Nikki Arkinstall – Proprietor

Nicole Arkinstall (or Nikki) has been veterinary nursing for over a decade in a combination of not-for-profit animal shelters and avian specialist practices. Nikki started Bird Boarding in 2004 primarily because of her interest in animal welfare. While gaining her extensive experience, she has witnessed birds becoming stressed, ill and even dying as a result of inappropriate care given in the absence of their usual caregivers.

In addition to managing Bird Boarding, Nikki currently conducts bird care programme appointments from West Brunswick Veterinary Clinic and manages Cat Boarding Melbourne, our off-site sister business. Her special interests within the industry lie in the broad area of husbandry; more specifically captive nutrition and pro-active health care. Nikki has a growing collection of aviary and companion parrots including BeBe and Dolly, the rarely seen in captivity Blue Bonnet Parrots – our shop front residents.


Hugh Gardner – Behaviour Consultant and Communications

Hugh Gardner joined the Bird Boarding team in December 2009. Hugh lives with three birds of his own; an Eclectus Parrot named Molly, a Quaker Parrot named Lulu and an African Lovebird named Pippen. Hugh is particularly interested in the further development of Applied Behaviour Analysis and its dissemination in the avian community. As a result of this, Hugh is committed to the task of educating bird caregivers about humane behaviour modification and its role in the successful integration of companion parrots in the home.

With a background in business development, neuroscience, engineering and strategic planning, Hugh is well placed to take on some of the challenges arising from a growing business. Although most of Hugh's work will be based around client communications and behaviour consultations, you may see him enjoying the company of the many parrots that come through Bird Boarding during his down time.

Vicki Ballard – Manager

If you have ever called Bird Boarding, you may have already spoken with Vicki and possibly confused her with Nikki. We can assure you that Vicki is her own person. She has a great love for all animals, but particularly enjoys being in the company of companion parrots.

Vicki is one of our longest serving staff members and began volunteering at Bird Boarding in 2007, whilst completing a degree in zoology at The University of Melbourne. She has since increased her involvement, becoming a permanent attendant and then manager. Vicki's favourite aspects of her full time position include; chatting with customers about the joys of caring for a bird and observing birds in boarding as they enjoy their time away from the cage. Vicki believes that Bird Boarding is all about the birds; health, safety, fun and cuddles!

Renée Lewis – Volunteer Coordinator and Communications

Renée joined the Bird Boarding team in March 2010 to gain knowledge of birds, their needs and how best to care for them in captivity. Renée saw Bird Boarding as an opportunity to follow her dream of working with animals and has settled in as a permanent attendant and Volunteer Coordinator.

Renée lives with two handsome budgies and has adopted a blue Quaker Parrot named Georgie. All three birds have benefited from Renée's experiences at Bird Boarding - they've never been happier!

Spending time with the boarders and learning new skills from Nikki and the Bird Boarding team has reinforced Renée's love of birds and has helped in the realisation that she hopes to become a Ranger and work to help conserve the habitats of Australia's wonderful and varied native birds.

You can normally catch Renée talking with clients in the shop or running around the kitchen preparing and distributing the famous Bird Boarding fruit skewers. Renée especially enjoys watching the boarders devour them with great delight!

Meriem Perona – Resident

Meriem is our resident academic, having completed a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She obviously enjoys the student lifestyle and has returned to university with the aim of becoming a Paramedic. Meriem met Nikki via her bird care programme at West Brunswick Veterinary Clinic shortly after obtaining her then 16 year old Blue & Gold Macaw, Annie, in 2007. She now lives on the Bird Boarding premises with Nikki to provide added security and care for all of the birds.

Meriem is an animal lover with a strong interest in South American parrots. You might see Meriem around Bird Boarding and if you do, feel free to stop her for a chat. Her motto is; ‘think and behave like a parrot', so don't be alarmed when you see her clowning around with the boarders or singing along to their happy chirping.