11/04/09
Wonderful Birds, Kind, Honest, a Wealth of Information
by parakeetgirl at Citysearch
From the first time I stepped into Al-Mar and mentioned I was considering getting a pet parakeet, to last week when I picked up more food, I've enjoyed Al-Mar. The owners are very wonderful, honest, and knowledgeable people.
They explained to me what things to look for in getting a bird, the way to feed them (they blend their own seed mixes), what vegetables and fruits to feed, what toys are safe, what aren't. Foods and toxins that might harm the birds, how to train them.
I went in twice before I actually purchased my first bird, and they were very patient and kind with me each time.
When I took home my new baby, Tori, I had him eating out of my hand that very evening. Every bird I've purchased from them since (we have 8!) has been healthy, full of personality, and easy to incorporate into the flock. Within an hour they are socializing with the rest of the birds.
I defend them when it comes to dust. Bird dander and seed hulls are a challenge to keep up with. You can dust every day and two hours later it's back. And I clean every day, and it's a mess again before you know it.
I have Al-Mar trim my birds nails on a regular basis. I don't like to do it myself, and they are always great about it. Their rates are the best around, if you ask me.
I've been to the chain stores. I can look at the birds there and spot old birds, or birds with trouble. In fact I've pointed those troubles out to workers in those stores. I've asked questions of those workers and they can't answer them. Al-Mar always can. In fact, I've now educated some of the chain store employees, and even some of their customers on occasion. People now ask ME questions.
Mom & Pop stores are fighting to stay in business in these modern times, with chain stores, and now a bad economy. It's important to give them the opportunity to share their expertise.
Most people are happy to eat at a Mom & Pop type deli, but they don't shop the small businesses. I love Barnes & Noble, but I loved Schwartz's too. The glamour of the big box stores sometimes overshadows those small specialty shops.
Al-Mar is a family-run business. And they make me feel like family every time I visit.
I have 8 incredible, healthy, happy, social birds. I wouldn't get them anywhere else!
- Pros: Personable, great birds, honest, fair prices
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