Updated 06/29/03
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If you are looking for a good printed book to read before you jump into buying a cockatiel or budgie, try the book called The Essential Cockatiel, or for budgies, The Essential Parakeet. These books are VERY detailed, easy to read, and covers just about anything you'd need to know about cockatiel or budgie care.
Let me start out by saying that I am by no means an expert on budgie and cockatiel care. I have no degree in any sort of vet or avian field. What I've learned I've learned through my own mistakes(i.e. the hard way:)), or have learned by reading books, frequenting messageboards, internet searches, talking with other owners, and talking with breeders. While this site does have a LOT of great information, I'm sure it doesn't cover 100% of what you need to know, so when you're done here I encourage you to visit the links on my links page, and check out other sites in the webrings I'm in.
If you are looking for a site that emphasizes only the positives of owning a parrot, you're not going to find it here. While there are many positives to owning a parrot, they will be FAR outweighed by the quirks, potential negatives, and potential costs for the vast majority of people. Sites that do nothing but gush about what perfect pets parrots are, in my opinion, do a great disservice and put the parrot's life and happiness at risk. Parrots make wonderful pets, but they are NOT for everyone.
For the most part, the information here can be applied to budgies AND cockatiels, but if something applies to only one type of bird, I'll mention it.
If you can think of anything I've forgotten to include, or if I've included some information that's not entirely correct, please let me know.
I suggest you begin at the top most link in the menu (Is a bird right for me?) and work your way down the list.