Paterson Bird Store

I called there with a question about a sick parakeet. They asked me to bring her in. They looked at her and gave me what I needed with directions. They also gave me the number of a vet. Thanks to them she is feeling better. I am very grateful.

While their bird seed prices are good and they claim to get their birds from reputable breeders, I’m done buying birds, or anything at all, from this place.
Since 2011, I’ve purchased three parakeets from Paterson Bird Store. The first one only lived a few months before suddenly collapsing into seizures one day out of nowhere. I rushed him to the vet but he passed away while being examined. It was heartbreaking because he was such as sweet, outgoing bird.
A couple of months later, I purchased another parakeet, this time a female. And a few months after that, she started exhibiting the symptoms associated with liver problems in parakeets, particularly an overgrown beak. She, too, died after just a couple of years.
So, yet again, I went and purchased another parakeet a few months ago. Another boy. Really active and talkative once he got acclimated to his new cage. Then he suddenly went quiet, sleeps all the time, has trouble balancing. His nails are overgrown and his beak is also becoming overgrown.
It’s become clear that this store doesn’t properly screen their breeders, and they’re selling diseased birds, which is heartbreaking for the animals and their owners. I won’t be purchasing birds from them anymore. I can’t take the constant growing attached and losing these pets.
Went to the store to ask them for information/​help about what’s going on and they weren’t helpful at all. Wrote them an email complaining and got a response basically insulting me as a caretaker (I’ve had parakeets for decades and have never had these problems before). They proved that they have no idea that overgrown nails and beak are NOT normal for parakeets, as they wrote back saying it’s my fault for not bringing the birds in for trimmings — really?! There are other symptoms of illness here, and parakeets don’t need to be trimmed like parrots, especially when they have the right perches and cuttlebones! Unprofessional, ignorant response gave me another reason why I will never shop there again.

We bought an African Grey from them in ²⁄₁₄. She was shaking when we got her and they said «oh that’s normal». In December she fell from her perch and had trouble walking. We brought her to the vet and they said she had the avian bornavirus. This only comes from other birds and we have no other birds. The vet said it must have come from the breeder or the store. I called the store and the owner told me there was nothing he can do other than offer us a discount on another sick bird. We had to spend the last few months watching our bird waste away. She passed away a few weeks ago. This place is dirty, the food is infested with bugs and the birds are sick! Reading reviews and talking with other people we have found others with similar stories. This is just awful. You spend $ 1500 on a bird that should live 60 years and you and your family have to watch it waste away. They should be out of business.

This is a great store for birds food toys cage wait everything bird. The staff are very knowledgeable so no question is a dumb question. We got our birds wings and nails clipped here. I will tell you if you need supplies or want to buy a bird first do some research then come here. Talk with the staff about your choice of bird and see if they have it if they do have them tell you your do’s and don’ts. You will be glad you did.
Can anyone answer this question. Why is Paterson Bird Store in Totowa and Totowa Bait and Tackle Shop is in Paterson?

This place is still filthy! Watch out for bugs in your food. They have tons of dirt on the floors and allow birds to poop all over without cleaning it up. The upstairs and the boarding area is just as bad! Shocked they haven’t been shut down.

Up to a few weeks ago I was a customer of the store for over eight years and have recommended many people to go there. I will no longer be doing that for the following reasons.
1. I understand that birds have a tendency to be dirty, but that does not excuse the lack of cleanliness of the store.
2. The bird seed is stored in open containers where it can get contaminated easily.
3. The implements used to trim nails and wings and file beaks are not properly disinfected.
4. Birds that are boarded there are not required to be tested for Bornavirus which is a fatal disease that is contagious to other birds.
5. New birds that are acquired by the store or not quarantined so if they are positive for any disease or parasite they can easily infect other birds.
One of my birds got sick and tested positive for Bornavirus and passed away within two weeks of showing symptoms. Due to this I had my remaining birds tested and now I have another which has tested positive for the disease and we are doing everything we can for him. I went to the store and explained this to an owner and was told there was nothing that could be done for me because I bought the second bird eight years ago, but he did offer to work with me if I wanted to purchase another bird from them. First off I couldn’t believe that was even said to me, I will never purchase another bird from them and to add insult to injury he question if I actually bought the first bird that passed away from them, a baby picture of him is on their website for god’s sake. To clarify I wasn’t looking for anything except for them to be responsible business people and do something about selling potentially sick birds to none expecting people.
After this interaction I put a public service announcement on their facebook fan page informing members of the disease and to have their birds tested so they would know in advance and may be able to help them and give them a better quality of life. I also included information about a medical study that is currently going on trying to find a cure for the disease. And yes I also put that the test should be a condition of sale. That post was taken down and I was blocked.

