About Us
We’re a small, family-owned aviary located in the heart of mid–Vancouver Island in the Pacific Rim. Our specialties are Peach-Faced and Masked Lovebirds, but we also breed Cockatiels and Indian Ringnecks.
Peachy Keen Aviary was formerly known as Harewood Aviary, founded in South Nanaimo in 1992. Under Harewood Aviary, we bred everything from Zebra finches all the way up to Goffin’s Cockatoos. We’ve since relocated to the beautiful Port Alberni area, about an hour north of Nanaimo, BC.
Our Family & Our Passion
Missy grew up from age two surrounded by birds and was hand-feeding finch and canary chicks by the time she was six years old. Over the years, she has bred, hand-fed, tamed, and shown many of the species her mother, Trish, kept.
With a background in biology and a special interest in ornithology and avian genetics, Missy continues to study and expand her knowledge today. She is also an active member of the Western Canada Budgerigar Association, the Vancouver Island Cage Bird Society, the Avicultural Advancement Council of Canada, and Agapornis Breeders & Exhibitors International, where she serves as the Canadian Representative and is also an Apprentice Judge.
While Missy focuses on breeding and genetics, Trish brings over 30 years of experience in breeding, rearing, and caring for exotic bird species – from finches and canaries to parrots and cockatoos. She has served on the boards of several island bird clubs and now enjoys being the advisor at the aviary – and spending most of her time with her only grandchild – while Missy and Richard maintain the aviary.
Richard, Missy’s husband and the third member of our team, is a natural with birds and spends his days helping care for the aviary and socializing chicks – including his own beloved pet bird, Turtle. He’s also Missy’s biggest cheerleader and travel companion at bird shows. Richard is a critical member of our team, especially behind the scenes, and we don’t know what we’d do without him.
Our Birds
Our babies are friendly, healthy, and handled daily by multiple family members. We operate a bio-secure aviary, which means no visitors are permitted near the birds — this protects both our flock and our family from outside illness, including avian influenza and COVID-19.
Our birds aren’t just breeding stock; they’re part of our family and are truly loved. If you’re interested in our upcoming clutches or available lovebird babies, please reach out via Facebook or email — we’d love to chat.
Our Inspiration
Our start in aviculture was encouraged by Mr. Aldo Crucil (October 8, 1927 – April 1, 2001), an avian show judge from Udine, Italy, best known for his champion English Budgerigars. Aldo shared his knowledge generously with Trish, and one time he even tried to sneak a prize Gouldian finch into little Missy’s coat pocket because she thought it was “so pretty.”
He bred countless bird species, including his beloved Indian Ringnecks, which we were fortunate to continue for a time. Aldo and his wife, Bev, were like a second set of grandparents to Missy. His humor, wisdom, and passion for birds continue to inspire everything we do.
Peachy Keen Aviary 