[Izzy]

Research, research, research. Then let the bird pick you!

Cockatiels are GREAT birds, and highly underrated! I love my little girl, she has all the spunk of a larger parrot in a smaller, quieter, more manageable size! I researched birds for years before I ended up adopting her on a whim (I didn't want a tiel, I wanted something bigger and flashier) and I couldn't be happier!

My Meyers was a bird I've known for 4 years, and when her owners couldn't care for her, I chose to adopt her. She is the perfect bird, for me. Again, smaller and quieter and perfect for my lifestyle (apartment living, lots of changes in coming years since I'm only 21). Poicephalus are great little birds. I originally wanted a senegal after I fell in love with one I used to work with (mean little bugger who totally stole my heart!), but Lily my meyers is everything I could want in a bird. I still love senegals, but I don't know if I'll ever add one to my little flock.

Research a ton, and I can NOT stress how important it is to go out nd interact with adult birds (meet adults because babies act very different than mature parrots). I volunteered with a local rescue and then got a job with a local bird store. I was working with parrots for 3 years before I ever got one, which meant I had handled dozens of each species and seen what the birds acted like once they reached sexual maturity.

Also, be wary getting a 'starter bird'. Instead, choose what you want. With research, you can handle most any bird. I personally don't like starter birds - then you end up with a huge flock, and possibly some birds whom you'd rather not have. I love having only two birds as I can really spend quality time with them. They can both be out at the same time, and they can be a HUGE part of my life - Lily my Meyers goes EVERYWHERE with me (she loves car rides and vacations). With two birds, they can both be in my living room, and I don't have to have them in a seperate bird room.

(Please note - I am NOT knocking people who have huge flocks! Everyone wants something different, and I know that birds can be happy in a variety of situations. I just personally prefer having a smaller flock, and I am glad that when I first got into birds my parents didn't start letting me get anything I wanted, because I originally wanted one of EVERYTHING! For my lifestyle, having a smaller flock works wonderfully and allows me to have the relationship I want with my birds. For others, a large flock is heaven, so whateever works for you is great!)

Good luck!