You may be curious to find out if parakeets and cockatiels can get along.
Perhaps you are looking to own both types of birds. But then again, you are worried that they might not get along. Or that it may be a bad idea to have these birds live together.
With all these things in mind, let us have a look at the truth between having these two birds as pets – and whether they can get along or not. Let’s jump right into it.
Do Parakeets And Cockatiels Get Along?
So, do these birds get along, or is it just going to be a disaster to have them both in your home?
At first glance, you may see that they seem a bit alike. For one, they are both small birds with colorful feathers. Their needs are also rather similar, which is why they are some of the easiest parrots for first-time owners to keep.
Do keep in mind that occasionally, squabbles may occur. But the good thing is that these are not naturally aggressive birds. They can enjoy living together and even cohabitate harmoniously. There are just some concerns to think about if you are planning on putting them in the same cage or perhaps one breeding area.
There are instances when these birds may be territorial, especially when the cage is too cramped for them. They may even fight over their food or have some tiffs over who gets the high perches.
But do take note that the difference in their size – no matter how minimal – can result in some injuries when one bird is more dominant than the other. If they constantly fight, this can also negatively impact their well-being and even their lifespan.
Can Parakeets And Cockatiels Live Together
Both birds are adorable and affectionate to their owners. In the wild, these birds enjoy foraging for their food. They have a strong desire to be part of their flock, and they absolutely love to fly – which is why they need a spacious cage to give them a chance to explore their surroundings more.
Now, parakeets and cockatiels have a tendency to be aggressive when it comes to their nesting site or their favorite toy. If they are defending their mate, they also do not hesitate to show their not so pleasant side. Because of this, it is important to give them a space for cooling off and to retreat when things between these birds get heated up.
Plus, both birds can be quite dusty. However, cockatiels are more dander-producing than the parakeet.
But both are excitable, active, agile, and can be quite pushy. Parakeets, though, have a big personality that evidently shines through the moment you get to know them better.
On the other hand, cockatiels are more mellow and gentle. They are also more sensitive, which is why they can easily get bullied by the other birds with a stronger personality.
So, if you plan on keeping both birds in the same space, you need to plan out the space more carefully. The cage recommendation needs to be followed, otherwise, they may only keep butting heads and run the risk of having unhappy, unhealthy, and unwell birds.
When it comes to the ideal cage size, it should not be smaller than thrice the width of their combined wingspan. It should also be two wing beats between their perches in terms of length. If you have perches in the cage – which there should be – you need to put these apart from one another and with a considerable amount of space. The same holds true for the food dishes.
Be careful not to put a perch higher than the other. Position the perches at the same height, as this should prevent fights between your pets.
Now, as for diet, these birds basically have the same dietary requirements. A well-rounded, balanced diet is always preferred, which should include pellets designed specifically for small birds. Some fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as a seed mix that is mainly millet-based are also essential for their health.
But when it comes to the amount of food they eat, cockatiels are better off with a higher fat content than parakeets. But at the same time, they may be prone to liver issues and obesity. This is why you need to make sure their diet is balanced to prevent these health problems.
Make it a point to chop the ingredients finely to make sure that their tiny beaks are able to handle these. Adding in some veggies and fruits on the sides of the cage will also entice these birds to explore further and then nibble on these snacks.
When it comes to toys, there are some differences to consider. They do like the same types of toys but then these used to be high quality that will not cause some health problems when shredded. But there should not be any problem with toys made of natural materials such as soft wood or sea grass. You should also provide some ropes, bells and swings as these birds adore these.
However, check the toys for any fragile components that can break easily. When broken, tiny parts may get lodged into their throats, which can cause some choking hazards. Larger toys are also not ideal for cockatiels because they easily get intimidated.
Read More: Can Parrotlets Eat Pineapple? The Answer May Surprise You!
Summary
Overall, parakeets and cockatiels can get along. However, they need a decent amount of space in the cage to prevent them from fighting. Parakeets are more active and can be pushy, which is why both birds need to have an area to retreat when they want to. This is why the right dimensions for a cage must be followed to make sure it is spacious enough for these birds and prevent either one from getting constantly stressed, which typically arises from insufficient space.