Do you have a picture of the cages? You should get the biggest ones you can afford -- the bigger, the better. I just spent $200 on a new cage for my one tiel this year and he LOVES the space.
Here's his cage, so you can get an idea of what size is good. Pet stores generally sell cages that are WAY TOO SMALL and should only be used as travel cages, most are not bearly big enough to cage a budgie or cockatiel comfortably. The idea is, you want them to be able to completely open their wings and be able to beat their wings and not touch the sides of the cage. If a bird can't do that in their cage, then it is way too small.
Another good question to ask yourself is... what is your budget? The larger the parrot, the larger the budget per month you will spend on them, as birds need toys to keep themselves entertained and food of course daily. Seeds generally are terrible for birds, and so a diet of fresh fruits and veggies, sprouts (seeds allowed to germinate) and pellets are a good healthier option.
Be sure to read through this thread,
the cost of owning parrots
Expenses don't stop after buying the bird. They should go to the vet for a checkup ($50-100) as well as toys and perches of different kinds in their cage ($50-$200 depending on size of bird) and then the continued expense of food per month. Remember that cockatiels live 20+ years, conures 30+. If you are a student, or under the age of 21, it is usually not recommend to get a parrot of any kind until after your life has settled down -- while you may live at home now with your parents, you may have to leave for college and get your own home/career, so waiting until your life is more solid/grounded in one place and you have your own home is recommended.
And I'm not just saying it, I went through it. I got a Jenday Conure at age 13 and he was my best friend for 5 years... and then I had to leave for college. My parents are not animal people and did not want to take care of him, so I had to ultimately rehome him. They live 30 years, and I did not think of the lifetime commitment and it happens so often to students leaving for school, so if you are a student, consider waiting.
To answer your questions..
1.) Yes, it is always better to start with ONE bird if you have never had them before. If you get two right away and they will likely end up bonding to each other and not want to be with you as much.
If you're looking for the best possible chance to have a tame baby, consider getting a weaned baby parrot from a reputable breeder. Going through a reputable breeder ensures that you have a well socialized baby, and it will likely come to you already tame and stepping up. You can also rescue a bird in need of a home through a local bird rescue if you want, though they sometimes have behavioral problems.
2. Every bird will be different, though males are generally more vocal. There is no guarantee any bird will talk. Also know that parrots in general aren't particularly 'cuddly' like dogs and cats are, so if you're looking for a cuddly companion tha twill love you every day of its life, it will not be from a parrot. All birds will make noise, messes, and may develop behavioral problems should their needs be neglected. A lot of birds also experience hormonal aggressive behaviors around spring/summer every year as they reach sexual maturity, and during that time they may get more nippy. It's important when you bring home a new bid that you should not consistently pet along the back under the wings or anywhere really but the head, as when they reach maturity, if this continues they will become aroused at this behavior.
