I love birds so much. Growing up in Australia, I was lucky enough to see many of the species sold as "pets" living freely in the wild, where they belong. Seeing birds like corellas confined to small cages in pet stores is heartbreaking. These are highly intelligent, deeply social animals that naturally live in large flocks, spending their days flying, playing, and interacting with one another. The "exotic pet" trade removes animals from the wild or breeds them for sale, often in poor and inhumane conditions. Many birds end up isolated, neglected, or abandoned once people realize how complex their needs actually are. The corella pictured here from this store was desperately reaching for affection through the cage bars. No sentient being should be treated as a product to buy and sell. Please stop selling animals. Instead, work with rescues to help the many birds already in need of homes, and support efforts to ultimatelyend the exotic pet trade. read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I stopped into Your Basic Bird in Berkeley a couple of months ago to grab some pet supplies, and I was so incredibly saddened to see several parrots in reallllllly bad shape. Pulling all of their own feathers out because of the stress of captivity in tiny changes all alone. These are wild animals who are incredibly smart and social. They do not pull their own feathers out like this in wild. It's a sign of serious captivity related stress. In 2026, how is this still a thing? I talked to the owner a little bit, and I can tell she is a decent person who cares in her own way about these birds she's holding captive, but I don't think she understands that they are suffering horribly. Folks at Your Basic Bird, please, please stop selling live animals. There is no need for this unethical practice in 2026, and I believe that you are good people. Please do the right thing and give your birds to sanctuaries where they can be rehabilitated and have enough space and social relationships to perform their natural behaviors. This kind of captivity is just plain cruel, and I know you don't want to be cruel to these birds. And folks out there, please don't buy animals in retail stores. Adopt them from local shelters and save a life instead! read more

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Super disappointed, saw another review regarding mites so it must be an ongoing occurrence. Bought a canary from this store recently and noticed it had mites went back and the old lady running the store assured me it was normal and perfectly fine. Meanwhile my canary has plucked almost all of his feathers and never sings anymore. Terrible establishment can tell it's money oriented and they don't truly care for the birds. read more

Lovely store, we came here to look and compare lovebirds, and you can tell the store takes better care of their birds than other local bird stores. They also do bird boarding, I will definitely keep them in mind for the future! read more

I stopped in to pick up some bird supplies and left feeling terrible. The atmosphere was depressing- the birds didn't look happy, and many of the cages were bare with nothing for the birds to do. After talking with one of the sales associates, it became clear that this store is focused on only profit vs the well-being of the animals. I mentioned I was considering buying a single bird to be kept alone in a cage full-time because I have a cat, and the salesperson assured me that was not going to be a problem. The lack of care for the bird's social and mental needs was really troubling. I'm shocked that others said the owner seems to care about the birds - that is DEFINITELY NOT TRUE. I ended up getting my bird from a rescue, which is way more humane than buying a bird here. And they really educated me on what a bird needs to be happy and healthy. Please be a good human and don't reward this terrible store with your money. read more

I went in to buy a bag of birds seed for the wild birds in my backyard. They have a great selection of supplies and seeds, which I appreciate. But what I really don't appreciate, and the reason I could never go back and support this store again, is that they are exploiting birds to be sold a pets. I'm not sure if they are breeding them there or if they are wild caught, but these poor birds are miserable in those tiny cages. They look so sad and stressed, some with feathers pulled out.These birds would in nature would fly many miles and live very social lives. They should not be kept in cages as pets or decor. I really hope some day they stop selling birds like commodities and instead work with local bird rescues to get rescued birds in to safe, loving, forever homes. read more

I can not say enough good thing about Claudia I have been going to her for year with my cockatiel that live to 25 thank to her. After that, We bought a very nice had feed one that she spent time helping us train him. He is a very loving bird and hope to have many years with him. read more

Super sweet employees, on a convenient corner of Elmwood, & had solid stock for cat supplies, toys and food. Would recommend -- Gnocchi loves her Dill Pickle toy! read more

