Strictly Feathers

This is a delightful avian shop! I have read some reviews about the staff being less then welcoming to children in the store, and I can assure you that the staff is watching your children out of caution. Birds are just as curious as children, and IF your child moves too fast or the bird thinks they are a threat they will protect themselves and their domain.... the only way they know how which is to bite, which can be VERY painful and can also result in an injury requiring stitches or even a broken bone. This would set the shop up for a law suite and scare a child for life. Would you allow your child to stick their hands in a lions cage? OF COURSE NOT! I say take your child ( one at a time ) to admire the beauty and antics these wonderful companions display and keep your eye on your child..... do not assume the birds are tame and loyal to everyone, that is trust and respect that must be earned... a great lesson for everyone. more

Love the store bought a wonderful bird there. Love shopping local at a business with 30 something years of experience. Great service and awesome knowledge of bird's. Fresh seed not like chain's where you don't know how long it is at a warehouse. great costumer service.. more

Our daughter researched and saved her money for almost a year in order to buy a parakeet for her 10th birthday. She ended up receiving some gift cards to Petsmart so that's where she bought her cage, supplies, and her parakeet. It's been almost two months now and despite the entire family spending hours every day trying to socialize the bird (lots of reading and research went into how to do this properly), it is still "wild" and "freaks out" every time anyone comes within five feet of the cage. \r On our way to Knoxville last night we noticed the sign for Strictly Feathers and stopped in to see if they might have some suggestions on how to get the bird to be friendlier. We were really disappointed when the sign said closed, as it was exactly 5:00. A nice lady, Gwen, came out of the door and asked if she could help us. After explaining the situation about the bird, she asked us into the store (after she'd already closed) and proceeded to spend 45 minutes with our 10 year old daught more

I bought a green cheek conure here, she said it was a sweet bird with a lot of character, also she stated that it was hand raised. This bird was clearly raised in the store, he is afraid of anything that is normal for a house hold. He goes into a screeching fit to the TV, water running, fridge being opened, plastic bags being picked up, washer and dryer being on, music, singing, stomping, any noise that might be too loud. It has been months now and he still hasn't gotten used to anything. Me and my boyfriend has tried everything to make him happy, but nothing is working.\r \r Be careful when buying a bird at this store, everything else at the store is great though. \r \r Update:\r \r It's nearing a year now, the green cheek we got here is still going into screeching fits to every noise. And since this pet store doesn't take refunds, we are stuck with this bird that clearly wasn't hand raised at a home, but at a noisy store. We have put him in another room because we can't handle him screeching non stop. We have tried, putting his cage in a (lit area, shadowed area, close to a window but not enough for a draft), different foods and treats (he hates millet), different toys, we take him out for play but he still screeches to noises and he also shivers like he's scared. \r \r He was with another bird in the store, but at this point I don't want to risk getting another bird to make the problem worse. \r \r Like before, be careful when buying a bird at this store. Best to get a bird from a breeder. \r \r more

Stickly Feathers is the only store that I will do business with. Gwen is the most sweetest person and knowledge about birds is awesome. The store is filled with all types of exotic birds and you are welcome by the course of hellos and pretty girls and wolf whistles. Yes she has rules in her store and yes they are posted everywhere including on the cages that the birds will bite if upset. Curosity always kills the cat when birds are in a cage. First instinct is to poke a finger at them...Bad choice. Birds does not like getting the finger and they will let you know it. But when comes to trainned and well behaved birds Gwen has them. So always ask before testing in Gwens store. Gwens babies love sugar cookies better than fingers and there is always some laying around for them. I get my food from her. I saw my brother have a bad experience with the big chain store that also did grooming of dogs and cats and he got poisioned millett from them. They spray for flees and it got in their food. He lost all his birds....So help the local small business stores they know what they are doing. E Hewitt more

I read where Strictly Feathers had parrotlets-which I was looking for. I talked to Gwen and she was so helpful. She cares very much for her birds. My husband purchased a parrotlet from her and she went out of her way to make sure that I had the right foods and care sheet. She took the time to talk with me on the phone. I really appreciated the help and am thrilled with our new family member. Gwen is one of the nicest people that I've spoken with. more

Today we made the two and a half hour drive down just to visit this shop! It was every bit worth the drive! Even if you do not purchase anything, it is worth stopping by for the knowledge they have to offer! It is no secret that they want the best for the bird and the new owner! If you are unsure of what kind of bird you may want, they will make sure to take time to help you make the right decIsion, as well as educate you on this decision! Wouldn't recommend going anywhere else! Make sure to always do your research ahead of time when your thinking of adding another member to your family! more

My family visited the Strictly Feathers store on Saturday afternoon. I was pleased to meet both Gwen and Carol. It was obvious to me that these ladies know birds and genuinely love birds. I was looking for a parrotlet. It turns out Gwen had a young, yellow, parrotlet that was ready to go. They explained all about the care of the new bird and asked that I bring her back in 3 months for a trim. While we worked with Gwen, Carol was busily helping other customers. Our boys (ages 10 and 15) were welcomed, unlike what I read one other review. If anyone is in the market for a bird or bird products, I would highly recommend Strictly Feathers. more

