I want to get a bird?

If you want a quiet bird get a cockatiel. They are much quieter than parakeets, are friendly, and tame easily.

Cockatiels (and cockatoos) produce a dry powder that lubricates their feathers--some people can be sensitive to this. If people in the household have allergies, this would be something to consider.

Either bird would be an ideal first bird. Caring for them is pretty easy. You could probably get a parakeet, good quality cage and all the supplies you need for $80 or so. A cockatiel would be more expensive--I don't know what the going prices are for them nowadays.

Regardless of which bird you get, pick out a good place in your home for it to live. Its cage should not be off in a room where it is by itself all the time. We keep our birds in the center of the house, where they can see into 4 different rooms, and hear the radio or television, and watch whatever is going on around them. Be sure to have a high place available where you can hang the cage, preferably above head height. Birds like to look down on their surroundings.

Good luck!

There are so many types! Birds range from $25 to thousands of dollars. Initial costs for small cockatiel or love bird around 150. Birds are messy but worth it if you have the time. Check bird magazines, websites and check a bird store. Most areas have one. Go in and ask a lot of questions. Anyone working there can be a treasure trove of information. They are definitely a pet you want to research well before getting one

Read this first; http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/starter-birds/