Bred to be stars

By Nathan Johnston
A SPRINGVALE South pet shop is producing more movie stars and television actors than many drama schools.
The Australian Bird Co and Breeding Farm has landed numerous film and television roles for its birds and reptiles.
Most recently, a bearded dragon lizard worked with Hollywood star Nicholas Cage in Ghost Train, a film being shot in Melbourne.
Major companies such as Kodak have also used Australian Bird Co and Breeding Farm’s birds and animals to promote their product on TV.
Owner Andrew Young said his business is one of only two in Victoria to be fully accredited with the Pet Industry Association of Australia.
In fact, he’s the director of the association’s retail arm.
Mr Young helped set up the Springvale South shop in 1984 when he was just 13, and the place was little more than a shed full of budgies.
He bought the business nine years later and has been steadily expanding it since.
“We now have a full range of birds, fish and reptiles, as well as cats, dogs and native animals,” he said.
The business needs three more fulltime employees to work with the animals.
“All you need is a passion for animals. We provide traineeships through fully accredited courses.”
Store manager Caline Schroder has worked there for nine months and said it was an exciting industry to be involved in.
“It’s not always glamorous, but it’s constantly changing, and there’s always new things to learn.
“We just need more staff, full time and part time, to help maintain it because there’s a lot of work involved.”
The traineeships are run through Box Hill TAFE, and combine animal care with retail skills.
Her work extends beyond the shop, with regular seminars and shows for groups and parties.
“We do have a lot of animals that are used in film work, and there is a demand for seminars and shows.”