Product Reviews: Distributers

	Most pet stores are okay. Many are owned by families and run by people who know vaguely what they are doing. Though I normally don't shop these places (not very economical for breeders since these places are overpriced and don't sell bulk) I feel it is my duty to identify exceptionally good or bad ones when I see them. PETCO is one of the bad ones. Unfortunately it's like the Wallmart of pet stores- it's everywhere and there's no stopping it. What you'll find in them: wide selection of overpriced big brands, toys that shouldn't be sold anywhere because they're hazardous, cages that are inappropriate for birds, seed more expensive than pellets and infested with moth larvae, incompetent or ignorant service. Fortunately many bird owners know well enough to take their business elsewhere. __________________________________________
	L&M is where I get my bird bands. They give you a nice set of options: sizes, colors, initials, numbering and year. They also sell some other breeder paraphernalia like syringes, nets, mouse traps, dummy eggs and band cutters. At their website you'll find a convenient table displaying what band size each bird species needs. __________________________________________
	If you live in Southern California this is one of the best places to shop. This large family owned business has two locations: Riverside (run by the Jr.) and Anaheim (run by Sr.). They've got everything a bird owner could want. They also offer bulk and package their own seed mixes which allows them to sell it at great prices. If you're looking for a particular bird species they probably have at least one in stock. And unlike PETCO, all the employees are knowledgeable bird people. __________________________________________
	The one manufactured brooder I own came from Petiatric Supply as did my Bionaire Climate Check. I liked their brooder because it was fairly large (large enough to fit several large tubs in) and the price wasn't too steep. I've used it for several years as my "in home brooder." It's way too large to carry about. It's a fairly nice brooder, not too loud, the temperature only fluctuates between two degrees (if it's set at 86 degrees it will cool to 85 and then heat back up) and the large interior makes it easy to clean. Petiatric Supply manufactures it's own brooders but also carries books, feeding utensils, thermometers, candlers, scales, first aid kits and many other breeder supplies. __________________________________________
	Omar’s Exotic Birds, known simply as "Omar’s" around here, is a pet owner’s heaven. Though still too expensive for my breeder needs, it has been wonderful for my pets. I shop the La Verne location and it carries everything a pet owner could need: great books, perches, cages, every type of food you can imagine, toy parts and toys. I don’t know about the other locations, but the manager at La Verne prides herself on their toy selection. They have and ENTIRE wall off toys, floor to ceiling! This doesn’t even include toy parts! The staff is also very knowledgeable and friendly. They take good care of their birds, most of which are out on play stands to greet customers. I occasionally sell them my extra cockatiel chicks (those not bought by individuals) and can do so with a clear conscience, confident that they will be getting the best start possible in a new home. __________________________________________
	No, this is not a bird store. I thought I’d let you know about it anyway though, in case some of you also own reptiles. I started shopping this place about a year ago when I got my chameleon. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and will recommend everything you do need and tell you what you don’t. Their aim is to sell healthy animals and give the customer as much information as possible to ensure that any animal sold will have a good start. The place carries most of the herp items you’ll need, but if you don’t see an item in stock they are usually willing to order it. __________________________________________

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