How We Started

Pickering Bird Retreat grew out of a side project during university — a few parrots in a spare room, a lot of patience, and a growing realization that parrot families in Durham Region had very few boarding options that felt right.

Over the years we have boarded hundreds of companion birds across every species from budgies to African Greys. What started as a favour for friends became a full-time commitment to doing bird boarding the way we would want for our own flock.

Today we're a small family-run operation in Pickering. That means no call centers, no assembly-line care, and no unanswered questions. If you email us, one of us emails you back.

Our boarding facility

Our Approach

Stress-Free Environment

Quiet, temperature-controlled bird room. Separate boarding cages for every guest — no shared flock time. Consistent daily routine so your bird knows what to expect.

Knowledgeable Caregivers

We live with parrots ourselves. We know what an Amazon's contact call sounds like at 6 AM. We know when a Grey is bored versus anxious. That knowledge doesn't come from a textbook.

LOTS of Patience

Parrots are smart, particular, and often skeptical of new people. We give every bird the time they need to settle in — no forcing, no rushing, no shortcuts.

Our Mission

To help provide a stress-free environment for your feathered friends by offering fun, social, and safe boarding — and to be the boarding team parrot families in Durham Region can trust for years to come.

Meet the Flock Leaders