I would suggest a cockatiel first. Its better to start off with because Cockatoos need constant attention and you need to be with them almost 24/7 because they are very emotional birds and have a lot of behavioral problems. I'm not downing them, they are wonderful birds, but it's easiest to start with a cockatiel. I have a cockatiel and he is very sweet, very loving, and they can learn to talk if they have enough time spent with them.
And cockatoo's get bigger, a lot bigger depending on the type of cockatoo. Cockatiels are a little bigger then a parakeet.
I hope I helped... let me know =)


~*~Missing Rocky~*~

Cockatiels are small birds.
A cockatiel is the best choice for a first time bird owner as they are much easier to care for and very gentle, nice birds, though not really as outgoing or smart or cuddly as the cockatoos. They usually don't learn to talk much, but males can learn to whistle tunes.

There are many species of cockatoos available as pets. They are all much louder and more expensive and demanding to care for than cockatiels and can also live much longer.
Rose breasted cockatoos are one of the easier cockatoos (they are actually more closely related to cockatiels than to any of the other cockatoos sold as pets). But even rose breasted cockatoos are louder and needier than cockatiels.
Goffins cockatoos, ducorp cockatoos, corellas, slender billed cockatoos are some of the medium sized cockatoos. Sulfer crested cockatoos, umbrella cockatoos, and moluccan cockatoos are the larger species.
Cockatoos are very personable, intelligent and trainable, cuddly and affectionate BUT they need lots of space, lots of attention, and lots of toys and things to chew or else they will chew furniture or pluck their feathers. Some talk, all scream at times, most will learn many tricks. Bur their care needs are such that they really aren't good first birds at all. They can also be very expensive to purchase, house, and keep (especially the lasrge cockatoos).

You may want to also consider other birds besides cockatiels and cockatoos. There are many other species to consider. Cockatoos are really the highest-maintenance of all parrots.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI

Well if you are a first time bird owner I would definitely NOT get a too. They are not for the newbie’s! A cockatiel is more for a beginner.

I have an Umbrella cockatoo and I have had birds my whole life, And she is still a very big challange at times!

I would also suggest a cockatiel to be the first choice;have had both,but 'toos are really very demanding and time cosuming birds.
Once I read they were the best choice for house/bed ridden people who can devote all their free time to those birds.
I love them being so cuddly;there is no bird like them in that respect,but the price seems to be too high!