Your Basic Bird - Gnocchi with Dill Pickle Toy - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Visiting was just a depressing experience. These birds seemed bored and in cages that were too small. Birds shouldn't be kept like this - it's clearly inhumane. The most difficult to see were the very large, beautiful birds in a small cage. They are social and intelligent animals. Rescues are a better alternative. read more

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I started off so excited to meet the birds but the more I saw, the sadder I got. The look in their eyes. The biting at the cages. The missing feathers. Part of me wanted to save the sickest/saddest birds but the larger part of me knows that buying them will only perpetuate the problem. I'm so sorry bird friends. read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

I visited this store to purchase some bird seed for my home, but I ended up not buying anything. I felt really sad seeing the birds in small cages and it smelled odd in there, as if the cages were not clean. I also noticed one bird in particular who was missing a lot of feathers, showing exposed tender skin. I felt overwhelmed and left. I did not realize this store was selling Live Animals. I hope the store owners contemplate just selling bird seed and bird supplies, instead of Live Animals kept in cages. Thank you for your time and consideration. read more

If I had wings, I would fly, but let me contemplate. Flight. That's what nature intended. But step inside this store, and you'll see birds robbed of their birthright--trapped behind metal bars, reduced to mere decorations for human amusement. I walked in expecting a place that cared for birds, but instead, I found a prison. Rows of cages, each one holding a life meant to soar, now confined to a space barely big enough to stretch their wings. At night, when the doors close, these birds are left in silence--no one watching over them, no comfort, just fear and vulnerability in the dark. And the worst part? This business profits from their captivity. They sell food to keep these prisoners alive just enough to remain trapped. It's cruel. Birds aren't meant to be pets--they are meant to be free. Every chirp in that store isn't a song; it's a cry for escape. If you love birds, don't support this place. Don't buy from those who make a living off their suffering. Instead, support sanctuaries, conservation efforts, and the idea that a bird's place is in the sky, not behind bars. I want to scream at this business, but instead, I leave this review. Let these birds fly. read more

boarded my birds recently and they came back with MITES!! store is unhygienic and neglects so many of these poor birds with no toys in their cages even the babies just left to pluck each others feathers AVOID AT ALL COSTS! read more

I just wanted to say Thanks you guys for taking care of my bird Frankie while I was away! I boarded my bird here and called each day to check in everyone was very friendly and helpful. I really appreciate it. Go to basic bird if need boarding or bird things! read more

I went to Your Basic Bird to get a pair of budgies after my beloved one died. It's a lovely big store full of bird supplies. I asked for males, specifically to avoid female territorial aggression. The employee that helped me insisted the pair he showed me were males. I was pretty sure they were females but let him talk me out of my first impression. Turned out they are females, now that they're mature. I love them anyway, though it's more challenging having a pair of females, but if someone needs a specific sex be sure to trust your gut and knowledge over the employee recommendations because at least one of them doesn't know enough to be accurate. The birds I got are lovely though. They are very healthy, hand-raised so were pretty tame when we got them. They just argue a lot. I would definitely shop there again for future budgies, but will trust my own expertise rather than let myself be talked out of what I knew to be true. read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Prices are insane, employees were less than friendly, and not helpful at all. I did like the fact there was parking behind the store. I had to drive around a few times to find the place - Wasn't impressed by their website either. Sorry read more

It was very interesting and loud ! I had a friend whose little green Parrot walked around instead of flying. What a little cutie! He talked like crazy! Would you have a little guy like him? read more

Go to Mikes Pet Shop in San Leandro. The owner of the shop, who is a red head older lady, attempted to swindle my daughter out of a deposit, over $250, because she refused to buy bird food from this store. We had to call Berkeley Police. My daughter was making the final payment, and the lady got aggressive with me, tried to hit me, (all on video) and just kept making excuses about why she won't sell her the bird, after my daughter has been there several times bonding with the bird. This purchase process took over a month. There were no signs saying you have to buy bird food from her, mandatory have to show her the cage you bought for the bird. Only sign says no refund of deposit. And she was refusing to give it back until we mentioned the police, and she still tried to say the debit card machine was declining the refund. read more

