Thank you to everyone who has replied!
You've been a big help. I'm not planning to get a bird right away, I'm going to do lots of research and wait until I find one that's suitable, amazon or not!
Can I ask exactly what would make an amazon unsuitable? I'm good with animals, especially birds.. And my local pet store and breeders I have spoke to seem willing to sell me one!...Is there something the these people aren't telling me?:smile031:
In what way is something like and electus different to an amazon? (other than appearance!)
I have a big outdoor aviary, I've kept cockateils, budgies, canaries and finches before..
I guess I'm looking for something a bit more...Interesting!
Breeders are willing to sell anyone a bird. And pet stores don't really seem to care if pets go to a good home or not. I adopted two big amazon parrots a few weeks ago - after wanting one for about 10 years, and doing extensive research. The start-up $$$ alone, investing in a safe large cage $500, getting appropriate UV lighting if they aren't exposed to sunlight, getting a health check done to see if there was anything that was overlooked $150. Be ready to clean up DAILY for about 30-45 minutes after them. Cleaning bowls, wiping down the cage, throwing away dirty papers, not to mention the papers you have to clean up when they are out and you have the floor covered. My birds are sick (did not know when adopting them), so I've already spent $800 in the last 1.5 weeks getting blood panels done, medications, etc. Here is what my day looks like:
Wake up, wake the birds up (uncover them, turn their UV light on)
Prepare their medicine well hidden in some sort of treat (very difficult to give to them unless your sneaky)
Fresh water, food.
Turn some music on.
Go to work.
Come home
Lay down papers around the perimeter of the play-cage
Let them out
Prepare their medicine for them, trying several different ways for them to take it. (frustration, hehe)
Cut up fresh fruits and veggies
Give them a mist shower.
Clean up the mess from the water everywhere
Dance and sing to them!

Wipe the inside of their cage down
Change their papers
Vacuum to get the bird-dust out of their carpet/air.
Get them to bed.
Even though I'm saying this like it's a chore, I'm not trying to discourage you at all!!! My life has a whole new meaning with them in my life. I truly love them. One is friendly, one is a biter (and it HURTS). She recently tore a chunk of my finger out. It's all about patience, consistency, and time management to be able to keep up with their needs. They will take up HOURS of your time daily, and when they do get sick, expect to pay $$$ for a good avian vet. Since you will be home all day, you will probably be able to manage all the tasks throughout the day, whereas I have a strict time frame to stick to! They have the intelligence of a 2 year old, and it definitely feels like you have a child with all the responsibilities included.