Ally Cat's Mommy,

I grew up with budgies!! They are great pets! I would definitely get him a companion. They love company.

At night, cover the cage so. NEVER put a budgie outside, or in a draft as they chill easily.

I'd go to a reputable pet store and ask them what size cage you'll need.

As far as training them, it takes alot of time and patience, but it is SO worth it!!

To train them to go on your hand, (and it will take time) put your hand in the cage so they get used to it, and speak softly. Try to do it a couple times a day. As the days progress, put your finger out and near his feet. Eventually he'll hop on it once he knows that the hand isn't going to hurt him.

Get a cuddle bone. It's a white thing that helps them keep their beaks trimmed.

If you want him to talk, just sit by his cage and repeat things. Eventually he will get the idea.

When I was a kid, we had a pair of budgies. We'd let them out around the house and they'd actually land on our airedale terriers!! The dogs didn't mind it at all.

Good luck and keep us posted.