I couldn't help it, I just had to comment on this important subject as its still very common for poeple to make this mistake and have their pets suffer the fallout. Surprize living gifts have taken a back seat to " Its so cute I just have to have one" and "please mommy can we get one?". A lot of poeple because of illimitable information about the danger to animals when put in a box with a bow on top have stopped doing so only to overlook the other undesirable reasons for getting a pet. I personally have had to go over the finer points of caring for a lovebird because some poeple who meet Goofylovebird just have to go and get one. I generally give them less pro's than con's, call it discouragement, because its closer to the truth for someone that may lack the dedication we share in this community. Other reasons like parents getting pets in hopes that their children care for them or, I don't have time for my kids, maybe a pet would fill in for me are just other poor excuses for getting a pet. I know that there's poeple that make getting a pet a conscientious effort but there are so many that still don't. If you can't take care of an animal in the event your children don't then don't get one. Here in N.E. Ohio throughout the summer lovebird breeders abound at local flea markets and most of the vendors will tell you how wonderful they are and easy to care for too. They cost anywhere from $25 to $65 and if their tired of caring for so many they'll throw in a cage. Most of the time their definition of caring for a bird couldn't be farther from the truth. Just another sale. The larger amazons and grey's usually end up in shelters because the owner wouldn't come down on the price for someone who may otherwise be able to care for them. Greed. I hope poeple keep spreading the word that their not just pets, and that they hold a very special place in our hearts. That all pets deserve the best care possible. Us humans seem to be the only species capable of killing everything, too bad some of us don't use that to keep things alive......Thanks for giving us the space here....Michael N' His favorite bird.