Happy, healthy birds — and everything they need.
Socialized, hand-fed parrots, a dazzling selection of finches and canaries, and the Bay Area’s best wall of toys, food and cages. Plus boarding, grooming and four decades of friendly advice.
Birds & companions
Cockatiels to macaws, finches, canaries, bunnies, guinea pigs and rats.
Meet themFood & supplies
Organic pellets, fresh weekly bulk seed, toys, perches and quality cages.
Browse suppliesBird boarding
Going away? Your bird enjoys flock time with us from just $8 a day.
See ratesGrooming
Wing & nail trims for birds, bunnies and guinea pigs, from $4.
Grooming hoursA hobby that became a Berkeley landmark.
Our fascination with birds began in the late 1970s with finches, lories and hanging parrots. When Claudia & Bob Hunka purchased Your Basic Bird in 1981, the hobby became their business.
More than four decades later the fascination is still there — and we keep learning about birds every day. As Claudia always says, this passion is “in your blood”: once you’ve experienced birds, it’s hard to imagine life without them.
Birds have always been our focus, but we also carry a full line of dog, cat and small-animal supplies — and companions like rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and hamsters.
Visit the shop
Socialized, hand-fed & health-guaranteed.
Toys, treats & healthy diets.
Variety is the spice of life when it comes to your bird’s diet — and its playtime.
- 7+ pelleted & extruded diets, including organic options
- Fresh, clean bulk seed delivered every week
- Foraging toys and a make-your-own-toy bar
- Natural manzanita branches, swings, ropes & play perches
- Wrought iron & stainless steel cages
- Special orders for birds, cats, dogs & small animals
We’re not just for the birds.
For years we’ve partnered with Hopalong Animal Rescue to give rescued cats a place to be adopted — right from our front window.
Every cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated and health-screened. On many Saturdays, Hopalong also hosts mobile adoptions out front from noon to 3pm.
From our customers.
“We bought a bird here and they are kept in great condition — the birds are hand fed since young and very friendly because of this. The staff are also exceptional.”
Sarah Mays · Google review“As a first-time owner traveling from Utah to pick up two baby hand-fed budgies, I was nervous. Claudia took so much time discussing care with me.”
Steve Salazar · Google review“I own 3 cockatiels from here. Claudia is beyond great! Always helpful.”
Patti Starnes · Google reviewAsk us anything.
Bring your child in — we’ll watch how they interact and help you decide.
DNA sexing by appointment for $25.
Foraging toys, DIY toy parts and treats that tempt even fussy eaters.
Any amount — call ahead and we’ll have it ready.
Come say hello to the flock.
Stop by the Elmwood shop seven days a week — meet our birds, ask our staff anything, and stock up on everything your companion needs.