Up until a few days ago I thought this place was great. I had been coming here for a while but will no longer be a customer. Their bird seed is priced wonderfully, less expensive than corporate pet stores. But the problem is that the seed is kept in open containers which leaves open the opportunity for bugs to get in. I hadn’t been here in a few months (up until a few days ago). My house is now home to dozens of moths or some kind of flying bug. I’m disgusted and creeped out. Believe me, my house is clean, the bugs showed up the same time I bought the seed and are only in the room where my birds are. I know the problem came from this store. They really need to keep a tight seal on their bird food and until that happens I will not be going back. Thanks paterson bird store. Would you like to come over and kill all these bugs for me?

Went to Paterson Bird store for the first time as a friends goes there for seed and toys. I recently got a green cheek conure (from another store) and needed some supplies.
When I walked in, I noticed they have a wide variety of toys, seed, cages etc. When you talk to the staff, you can tell that they are VERY knowledgeable and give you tips if you ask certain questions. They have a nice selection of birds and all cages were cleaned and cared for.
I will definitely return for my supplies here, and also may purchase my next bird here (if I decide to get another). Every customer that I saw come, look like they’ve been long time customers and are happy customers at that.

Great bird store in Totowa (it’s not in Paterson like the name suggests)
They have EVERYTHING you could ever want for your feathered child and them some. The staff is very helpful and they seem to have a very loyal customer base.
My only complaint is the place seems to look very dirty. Even saw some pantry moths (:shudder:) which if you’ve ever had them at your home — you know what a pain they are to get rid of.

Very helpful and friendly staff! I was here looking for a certain type of food for my electus, and the girl helped me find everything I was looking for, recommended a feed, and answered all of my (pretty stupid) questions. She gave me advice on how to incorporate the new food into my parrot’s diet and really was fantastic.
There are tons of types of feed that specify which kind of bird they are for, and since its sold by the pound, you can get as much or as little as you want. Great variety of toys and treats as well!
I will definitely be back because I can’t quit a small business that knows its stuff.

This may be the best bird store in the Metropolitan Area. They have everything you want for your bird needs and you can tell they really love the birds they offer for sale. They take great care of the ones for sale, and the ones in boarding. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and just plain great. I travel all the way from NYC because the service, selection, and vibe of this store can’t be beat.

I recently got a Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure (from Arizona), so I was searching for a good bird store. Paterson Bird Store is now my go-​to place for bird feed, and the place to get my conure’s nails trimmed. You can buy seeds/​pellets by the pound, and it’s cheaper than buying them from Petco or Petsmart. Plus, since I’m buying the food in smaller portions and not in a huge bag, it’s easier to keep the food fresh.
The staff is also very helpful and knowledgeable! When Phoenix (my conure) went to get his nails trimmed, they were able to quickly towel him and got his nails trimmed in less than a minute. Phoenix, of course, was not enjoying the nail-​trimming process (as short as it was) and was squawking unhappily, so one of the workers gave him a kiss on the head before putting him back in his carrier. This is definitely a place that loves and takes good care of birds!

AWESOME!!! As others have said, this place is great. The staff is very knowledgeable and super friendly. They have so many toys, tents, dishes, seeds, treats, etc. to pick from ad well. Their downstairs holds all supplies as well as a great assortment of birds. Upstairs has cages and a private and LOCKED room for bird boarding. The locked part makes me feel safe leaving my babies there without worry someone will get in there. Also, if you ever have a question (big or small), they always try to help. If your bird isn’t feeling great, ask these people for advice. Sometimes it will save you a pricey vet visit. Always bring your bird to the vet if you think it’s bad off though.
EDIT:
This place really is great. I called the other day about a bird and they offered me some amazing advice. Their staff is not out to make a buck. They honestly care about the birds and their customers.

I have 4 birds including 2 parrots so I am often at Paterson bird store. The staff is so unbelievably knowledgeable and most of the staff has been there for a long time. I bring all my birds here to get their wings and nails clipped plus I board my birds there as well. I like that the boarded birds are kept up stairs in a locked room away from shoppers.
They have a great selection of seeds, treats, toys and perches. Plus they whole upper level is full of cages and play stands. I have purchase many cages them vas well. I have purchased parakeets and cockatiels here and always had a great experience.
The only reason I gave them 4 stars is due to their prices. I think the seed is very expensive. I usually only go here when I really need seed urgently. Otherwise I order online for much less. Same thing with their toys. You can find the me toys online for significantly less.

I needed to get a companion for our parakeet Paco. I’ve been here before for bird seed but somehow had no idea they actually sold birds (I though all those birds in the next room were being boarded or fostered or something and have since found that that they do actually board birds :).
So we went there the other day and picked out a gorgeous pale yellow little lady that we’ve named Lemmy (short for Lemon Drop, ok ok, maybe it’s a bit in homage to a certain bass player too: P)
The store staff is friendly & knowledgeable and they gave me a handout with all imaginable information about parakeets on it. They trimmed Lemmy’s wings and nails and took down my personal info (I assume to keep track of where the birds are going and to possibly follow up — I like this — every pet store selling any kind of pet should do the same). Shop is full of all kinds of seeds (loose and otherwise) as well as pellets and other feed. Lots of toys and accessories to choose from. Highly recommend to all the bird lovers out there.