[gomoses]

I haven't been owned by a bird in many years, but now that the kids are older I'd like to get back into it. I've narrowed it down, I think to these two birds (Goffin Cockatoo or a Blue Crown Conure). So I'd love some help deciding, or at least gathering information that might help me decide.

For me, I want a "buddy" to hang out with, climb around when I am on the computer or watching TV. I mostly want a companion. I like the personality of the conure, but have always wanted some kind of a cockatoo - so maybe I am looking for an excuse. I found a 4 month old conure a couple of hours away from here - cage included, $400 - pretty good bargain. I found a 6 month old Goffin female several hours away, but drivable. She's was offered for $600 with a cage, but now the cage is not included so not sure of final price. One is being given up for a child's allergies, another due to moving. I figure they are both young enough to not have any insurmountable issues.

I would love to have a bird that the kids would be okay with, but I don't know how they'll be about the occasional bite - if they are too timid with the bird, that's okay - I won't force it. But it would be a benefit to either bird to have more people who can interact with him. Also, we have two dogs, one an exuberant boxer who will probably be okay, but both dogs are noisy and run around the house a lot. Our schedules are another concern. I only work three days a week - but leave at 10am and don't return until midnight on those days. My wife leaves at 9am and is home by 4 on days I work, by 6 on days I don't. Another concern - there are only a few spots to keep the birds out of drafts - we live in New England and it's quite cold. Also, my wife likes to keep the heat on 60 - I think rather too cold. She's agreed to compromise, but does anyone know what an acceptable thermostat setting is? The lower the better!

Thanks for any advice,
Moses