DJ Feathers is a family-owned
aviary located in our home in Northern Virginia. We started out as most people
do with a single bird, a cockatiel (named Petie). Quickly, we realized we were
bird people: we love them, we plan vacations around our birds, and developed a
burning need for more. We now have a flock of Cockatiels, Canaries, Gouldian Finches, Society Finches, Conures, Caiques, and
an African Grey.
Our love for keeping and breeding parrots is not
a profit farm. Tammy loves to hand-feed, and we don't have room to keep all the
birds (regardless of what Tammy says). We take pride in rearing pet quality,
well adjusted birds that will provide you with years of love and companionship.
We spend many hours hand feeding, tending, and playing with our babies. We also
spend time with the prospective 'parents' to ensure they are prepared to bring a
bird into their home. We have come to realize that no one ever owns
another living thing - you buy the right to provide custodial care. It's not for
everyone, and we would rather not sell if we think the home may not be right.
Tammy is very dedicated to her craft. It's not a job, it is a passion that
means many sacrifices and a less-than-'normal' life. Many days of the year, its
up at 6 to hand feed the babies, clean cages, feed the adults, and say good
morning (to the flock that gets so excited to hear her stirring in the bedroom
above the aviary). Breakfast with the family is DJ enjoying his meal with the
multitude of Tiels, Conures, and Caiques who may prefer a bite of his food to
that of their own. Afternoons are spent checking each cage, socializing with the
babies (so they get used to the human touch, and look forward to it), more
feedings, and more cleaning. In between, there are visits from soon-to-be
parents eager to bond with their babies, meetings with prospective buyers that
heard about DJ Feathers and wanted to visit, and answering scores of emails
received from literally all over the world. The day doesn't end until sometime
after 11 PM when the last feedings are completed and the cages and brooders
cleaned again for the night. Bedtime for all means light sleeping for Tammy - in
case a night fright calls her back to the aviary to make sure parents make it
back on their eggs and to ensure everyone is safe and sound. Even on
vacation we don't get too far off
the track.
It's a demanding schedule that calls for a special person capable of keenly
observing those in her care that cannot easily speak up when they don't feel
well or when they need something. Tammy has developed a 6th sense towards her
flock that makes her a little bit like Dr. Doolittle. You can tell that many of
the birds can and do communicate on some level directly to her. Tammy does it
with such fluid motion, what looks like a three days work rolled into one
appears to be a blissful afternoon with her loving companions, and in many
respects to Tammy, it is.
We're glad you found us, hope you will enjoy your look
around the site, and also hope you find what you were looking for! Be sure to
email if
you have any questions.
