Birds are wonderful pets, indeed. The smaller ones have beautiful calls in the morning and their soft warbles fill the evening air. Besides their attractive appearances and beautiful calls, they're fun and energetic to play with. The large parrot types often bond strongly to one person, and this bond often lasts a lifetime in the wild. In captivity, this is a VERY strong bond with the bird's owner and I know plenty of birds who are actually territorial of their owners. With proper socialization, you can turn that fluffy year old macaw into a gregarious and well behaved parrot with the proper manners most parents *dream* of. I digress. LOL.

As for species suggestions, I highly recommend starting with a cockatiel, lovebird, parrotlet, or budgie. Even so, I feel the parrotlet might be a tad too much for a newbie owner. However, you sound VERY knowledgable and if you need help, you can just ask PT, so a parrotlet is still in the question. Generally, I'd go with a 'tiel or budgie. Handfed lovies make greyt first time birds, but the few I've known have a slight tendency towards aggression. Budgies are greyt all around birds. They're greyt beginner birds and are unbelievably easy to tame (even the parent raised ones). They don't fret if you don't interact with them every day, and can go for a week without interaction but plenty of toys, if need be. The same cannot be said for a larger parrot. I feel the Aratinga conure species are much too loud and their cries too high pitched for my taste. Though I adore Jendays....they're not for me. GCs, however, don't seem to have as loud calls and I would recommend it as 'the second time around' bird. They're the type of bird you get after you've owned a cockatiel or something. If you want an "albino" cockatiel, go to a private breeder. Albinos are actually a white-faced/lutino mix, and I know plenty of breeders who use this combo. Pet stores should be avoided if possible.

I agree with the diet. Seeds are a vital part of a seed eating bird's diet. However, the bird's diet should not be composed of more than 50-70% seeds. I like to keep at a 1/4 pellets, 1/4 seed, 1/8 fruits and veggies (depending on the species, I'll give or take a little more), and 1/8 eggfood/supplements/birdie bread/extras. During breeding season, I'll decrease pellet consumption and up the "extras". If you plan to keep a pet, I wouldn't worry about this. Some good pellets brands include: Lafeber (used the Nutriberries on occassion), Roudybush (used it), Zupreem (used it), Harrisons, Pretty Bird, etc. etc. I use species appropriate KayTee Forti-Diet seed mix. As for toys... bells and mirrors are favorites over here. Other than that, I just buy whatever looks "fun" in the pet store and bring it back home. LOL. I also have an endless stack of empty paper towel rolls that I string with sisal cord or hemp. Hope this helps!

Edit: Grammar- agh!