>>>> Is there a good breed of "starter" parrot?
Not really. Even parakeets can live 10-15 years, with the small-medium parrots living 15-30 years and some medium-large ones living 60+ years ... possibly 100 years. Parrots "mate" for life, so you shouldn't get one unless you are serious about keeping one forever...it's hugely disruptive to them to change households. They are awesome pets, but a huge commitment, and not a pet to take on lightly. Karen Thomas, NC
