Be Careful What You Say





Honey and Pepper are Macaw rescue birds and the store’s ambassadors.

Honey and Pepper are Macaw rescue birds and the store’s ambassadors.

Bonita Springs Enter at your own risk, risk of falling in love, that is. The white Cockatoo at Bonita Bird Paradise might land on a shoulder and cuddle up or simply raise a foot in greeting. Visitors may hold tame birds and sit in the cozy lounge area.

Vibrant colors are eye candy as birds compete for attention or the eye follows the simple to complex bird toys lining the walls. “I’m flying; I’m flying,” calls a hidden parrot in the corner, competing with a wolf whistle from the African Grey in front.

Two Macaw rescue birds are not for sale. “Honey and Pepper are our ambassadors,” said Daniel Lanier. He and his wife, Cat, are Bonita residents and storeowners. Honey and Pepper pose for pictures at flea markets and events while Daniel and Cat talk about birds.

Every bird sold is hand raised to bond with owners.

They range in size from tiny green Parrotlets to the brilliant rainbow Macaws, each capable of mimicking human speech, but no guarantees.

“My son and my husband had birds that bonded with them. I wanted a bird who likes me,” said Sharon Isern of Estero. She hand fed her new baby African Grey parrot, not quite ready to take home yet. “I was referred by a friend who felt the people here were nice,” she smiled.

According to Lanier, birds tend to bond to one person. A baby is more likely to bond with more family members. Training is important. “Don’t just stick a finger in a cage and expect a bird to climb on. The parrot is more likely to bite what it perceives as an intruder,” said Lanier.

Toys prevent boredominspired feather pulling and destructive behaviors. A variety includes toys to bite, shred, find treats inside and climb on as examples. Bird food variety includes organic pellets and fruit and vegetable treats.

Lanier sells cages and everything needed to take home a companion. He prefers that the new owner gain an education about their care before leaving with a bird. He and his wife, Cat, hold weekend barbecues for customers, birds included, in addition to “bird’s night out” events.

“A career in the marines and United Nations police work in Libya and other high profile countries led me to the soothing comfort of bird companions,” said Lanier. Bonita Bird Paradise opened in May at 4171 Bonita Beach Road as the singular “birds only” store in Bonita Springs and offers the full range of clipping, bathing, and boarding services in a safe and clean environment.

“Health requirements for boarding and providing bird services insure healthy birds stay healthy,” said Lanier. He reminds customers that owning a parrot is a responsibility for life – and beyond. The larger species may live as long as eighty years. Early training is critical. Ingrained habits are difficult to change. “Swear words may be cute at first, but may become embarrassing,” he added.


Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.