1. Decide on the species at an early stage based on sound knowledge of the Parrot's noise factor, size, ability to mimic, colour etc.
   
2. Do visit both breeder and Pet shop.
3. Do spend time with your intended purchase to assess compatibility with you and the family.
4. Do ask for a guarantee of the parrot's age. Black eyes are a sure sign of a baby.
5. Do ask how the parrot has been raised, i.e. spoon fed or syringe. Spoon fed babies are the best.
6. Do ask what he is eating and stick to this for the first few weeks, then become more adventurous.

Don'ts

1. Don't pick a species on impulse - try and stick to your original plan.
2. Don't be afraid to ask a list of prepared questions about your prospective purchase, e.g. how old is he, who was the breeder, how long has he been in the Pet shop care, what food does he like?
3. Don't be fobbed off by a sales pitch "He'll be alright when you get him home for a few days and he'll settle down".
4. Don't purchase a Macaw or a Cockatoo if you live in an apartment, the voice is too loud.
5. Don't buy an older bird unless you are prepared to accept he may have some bad habits.
6. Don't buy a parrot that has signs of illness, fluffed up feathers, faeces on the tail, lack of alertness and instability in movement. Parrots are good at covering up their problems.

THE TEXT ABOVE IS FROM "YOU PET PARROT" A PARROTCARE PUBLICATION FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE