WHY INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE IS SO IMPORTANT TO US HERE

Written by Sal Salafia, Certified Avian Specialist Founder of Exotic Pet Birds Inc.

As this company has grown in popularity, it’s clear that the responsibility to care for the people and animals cared for has grown as well.  When we first started with a small boutique-style test store, I launched our first quarantine nursery.  It was state of the art for its time and for the load of birds we were maintaining.  Over the years, our popularity grew, and that’s because we, as a company, were doing the right things for people.  We were caring for their needs and showing genuine concern for our clients, and it was soon very clear that our company would need a bigger space.  After moving and adapting to the new found space the triple in size building was outgrown.  So, we added double the square footage once again and grew our facility to what it is today.  

Recent aviary enhancements

It was clear to me quickly that space was only one of the factors we needed to pay attention to. We needed to pay attention to the vendors we worked with, the breeders we worked with, and the overall technology we used - better brooders, better air handling, better everything that involved the facility. Why? Simple- we are not down south. We can’t open windows to let new air in to replace what’s been used and tainted inside.  So, with our expansion, we installed hospital-grade filtration that takes air from outside and filters what’s inside. We installed UV sterilization in our furnaces, which work through our air handlers. We installed air handlers in separate zones of the building to ensure not all air is filtered in the same zones, which can cross-contaminate.  

In 2025, we made a commitment to a $50,000 enhancement of the facility, which included misting systems, new enclosures, new enhancements to aviaries, new interactive play zones for clients and birds, and so much more that the public doesn’t see. In speaking with people who own small businesses, I’m always asked.  Why are you “over-investing” in this business? What you have is working. I love to respond because what’s good today is obsolete tomorrow once I’ve reinvented and reinvested. 

One of our interactive play zones that was recently constructed

We know that our growth and reinvestment have made it clear to so many that there is no other bird store in Rochester, NY, that holds this standard and level of reinvesting and reinvention in Aviculture. What was acceptable practice years back is simply not acceptable here. We want to teach our clients every day - we don’t charge them to learn. We want to give them that resource as a free part of being a member of this community. I have been mentored by some truly amazing Aviculturists around the country. Frankly thinking deeper, I’ve been mentored by some amazing Aviculturists around the world. I have learned the old school processes of Aviculture, and I have studied the new and alongside of my leadership team I truly believe we do it best.  Why? Because we include a little of the old with a little of the new.  We have raised thousands of birds here. We’ve worked alongside veterinarians for care processes and are so proud of where we are today.  

Chameleon wall recently built in our 2nd floor reptile department

So, let’s answer my first question: why is investing in infrastructure so important to us here at EPBI? Because we are going to be better tomorrow than we were today, and that’s just one way we are going to achieve that level of greatness.  

I thank you for being a part of the journey. Keep in mind this investment back into this facility is only possible because you shop here regularly and allow us to give you great products. 

That commitment to us allows us to raise the bar and improve your experience.