In the US, I believe parakeets are one of the most popular birds for 
beginners.  Many of them talk and they are easy to train if you hand 
feed.  They are in so many colors and really cute.  I sold many of them 
when I had the pet shop, but I have never owned one so my experience 
with talking is based on what my friends and customers told me.
I am no longer in the business, however, I still have 12 birds ranging 
from Macaws to a pocket parrot.  I love them all.
   
Nice to see the UK posting and I love parrots sub as it's always nice to 
hear from other bird people.
   
Marcia
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