I have a young bird who lost his foot and also has scissor beak. I have been going to strictly feathers ever since I acquired him. Today they were able to work on his beak and it looks so much better and I'm sure he will be able to eat a lot better than before. Gwen and the gentleman who worked on my little Frankie were patient and kind and took an hour to work on him so he wouldn't be too stressed. I am so grateful to them for their professional and kind attention. His beak has worried me for a long time but I didn't know if anything could be done. I would highly recommend this store for all of your bird needs. If you are looking for someone who will be warm and fuzzy with you, you may not always like what Gwen has to say but I'll promise you one thing, she will do her very best by the birds in her store and by your bird too and that is what I'm looking for in a store dedicated to the welfare and well being of birds. more

To Ann R. You may believe your children are well behaved, however that was NOT the case when you visited the store. (Eyewitness accounts attest to this.) People do not expect children to remain well behaved in a confined environment for more than 20 minutes. Ask any teacher about the challenges on THAT! This is especially true with exotic animals who cannot be petted like a puppy. Children do not "get it" so their parents MUST. The goal of Gwen and her staff is to make sure a bird is healthy and well adjusted to humans when it is "adopted" by its new family. A bird thinks it is being teased when someone puts a finger or object up to it and then quickly removes it. That behavior can have damaging and lasting psychological effects on a bird. \r \r In the case of this store, many of the birds cost well over $2,000. They can be easily frightened by fast moving adults and children and break a wing or worse. That is why there are rules. The birds are also extremely susceptible to g more

Hello my name is Brittney, I live in knoxville and have all my life. In August 2011 we decided to purchase a parrot for our kids. One Sat we took a journey to strickley feathers.. Wow I am amazed at the customer service, support and love for those birds!! .I found myself rather dissappointed to read the earlier review. I have two kids one seven and one ten. My younger child is a special needs child, but you would never know by looking at her. She takes lots of EXTRA patience ,Im in no way complaining God has been good to me. I never had one problem in our two hour stay at Strickley Feathers!!!!!! I felt my children were very welcome...I feel that Gwen has a special love for children and her birds, if by chance she ask a child to stop I feel it was only for the childs safety. I spent a good half hour talking to Gwen about my special angle and the goodness of our Saviour Jesus Christ. I had never met nor stepped foot in this store until this day. \r If by chance you were offended I feel more

I HAD BOUGHT A CITRON COCKATOO FROM A WOMAN ON CRAGISLIST. SHE ENDED UP BEING A VERY AGGRESSIVE BIRD AND ATTACKED ME AND GAVE A NASTY BITE ON MY HAND. I WAS DEVASTED AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I HAVE 2 SMALL BOYS AND I WAS VERY WORRIED THAT SHE WOULD BITE THEM. I CALLED GWENN TO ASK SOME ADVICE AND SHE ACTUALLY TOOK THE BIRD , AND I GOT A BABY CAIQUE THAT I AM NOT HANDFEEDING. THEY GAVE MY BOYS AN ADORABLE HAND FED BABY PARAKEET TO BE THEIR VERY OWN BIRD AND THEY HAVE NAMED HER LULU! GWENN RESCUED ME AND MY KIDS AND ALSO KEPT ME FROM MAKING ANOTHER MISTAKE IN BUYING AN OLDER AMAZON. WE ARE SO HAPPY WITH OUR LITTLE CAIQUE - KIWI! GWEN IS A VERY SWEET, CARING PERSON AND I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT SHE DID FOR ME. SHE TOOK A REALLY BAD, SAD SITUATION AND MADE IT A GREAT , HAPPY EXPERIENCE!! THANK YOU GWENN, I WILL BE A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE! AND I CANNOT WAIT TO GET ANOHTER HAND FED BABY FROM YOU! I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS STORE , THEY SELL AND HAVE A REALLY NICE SELECTION OF TOYS AND CAGES AND BIRD FOOD! THANK YOU GWENN, !!! I AM TRULY GRATEFUL! THE SIMERLY FAMILY! more

When we moved to Knoxville 4 months ago, I found this great store off Old Broadway. I ventured in with my very well behaved children and we read the rules on a board at the front of the store out loud so all the children could hear. I could feel the eyes of the store owner all over us as well as her single employee. We were not wanted. The owner must have had poorly behaved children in her store in the past. We looked around briefly and left. A couple of weeks later, we went back to admire the store again. Still, the same uneasy feeling of unwantedness, although my children we exemplary. A third time we returned, leaving the 3 year old at home and taking an older child, a friend of my eldest daughter with us. We arrived, read the rules allowed and proceeded about the store. Eyes peered on us. The uneasy feeling returned. Our guest, my daughter's friend stuck a feather into a bird cage while my back was turned. There was nothing in the rules about not sticking feathers into cages. My ch more

