Parrot Planet Moves to Citrus Heights

Story and photos by Andrew Rose

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - If you tell Dana Strome that her business is for the birds, she won’t be offended.  On the contrary, she will say you’re right on mark.  Strome is the owner of Parrot Planet, which recently relocated to Citrus Heights.  Strome, along with General Manager Sara Walter, cater to their feathered friends and owners.   They welcome all to their new location on 5910 Auburn Lane.

Strome is a healer by nature.  The Sacramento resident shuttles between her job as an urgent care physician’s assistant in Manteca and her shop, which focuses on all things parrot.  Strome’s passion for this particular type of bird started when her husband brought her a conure parrot, and from there she claims, “I lost my mind.  I became a birdaholic.”  Strome’s conure was her constant companion, even accompanying her to her medical training courses.

Strome was a San Francisco resident at the time and admits developing the reputation as “the crazy bird lady of Folsom Street.”  But unlike the Birdman of Alcatraz, who kept his aviary companions in his cell, Strome took her birds out to the people.  Bird lovers subsequently flocked to Strome, and five years ago she opened her store in East Sacramento. 

Parrot Planet had a good location and built a solid following.  However, the gentrification in the downtown area became a problem.  “Noise harmed the birds,” explained Strome.  Her new location, off of Greenback Lane, is a peaceful place for her parrots.  Many of Strome’s devoted customers, admitted bird fanatics, turned out for her grand re-opening on July 21. 

Dropping by is a typical practice for customers.  Rather than mere patrons, devotees of Parrot Planet are more like an extended family.  These are Parrotheads in the literal sense, not Jimmy Buffett fans.  While the store is their go-to place for food and accessories for their parrots, her regular crowd will drop by and soak up the positive energy that flows between birds and human beings.  During their visits, bird lovers are encouraged to bring their own parrots, and enjoy interactions with these highly sociable creatures.  “When you become a bird person, you become part of a clandestine society,” Strome proclaims. 

Strome is pleased with her steady business and excitedly looks toward the future.  She plans to hold more classes on bird care.  “Education is paramount to being a successful bird owner,” Strome explains.  Strome reminds her customers that her bird business is indeed a full-service one.  Parrot owners can bring their precious aviary friends in for grooming, boarding, one-on-one training, and even behavior management.  Strome also adds, “We would definitely like to open another location.”     

Dana Strome and Sara Walter graciously extend an invitation to everyone to visit their store.  There is indeed something for all to experience when they visit Parrot Planet, from the experienced bird aficionado to the curious browser. 

Parrot Planet is located on 5910 Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights.  The store is open Tuesday-Friday 11-6, Saturday-Sunday 11-5, and closed on Monday.  For more information, call 916-594-9290 or email General Manager Sara Walter: [email protected]