You have arrived at your local pet store or bird breeder's home. There are one or more cages full of young cockatiels in front of you. How do you choose the one best for you? Study the birds to note their social behavior and their physical appearance. Here are some recommended steps for selecting your bird:

• Spend some time quietly sitting by the cage. Does a particular bird seem more curious about you and show it by coming to your side of the cage?
• If you eventually want a bird that talks, listen to see which one is the loudest. It will be most likely to learn to mimic human speech.
• Once you have selected a potential pet bird to take home, ask the bird room clerk to get it out of the cage so you can check it over and see how it relates to you. Does it seem fearful of you or is it willing to sit on your finger and study you while you study it?
• Study the bird carefully: Are its feathers smooth (indicating the bird is preening itself properly). Does it show any discharge near its nasal passages? Check the vent area. Are any droppings stuck to the bird? Look at the crest. Is it upright indicating the bird is extremely alert about this new situation? How does the bird's appearance compare to others in the store?

Steps to take before taking your bird home

I assume you already have a cage set up and waiting at home. If not, leave the bird at the store until you are ready for its arrival.

• Ask what food the bird accustomed to and purchase the same kind to use during the bird's adjustment time to its new home. You can introduce new foods later.
• Ask about a guarantee on the bird's health. I find that most pet stores in my area refuse to guarantee the bird health on the basis that they can't control the environment the bird is taken to. Most will replace a bird if a veterinarian certifies that a disease was not apparent at the time of the purchase because of the length of the incubation time for the particular disease. Always ask about this so you understand what happens if the bird dies shortly after purchase.
• Pay for the bird and any toys and supplies you need at this time. Then ask the bird room clerk to groom the bird. Have its wings clipped to limit its flying ability. This will make teaching the initial step up command to have the bird climb on your hand or finger easier. It's much easier to catch a bird that can't fly than one with full flying ability. Also have its toe nails clipped if necessary. Watch the procedure carefully. Some pet owners learn to do these themselves. Others take the bird to a veterinarian for wing clipping and toe nail trims.

The store should put the bird in a box with air holes (store) or a carrier that you have already purchased. If it is winter, have your vehicle warmed up before taking the bird out to limit its exposure to cold temperatures. In the summer, you may need to cool the car down. Neither extreme is healthy for your new pet.

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