This store is fantastic. The staff and ownership here is very enthusiastic and eager to share their…read moreknowledge. They've got everything you'll need from species specific birdseed to houses and other accessories. On this trip we left with a new feeder + feed and some high quality suet. Definitely five stars for Flying Friends.

I moved from a high rise in the City of Chicago, out here to "the country". one thing I missed in…read morethe city were various types of birds. I wanted a bird feeder, but wasn't sure what type of setup I needed, so I contacted a local birder who recommended Flying Friends. Eric at Flying Friends recommended a setup and various types of feeds. He assured me that the birds would show up and told me what species to expect. Sure enough, after a week or so, I started getting visitors. We have had lots of house sparrows, house finches, black capped chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, and an occasional woodpecker. I'm glad I went to Flying Friends. Eric is very knowledgeable and helpful. If I had not gone there, it would have been hit or miss.

I came here to donate supplies recently. When I did this a few years ago, volunteers were very…read moregracious; I was offered a tour, and had pleasant conversation with people there. This time was very different. We were greeted by "do you have an appointment"; no hello, good morning, nothing. I had a large cage in my hand. When I explained that I had arranged with one of their staff to donate, they didn't seem to know what to do. One manager was apparently there, but he was on the phone and didn't have time for us. They finally had us put everything on the floor. After a moment of awkward silence we just left. I drove an hour to donate many supplies, but left feeling like they thought it was an intrusion. Not a very welcoming place.

We cane here to volunteer, not to choose a new pet. It's an impressive place, very well run. There…read moreare more than 100 birds here, ranging from finches to macaws. All the volunteer workers were so nice and helpful. They educated us on the different breeds and how to care for them. The birds here are cared for remarkably well, including clean cages, daily fresh salads and monthly vet checkups. You can't just walk in here and walk out with a bird. They vet people extensively, because these animals are a lot of work and some live to age 80! Be patient with their process. It makes sense.

This shop totally blew my mind! I dropped by on a whim because I was curious to see what they sold…read morehere, as there was a big Parrot Stars truck in the lot. I stopped in and was surprised to see how exceptionally neat and well-organized this store was upon entering. There were plenty of bird cages and bird toys, in addition to various types of bird food. Not a thing was out of place. My favorite part of this store, however, was the bird room! There is an expansive space here where their available birds are currently residing. They have a wide variety of exotic and beautiful birds here, including budgies, cockatiels, macaws, umbrella cockatoos, and so many more. There are more that one in each variety. The birds are very well behaved (save for one who was doing his thing and squawking loudly every few seconds, lol) and lovely to admire. A pair of large parrots were out in the open and one lady pat one--which it looked like it enjoyed! I walked by one of the cages to admire another bird that was chattering away and I discovered that he could wave every time I said "Hi!" How cool! This location also offers boarding for birds in case you are away for a while. They have a separate space in the back entrance for the boarding area. The shop requires you to use hand sanitizer upon entering and to wear a mask. I approve! Overall, I can tell that these are some healthy birds that have received exceptional care. I've only had budgies in the past and noticed immediately how much larger, healthier, and sturdier their supply of budgies looked in comparison to the small, occasionally sickly, ones I see at Petsmart, for example. I definitely anticipate buying a budgie here in the near future and am hopeful that all of the amazing birds here find happy homes soon!

Super friendly, helpful staff. So many toys to choose from in a far range of prices. The only…read moredisappointments were there being absolutely no information on the birds, not even what kind they were. Seemed incredibly odd. We were also disappointed that the birds weren't out free flying. I get it may be a liability issue, but just don't allow kids under a certain age and have anyone who wants to enter sign a waiver.

Great customer service!!! I brought in a bird feeder in that I bought several years ago, and had…read morecracked over time. They gladly took it in and repaired it and gave me a quick release bottom for free!!!! It looks brand new!!! Thanks for the great service!!!

By far the BEST Wild Birds Unlimited store in this area. Ellen or Phil- both owners I think- are…read morehelpful and knowledgeable. Ellen took a lot of time to help me solve bird feeder problems and explain bird feeding generally. When a part on my Wild Birds Unlimited feeder broke they honored the life time guarantee and replaced it for me at no charge without any hassle.

Have been coming to this establishment since it was in its previous location. Was on a job…read moreassignment in the area and went to check out the store. Long story (and assignment), but left town with a hand fed baby African Grey parrot! Had been a big dream; never thought it would happen. Going on twenty years later, he is still doing well. He has led quite the unexpected life. He travels all over the country (and loves it.) He has adapted well to everything. Usually with good cheer and a sense of adventure. I am convinced that is due to how well socialized he was when he was little -- and hand-raised by Jo. This is such a unique place. A store, yes, but more a baby parrot haven. They are raised like children. And it shows. You would like to purchase a parrot? Not so fast. You will be kindly, unobtrusively, but thoroughly checked out. Do you know what you are doing? Getting in to? Understand the attention and resource investments? For your lifetime (likely)? Does the parrot like you? (Really, the parrot will decide.) They might refuse to let you leave with one of their babies. Understand this transaction is taken that seriously -- before you go here. Otherwise, the store itself has everything imaginable parrot related. Questions will receive knowledgeable answers. I even got my veterinary referral from Jo. It is really hard to find a good avian vet. (We're still going there. Even if we have to drive hours to get there. Worth it.) The store has everything you could need for a parrot. Cages in every size and shape. So many toys -- screened for safety. Any healthy parrot food. There are play nets and exercise trees. And ..... there are baby birds. Jo finds responsible, local breeders who maybe have one or two breeding pairs of parrots. She finishes the hand feeding at the store and socializes the baby birds. I am convinced this is why Dorian has never plucked, screamed, bitten, any of the usual parrot behavior challenges. He is a cuddly, curious, adventurous soul. Jo's Exotic Birds is a serious parrot place. Just understand that the parrot's interests are respected here. Outcomes are reliably better that way.

