The Aviary

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The Aviary at Put a Plant On It

When we first opened Put a Plant On It, we always dreamed of having a bird in the shop. What we didn’t realize is that once you have one bird, they tend to multiply—because before long, you become known as the “bird people.”

It all started with Papaya the cockatiel, who was found on a playground in Rochester, NY. When no one came forward to claim her, the person who found her asked if we wanted to give her a home. Of course, we said yes. Papaya quickly became part of our lives but sadly passed away a few years later. We never knew how old she was, but she is dearly missed.

Then came Blueberry, our beloved parrot who captured the hearts of everyone who met him. On March 15, 2025, tragedy struck when a customer left the door open too long, and Blueberry flew outside. Despite an incredible community-wide search, he was never found. We suspect he was taken in by someone, but we mourn his loss every day. Blueberry himself was a rescue—he came to us bedraggled and stinky, but blossomed into a vibrant, mischievous, and vivacious companion.

We knew the best way to honor Blueberry’s memory was to help other birds in need. And so, The Aviary at Put a Plant On It was born.

Our Mission

The Aviary is dedicated to providing safe haven, care, and love for rescued and surrendered birds. Many of our feathered residents come from difficult situations, but here they receive:

  • A high-quality pelleted diet, fresh fruits, vegetables, and daily chop.
  • Regular care from an avian vet and groomer.
  • Enrichment, socialization, and a flock to call their own.

Our goal is not only to rescue, but also to educate our community about proper bird care and to help place adoptable birds into safe, loving homes.

Support The Aviary

We humbly ask for your support. Your support goes directly to bird food, enrichment, vet visits, and ongoing care for our rescue flock.

To donate, please send to Venmo @Putaplantonit and include a bird emoji so we can allocate your gift to the bird fund. Cash donations are also accepted in-store.

Because of your generosity, we are able to give these birds the healthy, happy lives they deserve.



Amazon Wishlist 

You can also purchase items that we need from clicking here on Amazon and have them sent to the shop. Birds need a constant rotation of toys and treats to keep their super intelligent minds engaged. We have set aside products that are healthy, safe,

Adoptions & Surrenders

Meet Our Resident Flock

Blueberry is a violet Indian Ringneck Parakeet that we rescued from a horrible situation. When we first brought him home, he hadn’t been handled much and smelled terrible. Over time, he adjusted to shop life wonderfully—learning to enjoy being pet and held. His favorite pastimes included shredding anything in sight, pulling keys off laptops, stealing straws, and deconstructing pencils with great enthusiasm.

On March 15, 2025, Blueberry went missing after a customer carelessly held the door open and allowed him to escape. He is sorely, heartbreakingly missed every single day, and we still hope for his safe return. The shop hasn’t been the same without him.

Soya is a turquoise green cheek conure full of sass and punk. She came to us after she was labeled as being ‘too aggressive’ in her former home. With time, structure, patience, and strict guidelines she has blossomed into a wonderful shop bird. She is still has a lot of spice, but is a beloved member of the shop now.

Earl Grey is a young Indian Ringneck, like Blueberry. His color is “undesirable” to breeders, but we think he’s perfect. He’s a baby and still learning that humans can be kind.

Goji is a plum-headed parakeet and a total berry fiend. He lives at home with Johanna and comes in with her. He's super playful and chill. He is also still a baby and around the same age as Earl.

Barley is a blue-crowned conure who's loving owner could no longer give him the attention he needs. He loves peekaboo and dancing but isn’t used to hands yet—please talk and dance with him only, no fingers!

Chimichurri is a hahns macaw which is the smallest of the macaws. He came to us from Jenn’s Exotic Pets in the Eastern Hills Mall and amuses everyone with his clownish antics. He has an affinity for stealing money – either from the donation bin or people’s wallets. He also loves zippers, hats, and dogs!

These two are our resident cockatiels and are a bonded pair. Melon came to us via Lollypop Farm after he was rescued from a hoarder house that was in a house fire. He was very scared initially but has blossomed under our care. Lychee is his emotional support bird and has helped him come out of his shell.

Papaya is a pearl cockatiel that came to us after someone found her roaming outside in Rochester. When they couldn’t find her owner her rescuers asked if anyone wanted a bird. Of course we said YES and we gave her a home! Papaya is MVP at the shop and makes everyone feel special. She enjoys head pets and will fly at you if you ignore her.