New Parrot Emporium Opens in Elizabethton to Support Bird Owners

A new specialty shop, Parrot Emporium, is set to open in downtown Elizabethton, providing a dedicated resource for local parrot owners. Owned by Haley and Kevin Hill, the store aims to offer safe and high-quality supplies for the growing community of parrot enthusiasts in the area. The soft launch is scheduled for this weekend, introducing an array of products specifically tailored for companion parrots.

The inspiration behind Parrot Emporium stems from the Hills’ personal journey as parrot owners. With a flock of ten parrots, soon to be eleven, they often faced challenges in sourcing appropriate supplies. Long drives and online orders became commonplace, as many big-box retailers offered limited selections and sometimes unsafe products. As Haley Hill noted, “We just wanted to give people a place where they could touch, feel and read about the products before buying them.”

Parrot Emporium will focus exclusively on companion parrots, featuring a variety of toys, food, perches, and foraging items. During the soft opening, the Hills encourage local bird owners to visit and provide feedback, which will help shape the inventory. The couple plans to expand the selection over the coming weeks as new shipments arrive.

Education and responsible ownership are central to the shop’s mission. As Haley emphasized, “Parrots live a long time. They’re expensive, and they require a lot of changes to your home and lifestyle. We want owners to have the tools they need to succeed.” In line with this, future offerings may include training services, nail trims, and even boarding options.

Parrot Emporium has established a partnership with Northeast Tennessee Avian Rescue and Rehabilitation in nearby Johnson City. Customers will have the opportunity to purchase items for donation, which the store will deliver to the rescue organization at no cost. The shop also plans to host adoption events and fundraising activities to further support avian welfare in the community.

While local residents have expressed interest in whether live birds will be sold, Haley Hill clarified that the focus will remain on education and supplies, rather than breeding or retail bird sales. The community response to the shop’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are excited,” she said. “We’ve had folks stop by the windows asking what we’ll carry and telling us what kinds of birds they have. There’s a bigger bird community here than people realize.”

Parrot Emporium will operate on Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:00, be closed on Sundays and Mondays, and will open from 16:30 to 19:30 Tuesday through Friday. Located at 620 E. Elk Avenue in downtown Elizabethton, the shop aims to create a welcoming environment for bird lovers. Haley expressed her vision: “We just want every parrot to have its best life, and we want owners to feel supported.”