Very cute and colorful selection of birds. Didn't have many birds that were available to handle, but definitely got to handle one bird. The staff were very helpful in informing me about the different temperaments and maintenance levels of each of the birds. They are all so cute and have unique personalities! Definitely pay them a visit, I am excited to come back soon with a decision on my future birdie! read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I went to purchase a baby pinapple conure from this bird store and was bullied out of my purchase. I spent a month waiting for the baby bird to eat on its own so I can take it home, I was coming in and bonding with bird I chose. I put down a $256 non refundable deposit for my bird. When I came to pick the bird up and take it home the women who runs the store and her aggressive male staff was being very rude and weird. The male staff wasn't being helpful one told I couldn't be near the bird cage not knowing I've been in there for weeks and was picking up my bird. She demanded to see pictures of my cage, I didn't have any. Then told me I had to buy her bird pellets in order to take the bird home. She had already given me a care guide and I followed everything on the paper, I wasn't going to buy her bird seed and she said nothing of the sort anytime before. She brought out the pellets anyway demanding I purchase. And the bag didn't have pellets in them I could feel regular bird seed in the bag. She then told me she can't guarantee the health of the bird when I take it and can't guarantee life expectancy. I asked for a document that states that, she didn't have one. She went looking around for pen and paper to hand write the document. She then said she wasn't selling me the bird at all unless I buy the bird pellets which werent pellets. Then she refused to give me back my deposit. I had to call the police for my refund. When the police got there she tried to act like the machine wasn't working and couldnt give the refund. The officer had to demand she give my refund back. I wanted this specific bird because I needed a companion, I eventually purchased a bird and the bonding is not going well and its heart breaking because I had a bird I was already donded to. Its also heartbreaking for my parrot because I feel like he's unhappy and neither one of us would be in this situation if this women was a honest business owner. People like her dont deserve to have a business. I will never ever step foot back into this wicked women's bird shop of horrors. read more

I scheduled my two parrots for a wing clip. Claudia did the clip after carefully explaining all the options and outcomes. She very professionally handled one bird at a time, carefully clipping their wings. She recommended I bring them back in 3-4 month for a follow up. They carry an extensive supply of bird cages, food and toys. I am very happy to find a source in the east bay so knowledgeable about birds. I easily found parking on the street and they also have a parking lot. All the staff I met were knowledgeable, personable and polite. The prices were reasonable for the service and products provided. I will definitely go back. read more

This place does not actually care about birds. They only want to sell them as products along with cages that are too small and food that is not healthy. They have a whole baby bird section along side surrendered birds. Why keep breeding and selling birds when you know so many already need homes? They let you buy birds as gifts for kids or for a home with a cat knowing you would probably never let the bird out. (I had a long discussion with one of the male employees) Clearly they only care about money. None of the cages have adequate enrichment. The birds sit there all day locked up with nothing to do. This place needs to be shut down. If they knew anything or actually cared, they wouldn't sell cockatiels as "starter birds." Anyone who knows anything about parrots knows there is no such thing. Please do not support this place. Those birds deserve so much more. read more

I got a cockatiel back in the very early 2000s, probably one of the most obedient birds from Your Basic Bird. Had a really good experience with that establishment. Fast forward to 2023, I decided I wanted to get a green cheek conure. Remembering the good experience I had with this place, I thought I give this place another shot. I was first met with Zack, which was one of the a handlers for the green cheek conure I was planning to get. He told me that this little guy would be great at teaching him how to fly to you on command. And he was exactly right. When I brought him home, he was so friendly and affectionate. I taught him how to fly to me within 10 minutes. So after a week, they told me to bring him back to weigh him and to see if he's doing ok. I was met by Claudia, the store owner, who you can tell is so gentle with the birds. I decided to buy a bird stand and she goes to the back and builds one for me. A place where they care about birds, an owner who goes above and beyond, this will always be my good place for all my bird needs! You guys rock! read more