Super nice store. They have everything you need. Lady on the front is so nice, and good prices…read more Just look at this cutie!

The Wildbird Shack always has something new for me to discover while also welcoming me like I just…read morereturned home. The local small business is my go-to for fresh bird seed (they have their own special blend) and suet. (My woodpeckers love, love, love the suet.) I am always enchanted by the locally handcrafted bird houses and local artisan items. This summer, The Wildbird Shack started a new line of DIY Bird Crafts for kids. I wish that I had those when my daughter was younger! They are adorable and are easy to assemble. Each comes with a fact sheet. Easy summer fun! Alyse, the store owner, is incredibly knowledgeable. I always have questions about birds and she is always able to help. She has even helped me identify birds by bird calls that I recorded! She has interesting and informational bird presentations that she can present for groups. Really convenient and a great way to learn! When you visit, don't forget to check out the guide books! The foldout ones are my favorites. I bring them with me on every road trip! The Wildbird Shack is charming store helping the community enjoy the joys and tranquility of birding whether in your backyard or on a hike. Love visiting and can't wait to return!

This spot is my favorite shop for unusual gifts. The owners are very helpful. You can find…read morebeautiful bird houses and feed but this shop has so much more! You can find locally sourced honey, gifts made by artists across the US. Stop in- you won't be disappointed.

I cannot say enough about Wingdow as a Company, Wingdow the actual product, and about Aleta whom i…read moreworked with via email. I just bought a bird a few weeks ago, and I'm a first-time bird owner. My bird kept wanting to sit by the window but there wasn't a good place for him to sit and be able to see. After doing some research, I found the Wingdow product online and started looking into it. There's really no other products like it on the market. The product itself is fairly pricey. However from what I understand they're also very costly to make. It's made out of a heavy-duty, clear acrylic and is shaped/bent. This is a really QUALITY product, so this is where the phrase "You get what you pay for" comes to mind. I'm on a budget. And after the initial investment of a bird & all that comes with it - I needed a break. I reached out to Wingdow and was put in touch with Aleta. She helped me purchase a "factory second" - basically that during manufacturing there's a minor imperfection which means they couldn't really sell the unit at full price. This was a perfect option for me. My Wingdow Seat came yesterday and i cannot tell you how happy I am!!! It's BEAUTIFUL. My bird Teddy is soooo happy and excited! The first time i put him on it he stayed there for nearly two hours without coming down, and then went back for another hour later in the day!!! He adores it. Overall I was left with such a positive feeling about my transaction. it was such a positive interaction, a complete satisfaction with the quality of the product, as well as being down-right in-love with the product itself!! So if you are in the market for any of their products, please don't hesitate!! i don't believe there's an "actual" store-front or anything, but Yelp forces you to put in a company address. I believe it's an Online-only merchant, so please don't try to drive there or anything. A+++. I will be back. Fabulous, fabulous product and company. I will be a return customer for sure.

We traveled here from Wheaton looking for pet mice as the big chain stores were not selling them at…read morethe time. The reviews are not wrong about the small enclosures in-store but the animals are healthy and it's a small business-- what do people expect? Presumably you're there to buy an animal and will be giving them a better enclosure. It's a pet store, not a zoo. Compared to a big chain store it wasn't really that different, except that Kenn has more employees than you'd find in a chain store 5x its size (which says a lot about his priorities). He showed me the only two fancy mice that were available and when I asked if they should be bought together, he was honest. He said "I'm not going to tell you that they're bonded or anything, but mice do like to have company." He was clearly trying to ensure we didn't feel pressured to buy something we didn't want while also being honest about reality. He answered all of my questions about the mice and got me set up with the supplies I'd need without my even asking. He pointed out deals to us and offered us different solutions, immediately noticing that we had a budget. But the store had everything you'd need for a rodent there: toys, treats, enclosures, bedding, and the best recommended food. Two weeks later and the little mice we bought from him are healthy and happy-- and also beautiful. The grey one is really friendly and loves to be held, which is so sweet. The siamese one is a little standoffish but can still be held if you coax her out with a toilet paper tube. I did end up getting a larger 20-gallon tank for them that I found on sale rather than the plastic hamster cage I bought from the store (which-- again-- was kindly suggested by Kenn when it was clear we were worried about expense). Anyway, I really enjoy having these little creatures around. I'm thinking of going back to buy a rat!

Sadly. I lost my female society finch unexpectedly. And her partner was calling and calling. I am…read moreso happy to find a similar society finch to keep him company. Also, my Betta passed due to cancer last year (I had imported him from Thailand but he had genetic disease). I finally decided to get another while I was getting the Finch at The Animal Store. Kevin and staff are so nice. I am impressed with how clean and well stocked the store is. What an amazing selection of critters of all types. The birds are beautiful. Probably the nicest pet shop especially for Birds that I have been to in greater Chicago. I will definitely be back if only to admire the wonderful animals. I was also to get good quality Dubia roaches for my Bearded Dragon. Great selection. I highly recommend ! It's a great one stop shop for me as I have many different pets and I can get supplies for all. A kids dream store.