Lovebirds are beautiful birds (I had a pair a couple of years back)...but keep in mind that they are a LOT noisier and messier than cockatiels or parakeets. My Dad had finally gotten sick of the constant noise, and made the executive decision that they had to go. If you get two lovebirds, it is nearly impossible to tame them. However, if you get a single, they will bond to YOU the way they would bond to another lovebird. Also, if you get them as a single, be prepared to give him the attention that they are going to crave/deserve. They DO NOT do well as a single and left alone for large amounts of time.

As far as cockatiels go, they are much easier to tame kept in pairs than lovebirds. But again, if you don't spend time with them, then they will prefer to bond to each other, and not so much to you. But if you get hand-fed babies, and keep up with the socialization you should be just fine.

Hope this helps a little, and Best of luck to you in your search for feather-friends!!!