We walked out of there today very saddened by how poorly and sickly the birds look.. Aside from the service the caucasian guy with the ponytail-- it was crap. We've always had birds in my family and we know when birds don't look/appear happy. You can tell they don't get out of their cages much. Birds are either old or sick from being depressed being locked up in their cages. They need love and attention. We also felt it was cold for the birds in there. It needs to be at a certain temperature since most of the birds here come from tropical countries. I dont understand why people trust in this business to care for their birds, due to a lot of "visiting" birds. So what birds are for sale?? They all look sick/old and depressed! Its miserable here! I would love to save all the birds here. That ponytailed guy is clueless to how he represents the shop. Don't spend a penny here. I would only do it for the birds :( read more

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I walked in out of curiosity and my love for animals. There was no welcoming vibes at all and instead I got talked to condescendingly when I asked about the birds. Ol' discount Steve Irwin Zooboomafoo clerk was being a real snob about it. He then aggressively asked if I was going to buy anything. As a owner of two pets I just might've but after that vibe it was a no for me. Instead he felt a need to try and establish dominance over a talk about some birds. Don't go here. read more

A couple of weeks ago I bought a baby cockatiel who was ready for her forever home. Claudia was very helpful working on bird education and helping my teenager get to know the birds a little bit to pick out one that will be a good fit. She gave us good tips for finger training and different things as well as nutrition and developmental timing. I am very satisfied and we adore our little bird. read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

They are so friendly helpful and great customer service great price outstanding staff behavior read more

Your Basic Bird - 01 - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Good people and a wide variety of products. It's my favorite store for parrot supplies.

A great place to buy a bird and have it cared for afterward, like having wings and claws clipped and assured of the bird's health. The staff, led by owner Claudia, not only like birds but care for and about them. And they know what they're doing. This is significant. These folks are not school kids hired to fill slots; they're on a career path. Claudia has been doing this for decades and is insistent about caring for your bird once you bring it home. This isn't a shop that's interested in getting your money and saying goodbye. Claudia and her people mean it. I know first-hand, and I've been buying birds all of my adult life. I just got a male cockatiel from Claudia & Co., just weeks old. And Claudia was very concerned about it, made sure it was the right age to find a home and how I would handle him and care for him. That's what you want from a store that's selling you a pet for which you've been yearning. These folks are just great! Richard C. Gross, Alameda, CA read more

Brought my son here this morning for his birthday and the staff was beyond rude. We walked in and were given a dirty look and not greeted at all. I asked a question and was responded to in one word and no explanation saying give us a few to handle something and we will be with you. I asked if we were bothering them and was told they were too busy to help us. I'm a very patient and understanding person, but these two gentlemen were rude. I have never been treated this way in a store. read more

I'm sad to leave a 1 star review but I think people need information to help keep their pet safe. I've been in this shop several times when my husband and I are were looking to add a green cheek conure to our family. We were never helped half of our visits and on one occasion an employee let us hang out with one. It was hard to get a read on the bird because it was pretty scared to be out of it's cage and we ended up getting our bird elsewhere. Fast forward to year later, our green cheek needed a wing clip and toe clip and Feathered Follies in Concord was unavailable for grooming so I took our bird here. My bird is a strong flier when it's time for a clipping, paired with the HIGH level of sound from overcrowded cages of birds, my bird flew straight towards the door. Claudia the owner who was doing the grooming yelled for an employee to make sure the door was shut/locked so my bird couldn't escape, I was running to him already just in case. Ok didn't escape, whew... Claudia clips, goes as fine as it can, and asks to test his flight to see if he needs a little more off his feathers. He flies right to a McCaw cage and I was there in time to make sure my bird didn't get attacked through the cage bars... ok another close call and I was sweating. I will never go back for grooming but RECOMMEND Feathered Follies as they have a separate grooming room that is dimly-lit, calming and the groomer has always done a wonderful job. No way a bird can get loose or hurt during grooming at Feathered Follies. Also, for those of you who go to YBB to get bird seed, I get mine off Amazonsmile.com and every purchase donates to my choice of charity which I have chosen Mickaboo Bird Rescue (Bay Area bird rescue please check it out before buying, worth a check for sure)! read more

