Buying a Healthy Cockatiel

I'd like to add the following question to the one above about new cockatiel recommendations. Where is the best place to buy a cockatiel and how can I verify that I have a healthy, happy bird? Furthermore, what age should the bird be to make the transition into a new home?

Thank you.
Henny K.

Henny,

Last question first. The younger the better. Once a bird has become set in it's ways and enviroment, it can be more stressful when that enviroment changes abruptly.

We recommend buying a cockatiel from a reputable cockatiel breeder that bands the baby birds - a closed traceable band, such as those provided by the North American Cockatiel Society and others.

A healthy cockatiel has bright clean eyes, a clean vent, a well rounded breast, and is in good feather condition, unless molting. The healthy cockatiel doesn't squat, have fluffed feathers and isn't lethargic.

It is also advisable to ask for references. If the potential seller can't provide references, keep looking.