Do you know anyone in the Folsom area that has little ones and if not any suggestions where to look? I think the pet store isn't a great idea I got my amazon from a private person and he was great he was 5 months old and hand fed when I got him so that was easy transition
I bought mine at the western feed store. The lady that runs the place knew the breeder (though I doubt it was a "serious breeder" and knew enough that the birds were each handled every day and hand fed their baby formula mix. SweetBaby was given a great deal of tender care and it really shows. The cockatiels I see at the Petsmart over in Folsom just aren't handled by the breeders for very much and certainly not at all--in the store. I really don't know of any breeders in the local area--maybe you should try craigslist. Just make sure the bird will allow you to handle him. I also had both my kids handle the bird for about 20 minutes before I finally agreed to buy him. You can test a young bird to see if there have been any traumas by gently touching the tip of its' tail, the feather between the shoulders, the beak, the top of the head, and the toes. The birds reactions can tell you if there has ever been any serious issues or at least tell you the personality of the bird.
Only really serious breeders will put a band on their birds legs--so you generally get what you pay for ---when buying a good deal. One of my neighbors says she has spent thousands on vet bills for her cockatiel. But she rescued the bird from a flooded drain pipe over 7 years ago.
And cockatiels are expected to have a lifespan of nearly 20 years--the committment is serious.
Other than that--I guess you learn through experience.