Your Basic Bird - Piña our green cheek conure who had a couple close calls at YBB for grooming - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Deeply Disrtubed by what I saw. The owner is not well, a former employee quit after 2 days - the owner cut the small bird foot off saying they DON'T feel pain?! The husband then emailed apologizing for the behavior. Fast forward 2 years. They let a kitten be left alone for weeks WITHOUT telling the charity - no kitten should be left alone for days in a cage with no toys. That's not how charities work. My friends had to pay to rescue this kitten and save it. They weren't even planning on adoption. read more

Absolutely amazing experience. The woman who helped me pick out my baby cockatiel was so knowledgeable and really let me take my time asking questions and meeting with different birds. She also got me all set up with supplies and emphasized the importance of my cage being an acceptable size. They have a 1 week health check up and spent a good amount of time on discussing bird care while trimming his nails. Also, I will absolutely go back and utilize their bird hotel in the future (so reasonable priced!). Overall I am happy I found this place rather than going through Petco or PetSmart to waste my money. read more

Wonderful neighborhood bird and pet store supply shop. Array of beautiful birds. Knowledgable, great shop. read more

After looking at the reviews we were hesitant to come here but I'm so glad we did! Most of their birds were already sold but they had 2 large birds that were available. We immediately fell in love with "Cutie" a 25 year old cockatoo and he seemed to love us too. Claudia, whom I'm assuming is the owner, explained all about the birds history and why it was so important for her to find a good match for the bird. She had us interact and make sure the bird was comfy with us for a while before agreeing on the sale. The birds don't normally come with cages but she made us a great deal on the cage and even a carrier to take him home. She even sent us home with bird food and some toys. We had to come back the next day to pick him up and the staff was so sweet. They got emotional saying goodbye to Cutie and we promised to keep them updated. read more

Your Basic Bird - Cutie the Cockatoo - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Finding a new parakeet during the pandemic was more challenging than I expected, but luckily I came across Your Basic Bird. I made an appointment to come see their new flock of parakeets and chose these two beauties. The people at the store are very knowledgeable about what works best for the birds in terms of cage size, perch, feeding, etc. So far, my birds are adapting well and look healthy. Overall, a very positive experience at Your Basic Bird! read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Got the sweetest green cheek conure from Claudia at basic bird years ago. They really love their birds and introduced me to feeding pellets (Harrison's). Prior to that I had parakeets and only fed them seeds because I didn't know how bad that was. Would definitely recommend coming here to find your new pet or buy bird supplies. read more

This place is as nostalgic as it gets for me. When I was a little boy, I used to have a pet cocktail that I loved so much. One day he slipped out of his cage and flew away. So visiting Your Basic Bird brings me back to those happier days when it was me and my cocktail. Sigh, how I miss that bird! This store makes it hard for me to come in and leave without a bird. The sales staff are highly informative and have great customer service. Nice spot to come browse and check out the different birds. (-) parking (+) kids love it read more

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Claudia and her flock have been grooming and boarding our flock for over 30 years. I feel 100% confident with her care. And thanks for stocking Harrison's. Quality all the way around read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Absolutely ridiculous and tone deaf treatment of people of color. Came all the way from pleasanton after visiting a bird expo at the fair grounds. Came here too see if they had any Rosella or Toucans. Within two minutes of being at the store employees are yelling across the store at us to stick together repeatedly as if we had committed a crime. Another employee scolded us for looking at the merchandise while claiming there was a line outside waiting to get in. Spoiler alert there was no line. Just ignorant white men trying to rush out three Hispanics, one an elderly woman, all because they assumed we weren't there to buy anything. Walter, Garreth, and Zachary all behaved as if we were a problem being there and hovered/ yelled at us until the point we decided to leave. I don't recommend anyone come here. I recommend you stay away. These people don't make you feel welcomed, in fact I was deeply offended. To be honest, this type of treatment is appalling coming from a store located in Berkeley, CA. Heavy racism vibes... read more

Your Basic Bird - Pet Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California