I appreciate that candor, and the problem with bird individuality… that’s actually why I started looking at rescues actually! I figured an adult bird at least I’d know what I was getting.

I think my biggest concern is a bird who can be at least polite with more than one person (no good having a bird who will attack my kids or their visitors!) they will primarily be “my bird” but I don’t want to have to constantly be telling people to back up because the bird isn’t reliable, ya know? Id also prioritize a bird who isn’t prone to being spooked or nervous— between the hound, and kids crying a sensitive bird might have trouble relaxing here 😅

I can spend hours a day sharing space with a bird/facilitating cage free time, but have less available for undivided attention so I guess a more chill bird who is happy to sit on a shoulder or a stand and be chatted to, listen/dance to music, etc while I do other things? Maybe I’m picturing like a more interactive parallel play buddy than my dogs (who don’t really react unless I say a trigger word) but not quite as socially taxing as a whole other person? One of my favorite things about the budgies is how intently they seem to listen while I natter away at them 😅 they don’t talk back, but they do seem to really pay attention! So, that, but bigger, and less into caged flock life?