When I first became enamored with parrots as a youngster, it was because I imagined having my very own feathered confidant happily perched on my shoulder, nuzzling my neck and gently talking in my ear. When I finally saved up enough allowance and whatever spare change I could scrounge up, I made sure my big brother followed through on his promise to accompany me to the pet store so I could pick out my bird. I couldn’t have been more excited to bring home Elvis, my cockatiel.
**For the full article, pick up the February 2010 issue of BIRD TALK**
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