So you want to buy your first cockatiel and you want to be sure of his health and quality. Here are the basic guidelines that you will need.
1. Feathers. The feathers should be smooth and with some sheen on them, avoid overly fluffed-up birds which indicates that it is trying to increase its body temperature due to probable illness. The plumage complete with tail feathers arranged accordingly. Missing feathers may be a sign of molting, this stage is most stressful to any bird and major disturbances like transportation may weaken their immune system further.
2. Vent. Always check the vent, the feathers on it shouldn't be soiled or dirty, it is a common indication that the bird is sitting on the floor too often. And a soiled vent maybe an indication of some diarrhea or other digestive problems.
3. Stance. A healthy cockatiel will have a straight angular proud posture, avoid those with drooping heads.
4. Exposed skins. Includes the feet, some skin between the beak and the head. check and avoid scaling, boils, lumpy skin. This maybe an indication of fungi, mites and other probable infections. The skin should be clear and pinkish.
5. Behavior. A healthy cockatiel is inquisitive, the male would sing when in good condition. Though the cockatiel would rather sit and stare, it is agile when in motion. You may also like a more domesticated bird, if allowed to try to hand over a sunflower seed and see if it is not hesitant in picking it.
6. Body balance. Compare one side from the other, like humans, the better the similarities of the left and right side, the better. The cockatiel should walk with ease, obese and sick birds would lumber like a penguin.
7. Age. Inquire about the age of your cockatiel, it is ideal to purchase a bird not less than three months old. They are capable of breeding at the age of six(6) months but it is recommended to mate them at one(1) year of age. Cockatiels have a life span of 15-20 years.
8. Cage mates, Neighbors. Very important. Observe all the birds in the same cage. You might be purchasing a visually beautiful bird but he may show symptoms of illness days later due to contagious diseases acquired from (probably) new and sick cage mates. Most diseases are air born so check the whole store or aviary.
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