My husband and I are considering getting pet birds. We're not sure yet. We don't know much about them at all, and we were hoping somebody could inform us.

We would like two or more sweet, pretty birds who sing. Maybe canaries? Finches?

We'd like birds who are fairly independent (ie as independent as a cat, not needy like a dog!). We have 2 cats and 2 dogs, so we don't really have the time to dedicate hours daily to socializing with the birds.

Don't worry - we could place the cage well out of the reach of cats.

So here are my questions:
- Do birds usually require a lot of veterinary care?
- Are they extremely sensitive to drafts? Our house is warm, but it does have some drafts.
- Exactly how sensitive to aromas are they? I've heard they're very sensitive. Does that mean they will get sick when my daughter comes downstairs wearing loads of Bath & Body Works perfume? What about burning lavender, etc.
- How long can birds be left alone? If we were to go on vacation would we have to get a bird sitter, or could somebody come and take care of them every other day or so?

I was considering hanging a large cage in front of the windows where we have our outdoor bird feederse.

Do you have any suggestions? What kind of bird would be good?