When we moved to Knoxville 4 months ago, I found this great store off Old Broadway. I ventured in with my very well behaved children and we read the rules on a board at the front of the store out loud so all the children could hear. I could feel the eyes of the store owner all over us as well as her single employee. We were not wanted. The owner must have had poorly behaved children in her store in the past. We looked around briefly and left. A couple of weeks later, we went back to admire the store again. Still, the same uneasy feeling of unwantedness, although my children we exemplary. A third time we returned, leaving the 3 year old at home and taking an older child, a friend of my eldest daughter with us. We arrived, read the rules allowed and proceeded about the store. Eyes peered on us. The uneasy feeling returned. Our guest, my daughter's friend stuck a feather into a bird cage while my back was turned. There was nothing in the rules about not sticking feathers into cages. My children new better but the guest made an error. The employee quickly swooped down, fussing and grumbling at the poor child. She told her and my daughter that they new they were doing wrong, but in fact, the little girl had no idea. She is a 10 year old child who was very interested in the birds and made a harmless mistake. I feel for the owner, having to deal with poorly behaved children in her store from time to time, but the unwelcome feeling emitted cannot be excused. I won't be back. more

Today I call Gwin Woodard for Georgia to ask her about my 40 year old grey. She had no idea who I was and I have never been in her store in Knoxville but she talked to me as if I was her most faithful customer. She answered all my questions about Pope and gave me great information on the care of him for, I hope, another 40 years. Thank you Gwin for being a caring person not only for the birds but for the concerned owners. You are the best. more

I can't praise Strictly Feathers enough. Gwen has such dedication, compassion, & knowledge about birds and is always more than happy to share her experienced opinion with you. You'll leave her store with the right advice, the best choice of bird food (she'll even order some for you if not supplied), not to mention the joy of seeing an array of sweet, healthy, and TALKATIVE birds. Their water, cage floor, and food bowl always seem to be clean, which you know is hard to do if you're a bird owner. Gwen has graciously gone above and beyond the needs for my 12 year old Green Cheek Conure- Green Bean. Regarding my credibility as someone who is posting a comment: I've gone to Strictly Feathers for 7 years with nothing but great experiences regarding Gwen and her Broadway Birdhouse. more

I agree with every word D.P. said. I have been going there for 6 years and have had nothing but the best service. There feed is extremely fresh no more than 2 days old. She does have a lot of people that come in to just look around, but is more than happy to spend whatever time is nessesary to help you make the right decision. She will NOT sell a bird to anyone that she thinks can't handle it. She has a big bird right now that she took a deposit on, the man wanted to take it home right then, but she wouldn't let him. She asked him to come in regularly for two weeks to get to know the bird and make sure that he really wants it. These birds can easily out live you and it's not something you get into on a whim. It's not fair to the birds to be sold to someone that decides in a year or two they want to get rid of it. You wouldn't do it to your child. It takes that same commitment. I would not ever go anywhere else and wouldn't tell anyone else to either. Their are some people that can't be more

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit a pet supply shop which specializes in birds. We took our parrot"chester" there because his leg band had became embedded in his shin. He was in pain and needed help. Saturdays are for sales cleaning and whatever else needs to be done in the store, but after explaining the sttuation , Miss Gwen was kind enough to let us bring him in to try to help him. We were so grateful. When we arrived we were greeted by a soft spoken , mild mannered gentleman whose name is Mr. Gary. Miss Gwen was busy taking care of customers. She said "I'll Be with you as soon as I can." There was another assistant whose name is Mr.Jack . He was talking to customers and tending to all the loving birds. My husband brought our birds from the car Chester and Budwiser When things calmed a bit Miss Gwen came to say hi, I immediately felt the warm , caring and loving feeling I had felt when Mr. Gary had greeted us.\r He reached in Chester's cage and gently took him o more

2/12/11 Today was the first time I had been in strickly feathers and was impressed with the knowledge the owner and her staff had about what and how to take care of my macaw that was given to me they even told me how to potty train her the people that gave her to me had not taken alot of time with her, in fact they even taught her some bad words to say and Gwen gave me suggestions on how to get her to say something else that would stop her from doing that. She even gave me some food for my bird to try. I will be back to this store. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVISE more

I have been going to Strictly Feathers for over a year now and have purchased a healthy/sweet/ Tiel. Gwen & the ladies that work there are ALWAYS helpful. You may have to be a little patient while they are helping other customers, but Gwen will give you her full attention. She has helped me on numerous occasions, and my daughters and I enjoy stopping in once a month for a visit with Gwen and her special birds. EVERY time I stop in, I am greeted with a warm smile and "hello". I have watched the ladies feed/water the birds on many, many occasions. I am getting ready to purchase my next Tiel there very soon. more