. Lindstrom from Animal Clinic Northview throughout his weaning. All Pickle babies are vetted through Dr. L and I take all my FIDS to him as well. He’s a wonderful vet, one of the best in the area in my opinion!
We also purchased a cockatiel and parakeet from Pickle and they’re just the friendliest little birds! More evidence in how well they raise their birdies. Many parakeets are shy but Doc is great! He loves perching on my shoulder! OH! And Pickle moved down a couple storefronts and made their store WAY bigger! Tons more toys and an even bigger selection of cages and food! Can’t recommend this place enough!