Which one for time-challenged people?

[Michael]

I think some great advice has been listed here. Let me suggest rather than buying a parrot, just visiting one for now. If you have a parrot rescue, bird store, or just someone with a whole lot of parrots nearby, you may be able to make an arrangement to come and visit them once a while. Some places are paranoid and don't let anyone touch the birds but others appreciate the socialization and are more laid back. If you can do something like that, you can enjoy some parrot time without any time commitment, noise, mess, or hassle. Then when you retire you'll be familiar with parrots and know exactly what you want and what to do. Just don't get overbonded with the ones you visit and get tempted into keeping them right now.

[arnoldus]

You're also good at human psychology Alas, temptation is nowadays something people give in to, without second tought.

I live in Belgium, there is no shelter for avian pets in the hole country AFAIK (only wild animals). The few bird stores there are don't want you anywhere in their shop if you're not going to buy something.

Luckily I've found a friendly and hospitable breeder of pyrrhuras, no doubt that I can hop in once in a while. Also, I have seen a house in the neighborhood with an African grey in the window, in a cage so small I wouldn't even put a couple of finches in them. I'll see if I can ring the bell and have a chat with the owners now and then.