Little Shop of Feathers

from Discover Sullivan County 2020

Suzanne Barrett Justis

Amazons

Have a love of beautifully colored birds? Perhaps you have always wanted a unique pet? Look no further than Little Shop of Feathers in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Amy Howard, owner of the Little Shop of Feathers, has loved birds ever since she got her very first one as a child. Years later and after many months of research, Amy decided that not only did she want another bird but that she wanted to raise a cockatiel from a baby. Once she found a breeder, he tested her knowledge to ensure that she could properly

John Howard with female Eclectus.

From page 12 care for it. Then, she took the baby bird home where she hand-fed her for eight weeks. Amy recalled, “I instantly fell in love.” At that moment, she was hooked.

During the course of raising her cockatiel Smokey, Amy met breeder Pam Caldwell, who soon became her mentor on all things birds. In 2014, Amy’s mentor and friend decided to retire and handed over the reins to Amy and her husband John. Pam entrusted all of her birds to the couple, and they started their own bird breeding business.

The couple began breeding birds in their home for three years before opening a bird shop in the Tri-City Flea Market, where they stayed for nearly a year. They quickly realized that they wanted a shop closer to home and one that could be open more often, so in July 2018, they opened their shop in Kingsport. Their goal is to have multiple locations where they can grow their business and provide convenient locations for current and future clientele.

Unlike birds shipped to many chain pet stores, the birds sold by Little Shop of Feathers are hand-fed and tamed by the owners. This means that the birds are already socialized and ready to become a part of your family. Bird lovers who are purchasing a continued on page 15

Baby Parrotlets and Budgies Baby Sun Conures

From page 14 pet can also choose their bird as a baby, watch it grow, and spend time with it for weeks until it is ready to go home with them. By choosing a baby and visiting with it, the bird will already know you and be used to your presence.

Amy and John breed and raise finches, budgies, English budgies, parrotlets, cockatiels, green cheek conures, sun conures, rosellas, Senegal parrots, Indian ringnecks, and lovebirds. If you are looking for a larger bird, such as a macaw or cockatoo, Amy and John have a reputable breeder where they obtain those magnificent birds. As a matter of fact, the couple have two pet Macaws, Hank and Puddin. Hank is a beautiful harlequin macaw and Puddin is a loving, gorgeous severe macaw.

Amy said, “Breeding is an extremely hard job, but it is also very fulfilling. I begin hand feeding when the babies are two or three weeks old. At first, the babies are fed every 4 hours, around the clock. As they get older, the feeding times change to every 6 hours and increase as time goes on. On occasion, we will have a pair that will not feed their babies. When this occurs, I have to feed the babies about every 2 hours around the clock. Depending on the type of bird, I normally hand feed them for 8 to 16 weeks.” Amy and John also make sure that all of their breeder birds get plenty of calcium and eat a very good diet consisting of natural pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Purchasing a bird is a commitment that requires education and research. “What most people don’t understand is that they have to change a lot in their home, such as: no Teflon or similar products, no self-cleaning ovens, no air fresheners, no chemicals, and other things that can be harmful to their bird’s well-being. Birds need time out of the cage for at least several hours each day. They need to be fed a healthy diet and need lots of love and attention. Birds enjoy being with their people.” Amy added, “Also what many people don’t realize is that birds are absolutely amazing animals. They are extremely intelligent, they love to kiss and cuddle, they love to gently wrestle and be petted, and they enjoy learning tricks.”

Little Shop of Feathers offers everything you need for your continued on page 16

Budgies

From page 15 pet bird from toys, perches, seed, and pellets to cages and cleaning supplies. They also provide services such as wing trimming, DNA testing, and birdie boarding. They even have a certified Avian Veterinarian who sets up a clinic in their shop twice a year. Amy doesn’t stop there. She educates people before they purchase a bird and is also available 24/7 for questions or concerns after purchase.

Stop in to visit Little Shop of Feathers at 338 Commerce Street in Kingsport, Tennessee or visit them on Facebook.

Little Shop of Feathers 338 Commerce Street Kingsport, TN 37660 423-579-6623

— By Rita Dykes

What some of their customers had to say:

“If you are looking for a quality hand raised, socialized and beautiful feathered friend look no further. Amy and John provide all the knowledge and products to provide you with the awesome new experience of bringing a bird into your home!” — Jeff Allen

“The Little Shop Of Feathers is an amazing shop. They have everything that you could want for your bird. Amy is so knowledgeable and helpful with questions or concerns. I have purchased three birds from the shop and would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for a bird.” — Roben Caulder

“This is probably the best shops dedicated to birds that is local and I am glad to give them my full support. Trust me on this, you will be very please and surprised how well their birds are! Clean, friendly and respectable!” — Amanda Deel

Bird Facts

Some birds breed once a year but others breed two or three time a year. Average lifespan can range anywhere from 15 to 80 years depending on breed. All bird breeds are different, research, research, research, and then research some more. Food usually consists of fresh chopped fruits and vegetables, and good quality pellets or seeds. Make sure of what foods your bird breed can eat before feeding. Water is not only for drinking. Birds love to bathe in their water bowl. Water bowls should be cleaned out and refilled multiple times a day. Sometimes another unwanted surprise my be in the bowl. Parrots tend to sleep from sun down to sun up and need around 12 hours of sleep. Their beaks are for more than eating. They like to chew and will destroy things so plenty of toys is a must have for the bird’s safety and for your belongings. Fast movements, anger, and jealousy are a few reasons they may bite. Learn their body language to help avoid being bitten. Birds are quite messy and will have to be cleaned up after a whole lot. You will find feathers, food, water, poo, and dander outside of the cage but it is extremely important to clean their cage regularly. After all, you don’t want to walk around or eat your poo, neither do they. You may need to change your air filter more frequently depending on breed. Make sure you are up for the challenge before purchasing a bird. You will be their flock, teacher, and parent. (You will have a whole lot more to learn.) TOXIC / DEADLY / UNHEALTHY

Candles, wall scented plug-ins, cleaning products, pesticides, mouse traps, any aerosol sprays, pots and pans (Tons have Teflon and it is toxic to birds. Do not use them if they contain PTFE or PFOA) Irons: for hair or for clothes, certain kitchen appliances, stain repellents, self-cleaning oven option, oven bags, aluminum foil with non stick coating or just about anything that says/is non-stick, some hair dryers, certain metals/wood/plants/flowers, nearly all paint, most all glues, tape ingestion, hair dye, nail polish/remover, sharp objects, electrical cords, any non-food grade dye, even some bird toys are unsafe because of ingestion like: bird tents/huts, clips on some bird toys, thread of any sort can be ingested like: swings and boings (birds should be monitored when in use), cigarettes/smoke, mirrors can cause sexual frustration and/or aggression with their own image, things with glitter, glow in the dark stuff, shiny/silky objects, certain inks, detergents, ceiling fans, carpet fresheners, essential oils, flea collars, mothballs, human medications, pine oil, tea tree oil, fertilizer, other animals, space heaters, bread machines, waffle irons, ironing boards covers, carbon monoxide, gas leaks, sleeping next to your bird in bed, human grade food such as salt, some seasonings, dairy, onion, avocado, alcohol, fruit pits, seeds of some fruit, sugar/sugar substitutes, and coffee/grinds (caffeine products). Alexandrine