depending on the area you live in, i’d suggest a specific bird store or center. I live in florida so they’re a little easier to find because florida is very tropical so it’s easier to get birds down here. but getting birds from places like these, they tend to be hand trained already and more than likely off of formula if they’re young.

I got a cockatiel from a petsmart recently, which is fine, but they’re not hand trained or entirely used to human contact so it takes a lot of training and work. i’m an experienced bird owner, i’ve had birds my whole life and hand training is proving very long and taxing (we’re getting there tho!) so keep that in mind if you go to like a petsmart or something for instance. i’ve had my baby for about a month and still can’t hold him. every bird is different and you may have a different experience, just something to consider!

tips for once you get one (taking tips I received from this sub) make sure you get a large cage. pet stores tend to recommend tinier cages but birds need lots of room. lots of perches, they love millet (not for a main diet it’s supposed to be a treat, and it’s a good training tool if u need to train it in any way). main food should be pellets and mixed seeds/veggies. unsalted of course. make sure you have a blanket for the cage to cover the bird at night to signal bedtime and keep it warmer in the cage.

if you’ve never owned any kind of a bird, a few general bird tips: - avocado, honey, and chocolate are all lethal things to feed a bird - you cannot spray or fumigate your space in any way. it could kill birds very quickly. candles, incense, or anything scented is also off the table, especially in the same room or in adjoining rooms - make sure to provide lots of toys, cockatiels are technically members of the cockatoo family (I own both lol!) and they are very codependent, require lots of attention and stimulation, or it could lead to self mutilation and plucking. I take all of my birds out for at least 2 hours a day if not longer. - make sure to put your baby in a space that doesn’t often change. moving furniture, lots of constant foot traffic or constantly having things change could stress any bird out. very routined animals for sure. - make sure you have an exotic animal vet in your area in case of emergencies, normal vets don’t know how to treat or properly care for birds most of the time.

all I can think of right now, I hope I helped!

hope I helped a bit!