Get a hand-fed bird. You'll never find a more loving companion. My birds were not hand-fed, but they were 3 months old when I got them, and it took just one week for them to turn into the sweetest cuddly birdies on the planet.

Birds do require a lot of attention though. They require attention, and a lot of time out of the cage, as they are very social animals. If they don't get enough of that, they become upset/bored, and can become nippy. Personally, I like birds the best, of all small animals, because of their great intelligence, talking/singing abilities, playfulness, long lifespans, because they are beautiful, and extremely funny and entertaining.........and for so many other reasons. If you get a young bird, trust me..........it wouldn't be the same as an older *non-tame* one. I've had experience with both tame birds and non-tame ones, and they are just uncomparable.

Good luck on your quest to find the perfect new pet, whatever it may be!