I would like to open a bird store

[Oscar8]

I love birds. They are my passion. Can anyone out there give me advice on how to start a new business selling birds? I would love to have a unique pet shop and love and take care of every little bird in my store. I would like to become knowledgable in order to care for them properly. I would like to sell them at reasonable prices to customers that will love them to pieces. I would like to screen each and every buyer, if it is possible, to make sure the little birds are going to a loving home. This is a dream that I would love to become a reality. Thanks for reading. P.S. I own an eight year old Nanday Conure. I adore him so.

[DynamitePsycho]

Good luck!

[KimM]

Wow! What an ambition! And quite an undertaking. If you're really interested, my advice would be to contact a reputable shop that is in business now, not necessarily in your area. I don't think that is legal to contact businesses of the same nature in your area.. can't think of the name right now.

Make a list of everything that is needed for the shop and what it will cost. List pros and cons. Find everything out you can for starters, you need $$$$ of course, a place in a good location, reputable breeders, equipment, types of birds you wish to sell. I would find a good AV in your area to consult with... I could write a book here.. but that's a start and will possibly help you decide if this is something you reallllly want to do.

[Sparky]

I'd like to work for you, but wherever you are I'd have to commute as we already have a bird shop here. ;)

Good luck to you!! :)

[loyallyroyal]

Do you have a bussiness degree? It might be a good idea to go back to school first honestly.

[Oscar8]

Thank you for the advice. I do not have a business degree, but my husband has had his own business for over 20 years. I have worked on his books on and off between children over those years. I would love to start my own business, with birds, because I love them and want to care for them. They make me happy and I know they would make others happy. I know this would be a huge under-taking, but I think I am up for the challenge. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. There are not many bird shops here. Oh, and I would love for you to commute to Pittsburgh and work for me. Or, I could work for you since you are already established. I could learn from you and some day...... Thanks again for your help.

[Lisa B]

I just opened my shop this weekend.
It was alot of work. More than anticipated. I cracked twice.
However, time will tell if it was a good idea or not. So far, it seems I have made quite a few happy clients.


I do not have a business degree, tho I have helped run my fathers salon, and also helped with AR/AP, and the financial end for a larger business for a few years.

The main thing is, ya need to be bird smart. Ya want people to come to you because you know your merchandise, and you know your species.
I have 32 years there. I knew what to order, I have used alot of it myself, knew alot of distributors already.

[Sparky]

Lol I didn't mean *I* have a bird shop personally, I meant there already is one here in Sacramento. ;)

Wow Lisa, congrats!!

[Courtzrocks]

Wow that's awesome! We don't really have just bird dedicated shops in oz except for my parrot shop in melbourne which sells toys and the parrot rescue centre on the gold coast which sell toys and adopt out rehabilitated abused/unwanted parrots.

The pet shop I work at is pretty good in the way of knowing what we sell as it is split into 3 sections and each section has people that know what they're talking about. I'm in birds and reptiles, there's aquarium and also small animals. Also our pet shop is dedicated to the animals more than the customers, we can refuse to sell an animal or enclosure if we don't think it is suitable...love it!!

[Akasha]

If having a bird store is your dream, you should make it happen. It will take lots of work and dedication. Will you be able to deal with lots of stress and the day to day headaches of running your own business? Will you be able to keep up with a bird business and also have a happy satisfied home life? Only you know the answers to those questions. I wish you nothing but the best of luck and hope you see your dream come true.