[Monica]

Welcome to BB! I too would love to see pics!

As for the issue of too many animals here in the states... I think it has mainly due to the fact that a lot of Americans just are not very considerate of animals and think of them less than a family member... I say this because I've seen a lot of animals, not just birds, being cared for less than adequate, and the owners just don't really care to take better care of their animals, even if given advise on how to.... and then they wonder why they have issues with their pets, and then get rid of them. Also, we have less rules on pet keeping than some countries, such as those found in Australia and Sweden. Of course, I've heard some of the Asian countries have worse pet keeping techniques than those here in America... but of course this isn't to open up a debate!

As for a cockatoo vs a sun... can't really advise you on that! Many will say that having a large bird in the house with small kids is a BAD idea, but I know many that have made it work out just fine. Many will say that the dust is not good for young kids, mostly infants and toddlers, but your kids are a bit older than that. Cockatoos ARE loud, and so are suns... the question is though, can you handle a suns squawks? I know some who can easily put up with screaming macaws, cockatoos, amazons, etc... but when it comes to conures, earplugs wont even help them...

I LOVE conures, and think they are an absolute joy! But I couldn't say to NOT get a cockatoo either!