My brother-in-law gave us a young parakeet and a cage last year.  He raises parakeets and cocktiels, but he doesn't train them.  We had parakeets when growing up, so I knew a little about them.  But I've learned a lot since then, and would recommend parakeets as pets.  However, I would recommend reading about them first so that you can care for them properly. — Our little "Peeper" is quite a songster, although he doesn't talk.  He does respond to us when we whistle, though.  He always climbs on our hands and likes to nibble on my hair. … read full review »