Best bird to be my second?

[Betsy]

I have owned a Parrotlet for 8 years. She is my second bird; I have previously owned a cockatiel. I don't consider her loud at all. The only time she chirps at a noticable level is if she is trying really hard to get my attention, like if she dumped all her food out and needs more unexpectedly. But she also does not talk or whistle or have any other special vocal talents. I feed her a seed mix for small birds, pellets, and bits of anything healthy that I am eating. She is a good eater and will try most foods, but she is so small she can't eat much. I bought her as a hand fed baby, so I did not have to tame her. She has remained sweet to me, even though she had to live with my parents for a couple of years while I finished college. She has a distinct preference for women and is nippy with people she does not know and with men. I don't think it would mean anything to tell you how much she and her supplies cost because it was 8 years ago and I live in the US. A Parrotlet will cost more than a budgie, but everything else (cage, diet, toys, etc.) would be comparable because parrotlets are not bigger than budgies. I spoiled mine with an enormous cage, but you could spend a lot less on a smaller one.

I hope that answers your questions. I like having a Parrotlet. I think you will find that they have a big personality in a small package and can fit in well to most households with bird experience, although I am not sure if that is true of parent-raised birds.