Researching....

[tjk]

Hi - I just joined the group, looking forward to meeting folks. My bird experience has been canaries and finches, currently I have a Green Singing Finch. I've been thinking about a new bird so have been trying to do some research on various parrots.

My brother in law has a Caique and a Macaw and a close friend as a Congo African Grey. I've been looking around the internet and looking at some books. From what I've read and from the birds I've met, I'm intrigued by the African Grey; but as I said, I'm still researching.

So I have 2 questions - does anyone have any good books they would recommend? Something everyone should read before they get a parrot?

And second, I live in Northern Delaware/Philadelphia area - and was wondering if anyone knew of a rescue organization that might need a volunteer? I'm trying to figure out ways to interact with these birds to help decide if I'm right for a parrot and a parrot is right for me. I know getting experience is probably the best way to decide - again, before I get a bird - but don't know of many opportunities to get this experience. I thought a rescue might be the best bet. I did some searching on the internet but didn't see any within say, a 2 hr. radius. Any input on this - or suggestions of how to decide if this is the right pet, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.