reptile, cockatiels

If you're thinking about adding a pet to the family but don't think a fish is quite what you're looking for, and a dog or cat are out of the question, then what about looking at something different?  I will admit, when I think of pets, I don't normally think of reptiles, I'd either think of birds, fish, dogs or cats.  But reptiles aren't bad pets, although my experience with reptiles is limited to lizards.  I don't like snakes and can't bring myself to recommend snakes as pets.  Maybe I read one to many Farside comics to do that though.  

But seriously, if you're not comfortable with the thought of having reptiles in the house, then cockatiels are a good option.  Birds in general are fun pets, I had 20 parakeets at one point.  They can be loud, but they are still cute and relatively low maintenance.  I do miss hearing the birds chirp as I watch tv, or read.  Birds in general are gentle, sociable creatures.  You can train them to talk, let them roam free in the house, and they'll even sit on your finger or shoulder.  Though they don't have a wide variety, Cockatiels do come in 15 different colors.