I nearly had a birdie as a pet.
We went to the botanical gardens where they have birds on show for the public. I fell in love with this parrakeet that was bobbing up and down dancing, he fell for me and I for him. So OH suggested I ring up and see if they'd let us re home him. (falls down in amazement at this as he is adamant we won't get a pet until we retire)
I rang up and asked but they won't part with him. They say they only rehome birds from the public, they don't let them go once they take charge of them.
BOO HOOOOOOO
Aw. I bet you're disappointed capt, but now you know that hubby is willing..................................................
You could get a parakeet from a pet shop or breeder or somewhere and teach it to talk and dance. There are loads of different types. Some don't talk though such as finches and canaries but there are budgies and the like, right the way up to Amazon parrots!!! 
GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!. You will enjoy that. Their friendly things but they need commitment i suppose which i know you will have CB. Look around for one,,some Pet Centres have lovely animals and Birds like Pets at Home (not sure if they do birds though actually). Our Nottcuts has lovely ones. Big and Small!!.
we've had birds from budgies to ring necked parakeet, love birds too in our married life. I'm hoping I can swing him round to getting a bird....maybe a tweet eh?
If you get a male Budgie, Cap'n, just be careful what you say, as I have learnt from Tweet! LOL They are always flapping their little invisible ears, waiting to repeat things. He's happier still now that he has his Trill back and not the awful diet food. Our Pets at Home dont sell birds of any type.
