Barbara2.....when I was in graduate school a million years ago, it was my first time living alone. I wasn't allowed cats or dogs. I debated between parakeets and rats (don't judge. Rats are intelligent and social animals).
I got a budgie, then another. I loved them. I'll always miss them. That was 25 years ago. Now I'm another bird momma of Linnies. But I still miss my budgies!!!
We can learn a bunch here!