Getting to Know: Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers By Kristen Eleveld
Back in the 1980s, Brenda Bean found her calling: working with birds – more specifically, parrots. She spent her days training birds for local pet stores, making a name for herself as someone who wasn’t just a fan of her feathered friends, but was an expert who could teach the parrots to do remarkable things. While she took a break from working with birds to raise four children, Brenda never forgot how much she loved spending time with the parrots. In 2006, she opened her own business centered around one of her very favorite things: training and teaching parrots. “There’s something about a bird standing on your hand that is just magical,” said Brenda. “Sometimes they want to snuggle with you or they might lay down in your lap like a puppy. It’s the most extraordinary experience.” At her shop Fancy Feathers in Norcross, Brenda’s time is split between training her birds, showing off their talents at events or parties, and, most importantly, educating her customers. “We sell pets, not just parrots, to educated customers,” said Brenda. “I always encourage my customers do a lot of research before buying a parrot.” Part of Brenda’s emphasis on education for any potential bird owner is that parrots can live for decades. Some of them live for 75 years! It’s important to Brenda that anyone who is interested in buying a parrot understands that it’s a lifelong commitment. In fact, their bird might outlive them. Many people don’t realize that different types of parrots have a wide range of personalities and temperament, which is why Brenda is sure to ask her customers a lot of questions before helping them choose the right parrot for their home. “It’s best to take your time before choosing a bird!” Brenda said. She gives this advice to all her customers. “It’s not an impulse buy. Do your research and educate yourself on what you’re getting into before you make a decision.” Factors like the type of home you have, whether you have children, and how much noise you are willing to take are all part of the questions Brenda asks her clients to see which bird would best suit their needs, and vice versa. Along with giving invaluable advice to her clients, Brenda spends
a fair amount of time teaching her birds to do and say a variety of different things. One parrot, often seen at parties, has learned to sing “Happy Birthday” and will even wish you a Merry Christmas! Another uses its feet to wave goodbye to you, much like a small child might do. In fact, Brenda notes that these birds are probably about as intelligent as an average five-year-old child, which means they can learn quickly and even experience emotions. If you want to see these birds in action for yourself, there’s good news. Brenda loves to bring her parrots to parties and events to show people what they can do. You can book her services and enjoy learning about her avian friends. Parrot Productions will bring twelve to seventeen exotic parrots to your function, show what they have learned, and allow you to hold and cuddle some of them. Brenda’s motto is “Cuddle, touch and learn,” so you are sure to have a memorable and educational experience. While Brenda works hard, she does not tackle these amazing feats all on her own. Cleaning cages, feeding the babies and the adults, training and socializing the babies and the rescues are a massive undertaking by a special group of parrot lovers. Irene Stovall, Brenda’s right-hand Doctors Stewart Helton & Beau Upshaw person, is known by Brenda as the “Macaw Whisperer.” Irene is less than five feet tall, but handles the largest birds like a gentle giant, anticipating their moods and whims. Jack Bean, Brenda’s husband, has been a rock for Brenda, often stepping in to realistically limit her endeavors and sending her home to rest on her days off. He also assembles and delivers cages and large orders of food. Finally, Kristina Barron rounds out the team, providing the much-needed expertise on some of Continued on page 22
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