Jennifer Beaulieu, an educator at the Hawaiian Humane Society, enjoys some quality time with one of the society's friendly rabbits. Perhaps your family can expand to include an atypical pet or two, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, fish, domestic rats or mice. While they can add plenty of enjoyment to your life, these animals require little space, don't cost much to keep, are usually quiet and make affectionate companions.
Most people talk to their animals, but only birds can be trained to talk back with words.
If you're considering a bird, do a little research before bringing a feathered friend home. Adding a bird to your family should be given serious consideration, since proper care of a bird can be complicated and a bird is a lifetime commitment. After you've decided on the type of bird, take the time to find the right one for you. They all have very different personalities. Some birds are noisy.