Hi, I also have raised birds in the past, right now we have 10 pet birds. I would not recomend a macaw as someone else said they are a big commitment, plus they can be very loud!. Parrotlets are nice little birds, but can become nippy. I would suggest a quaker parrot or a green cheek conure. The quakers can be quite loud at times, (my quaker, Emma, is the only bird I own that has never bit me) the green cheeks are pretty quiet. Quakers are illegal in some states, (crazy laws). Also cockatiels can be very nice pets. It's always best to buy a young handfed bird and they need lots of attention and handling to stay friendly. Good luck finding your niece a nice little companion.
