The best place to start is in the want ads of your local newspaper, or a breeder if you know one. Make sure the bird you purchase is weaned, if you have not had experience it can sometimes be fatal for the baby bird. So many things can go wrong, the crop can become impacted, which will lead to infection, food not getting to the stomach, and ultimately death. You can burn a hole in the crop if the food is too hot, you can aspirate the baby by getting food in his lungs and then infection will set in. If you want to try to wean a baby on your own make sure that the person you are buying from will stand behind the purchase, teach you how to hand feed, and be available to answer any of your questions regarding this process. If the person refuses to do this service for you, go elsewhere to buy your bird, it is better to be safe than sorry and see a little life end.

If you decide to buy an adult bird, whether from a breeder, or a private party be sure to check to make sure that the feathers are shiny and whole, the eyes are clear, the nose has no discharge, that the weight is as it should be, the bird does not just sit there with ruffled feathers and not talk or make noises. If you see any of these signs the bird is ill and should be treated by an avian vet right away. Also you should make sure that when you purchase a bird it is stipulated that the bird should have an exam done within a week of the purchase and most breeders will pay for this initial exam. Whether it is paid for or not you should have this done to avoid any problems with unwanted illness in the future. Birds will hide their illnesses till they can hide them no longer, so be careful to have this initial exam done. However do not expect them to pay for any blood tests or X-rays, that is usually your responsibility.

Wherever you decide to purchase your bird from be it a breeder, a pet store, a private person, be sure to check out the conditions that the bird has lived in before you buy. Is the bird in a big enough cage, is it clean, is the food fresh, is the water clean, and is the bird happy and look healthy. If these signs aren't there you could be buying a problem bird and it will take time and love to make it the pet you want it to be, it is a big commitment on your part to love and guide this bird so you will both be happy. If you buy from a pet store make sure that it is a reputable one, it will stand behind the sale, that they will answer questions, the vet exam is included, and the housing situation at the pet shop is a good one. I have seen some birds that were so crowded into cages they could not move and the housekeeping and food could have been a lot better, I would never purchase a bird from these people it would be too much of a risk unless you have had a lot of experience with birds and know how to train them when they are in your home.

I hope that this has been informative and I have made it very clear that this is not a matter to be taken lightly. These birds have feelings and need to be loved and cared for properly, I cannot impress this upon you too much, it is a time consuming job to take care of these birds, but it is well worth it for the unconditional love and companionship these birds will give in return.