What kind of bird do you suggest

Question
We are a family of four; wife, husband, 7 year old and 4 year old. We are considering a bird as a pet. We want one that likes people and likes to be handled. We are gone during the day so at night is when we would give it attention and let it out of it's cage. We saw and love a Caique parrot but it's really spendy unless you know where we can get one inexpensively. We also want it to be the size of a Caique or Quaker....any advice on all this. Thanks so much.  

Answer
Hi, Rhonda.  Thanks for posting!

I do not advise people on the type of bird(s) they should choose.  I don't know enough about your family and lifestyle.  Also, the type of information you are asking for is not species-specific, but depends on the personality of the individual bird.  You might want to contact other experts on this site for this type of information.

I will tell you that you should choose a just-weaned baby parrot that has been handfed since it was no more than about 14 days old if you want a bird that likes people and likes to be handled.  In doing so, you'll also be able to raise this baby the way you want it to be raised.  When you buy someone else's bird that is older, you are buying a bird that has been raised the way that person wanted to raise that bird and often times, you are buying someone else's problem bird (of course, this depends on many factors).  Buy from a reputable parrot breeder versus a pet store or private individual (who has a single bird to sell).  Also, you'll usually pay much less for a parrot when buying from a reputable parrot breeder than you would from a pet store.

Regarding quakers (or monk parakeets as they are also called), these are illegal in some states, some states require them to have pinioned wings, and other states require their wing flight feathers to be clipped at all times.  You should check your state for legal requirements before deciding on a quaker (they are great parrots if tame).  

Chrys