[NotEnoughTime]

My cockatiel lived for 10 years with me and lived quite a while with someone else (a teenager) first. Are you prepare to keep your bird until you are 25-30 years old? Will the bird be able to go off to university with you if you decide to go? Please keep this in mind when you go looking for a bird.

If you make a commitment to the bird that is a "lifetime" commitment - then I would recommend you look at *all* birds that you can afford. Smaller conures, budgrigar, and so on in addition to a cockatiel. Take them out for a finger ride - play with them, get to know their personalities. All birds are different and have different personalities - so choose the bird that suits you the best. This animal will be with you for a very long time if properly cared-for... So you will need to get along together!