Q: I'm ready to buy a pet bird. What should I look for in a pet store?

A: It's always a good idea to make sure sellers are knowledgeable and ethical. Here's what to consider.

Employees at pet or specialty bird stores should be well-informed about the species they sell and be able to tell you the care, personality and health differences between, say, a yellow-naped Amazon and an African grey.

Store employees should know about proper nutrition, cage size, toys and other paraphernalia that birds need. Run from retailers or breeders who promote an all-seed diet for birds; they're not up on the latest avian nutritional knowledge.

Avoid purchasing from stores where employees proffer medical advice and promote over-the-counter products instead of advising you to take a sick bird to a qualified avian specialist.

Welcome staff who ask you about your personality, your home environment and what you're looking for in a bird so they can help match you with the perfect parrot or other feathered friend. Don't think of their questions as an intrusion, but as their concern for ensuring that you and your bird will suit each other and become best friends.

Look for a store that is clean, bright and odor-free. There's nothing wrong with temporary untidiness — it takes a lot of work to clean up after birds! — but be concerned if you see evidence of long-term unsanitary practices, such as a deep pile of feces beneath perches.

Good stores carry a variety of appropriate cages, playpens, toys, perches, formulated diets, and reference books and magazines. They offer grooming and boarding services in an area separate from birds for sale, reducing the risk of exposure to disease for their own birds and client birds.

Go with the retailer who shows evidence of current knowledge and a willingness to share information.

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.