Where to Get a Cockatiel

When purchasing your new cockatiel, be certain that you’re getting a healthy individual from a reputable source. Also, select your bird based on what you want from a pet: whether you’re looking for a friendly, interactive companion or a beautiful bird to admire from afar.

The way a bird is raised—whether by his parents or by humans—has a significant impact on how he behaves around people. If you want to keep a cockatiel as an aviary bird to observe rather than interact with, consider buying a parent-raised bird—a bird whose parents raised him and who is not yet adjusted to being around humans.

If your goal is to have a playful, affectionate pet, a hand-fed bird is a better purchase. Hand-fed birds are removed from their nests at very young ages, after which humans, rather than their parents, care for and feed them. This allows the young birds to become accustomed to being around people and to being handled by them. Hand-fed birds are more trusting of people and are more likely to develop a cuddly personality.

There are three main ways to get a cockatiel:

Cockatiel breeders dedicate themselves to and are knowledgeable about the care and training of these birds. A reputable cockatiel breeder is likely to help mentor you through the trials of cockatiel ownership. When buying from a breeder, you should get the impression that the person cares about the lives of her birds and that she’ll be able to answer any questions you might have about raising your new cockatiel.

You can locate breeders on the internet, in bird magazines, or in the telephone book. However, it’s often best to get a personal recommendation from friends or a vet.

You can acquire your cockatiel from a general pet store or from one that is devoted specifically to birds and bird supplies. In either case, the store you visit should give you a good impression and make you feel comfortable about choosing your pet from that location. The staff should be knowledgeable and the animals well cared for. Their cages should be clean, with plenty of fresh food and water. Most bird-specific shops and some general shops will provide you with a health guarantee for your new cockatiel, which you should always ask for in writing.

Many animal shelters and bird rescue organizations regularly have cockatiels up for adoption. In many cases, companion birds live in a home for only 2–3 years before their owners give them up. Consider putting yourself on a list at your local shelter in case a cockatiel becomes available.