Robert Levy is a digital media producer and video editor who lives in Rockville, MD, with his wife, two daughters, two cockatiels, one bossy budgie and an occasional guest cockatoo, as well as an assortment of fish, guinea pigs, a cat and four Australian sugar gliders. When not caring for his own flock, he volunteers with the Wilson Parrot Foundation in Damascus, MD. Today, Rob shares with us how having birds has shaped his life.

When I was a senior in college I found myself alone most of the day writing my honors thesis. While my friends were at classes or parties, I was home doing research or writing. I desperately needed companionship -- somebody to talk to, or just have around.

My mind went to a pet, but in my apartment, a cat or a dog was out of the question. What was next on the pet chain? I thought, "maybe a bird." I never expected that this desire for some animal company would result in a love of parrots that has lasted 20 years.

As I did my research on birds, parrots began to fascinate me. Parrot coloration is stunning, their personalities amazing, and they can talk! Not only would I have a pet, I thought, but also I would have somebody to talk to who would talk back.

Then I was hit with reality. Large parrots -- macaws and cockatoos -- were prohibitively expensive and extremely loud. Not a smart choice for a college apartment with four roommates. After more research I settled on a cockatiel: the small, clown-like bird similar in look to a cockatoo, but without the oppressive screech and cost. On a fall day in 1988 I met Slice, a baby male cinnamon pied cockatiel who would be my sidekick for the next 19 years.

After the jump: The author's girlfriend learns to accept the bird poop on his shirt.

Catherine Gwyer is a volunteer with Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Surrey, BC. Through Sunday, Jan. 29, she is answering your questions in our Ask the Experts forum. Below is her answer to her first reader question.

What questions should I ask about a bird I'm thinking of adopting?
Before considering adopting any bird, I recommend that you do some research about the specialized care and diet requirements of parrots and other birds. The smallest of species can live 10-15 years while larger species such as Macaws can live 80+ years.

All birds require fresh fruit, vegetables and grains daily. They also need to live in a clean cage and an environment that is free from smoke and harsh chemical odors. Some species, such as Lorikeets or African Greys, have specific dietary needs that have to be considered as well. Understanding the basics of bird care will help you determine if a parrot is the right pet for you.

If there is a bird club or rescue in your city that you can visit and talk to bird owners, it's a great way to learn firsthand information about the commitment it takes to have a companion bird in your life. [You can search on Petfinder for bird rescue groups near you.]

When you finally start your search for the perfect feathered companion, take your time and interact with the birds. See which one is responsive to you. Many people who have parrots will tell you that their bird chose them, not the other way around.

After the jump: 10 questions every aspiring bird-adopter should ask.

Jan Robson has been a volunteer with Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Surrey, BC, since 2003. She has been director of volunteers and director of education, and now focuses on education and pet therapy. She is also the doting mom to seven rescued parrots: a mitred conure, four lovebirds and two budgies. To pay for her addiction to her feathered friends, she works as coordinator of the dementia helpline at the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

If you are looking for an unobtrusive, low-maintenance, low-cost pet, a parrot is just the ticket.

Now, if you already have a bird in your life, you're either laughing your head off or thinking, "She can't be serious!" Well, parrot-lovers and parrot-lover wannabees, I am most certainly not serious! In a nutshell (pun intended!) parrots are noisy, messy, demanding little individuals. Here are a few facts about having a parrot in your home:

Parrots are loud. Even the small parrots, such as lovebirds, parrotlets and budgies, can be quite shrill when they vocalize. While training can help to contain the noise somewhat, vocalizing is an important part of a parrot's social communication. And, make no mistake about it, they are very social creatures. If they do not have an avian flock, they will look to you to be a flockmate, and there are many responsibilities inherent in that role.