Local News

Love of birds turns into Shelbyville business

Growing up around birds not only sparked an interest in Gary Floyd and Karen Martin, it has also turned into a new business endeavor for the two. 

 

For Floyd, his father started raising parrots when he was a teenager and as a result, he had to help his father with the birds he told Giant FM.

 

"We had African Greys, Amazons, Macaws, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and Parakeets. By default, I had to handle these guys and seeing their personalities and hearing their voices, it is amazing what they can learn and be taught. I had fallen for the birds almost immediately," Floyd said. 

 

Martin admits she has a similar story, as her mother got her a small, yellow parakeet as a child. 

"Then, my dad had a cockatiel growing up. As I got older, I started working in the bird aviary at a local pet store back home in Virginia when I was 18 years old. My love for birds has continued to grow through the years," she said. 

 

Now, their love affair for birds is a new business endeavor, as The Bird House and More, 159 East Washington St., Suite D, is now open. 

 

"We sell bird food for any type of parrot. We also sell accessories for their cages, as well as supplies. I have been in the animal industry nearly my entire life, but have been handling exotic birds for nearly 28 years. Karen has been in the pet industry for 22 years. As managers of pet stores and working with rescues, we combined our love for birds and thus born was The Bird House and more," Floyd told Giant FM. 

 

Floyd said business has been good thus far, as residents are taking advantage of the grooming services, as well as boarding. 

 

With the calendar approaching 2021, Floyd told Giant FM, there are some exciting possibilities in the new year.

 

"Periodically, throughout the year, we will have babies in the shop for sale. Also, we are looking into adding reptile supplies since the community has been asking. To stay informed, checkout our Facebook page and our website www.thebirdhouseandmore.com or come by the store anytime. We love to meet new animal friends," Floyd said. 

 

 

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