The Harvey's Hobbies - John - Certified Avian Specialist Page

It seems that I can't do anything "part way". After we became the caretakers of the first two members of our Avian family, I began to purchase and read as many books as I possibly could. My goal was to be able to give proper care and nurturing guidance to our two cockatiels.

As our Avian family grew, so did my desire to enhance my knowledge base. After many books and magazines, the information provided was becoming somewhat repetitive and still leaving me wanting more information.

I enrolled in a program sponsored by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) located in Washington DC. My goal was to get certified as an Avian Specialist. After receiving the book from PIJAC, I began to read and prepare for the examination. The information provided by PIJAC filled in many of the voids left from my other readings.

On September 28, 2004 I was certified by PIJAC as a Avian Specialist.

I have developed a course called "Coexisting With Our Pet Birds" that is offered at Westmoreland County Community College. The 6 hour program covers Bird Care, Behavior, and Training.

In addition to the class offered, I have been providing consultation services for other Avian Caretakers in need of advice or help with their birds.