Me and My Parrot

Parakeets, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, and more

This website is named after my company, A Step Up Bird Co. (you teach your parrot to "step up"). My name is Jill and birds are a big part of my life.

My love of birds all began when I was three years old and in a May Company Department store with my mother. I saw a fake parrot that had a pull cord and sat on a perch and said "hello" when you pulled the cord. It was love at first sight. I wanted to buy it right then, but my mom said it was time to go home and she questioned why I wanted a parrot and not a doll that talked.

To make a long story short, it was Christmas a few days later and I was wishing for that toy bird. However, much to my dismay, I received a doll in a stroller. It was a pretty doll, but I said to myself, I will someday own a parrot of my own...and that is where we begin.

When I was six, my mom finally realized I loved birds more than dolls. We went to a local petstore and purchased a green budgie. In 1967, most of the parakeets were wild caught, so green parakeets were readily available. We named him Peanuts. He flew free everyday in my room and lived in a nice sized cage.

Unfortunately, he only lived for 7 years. My mom usually picked up parakeet seed at the local supermarket and not many people realized the importance of good nutrition for birds. Today, we realize a good diet is key to a bird's health and longevity.

It has been a learning experience, but in a wonderful way.