For those of us who love birds, the safety and health of our pets is of the utmost importance.
This is especially true when we have multiple types of birds living under one roof.
Many cockatiel owners also own other birds or are considering bringing another bird into the family.
Let’s find out, what other birds can cockatiels be housed with?
Cockatiels can be housed with other small birds, including bourke parakeets, turquoise parrots, and red-crowned parakeets. However, housing cockatiels with any other bird species should be done with caution, and more aggressive birds should be avoided. The safest choice of housing companion is another cockatiel.
Cockatiels are highly social, but they are also generally passive and quiet.
This is why it is best to avoid larger birds or more assertive breeds.
Always keep in mind that you can never know if your birds will get along, even if they are of similar size and temperament.
Let’s dig deeper into the ideal housing companion for your cockatiel!
Do cockatiels need a companion?
The short answer is, yes!
Cockatiels need a companion, either another bird or their owner.
While cockatiels can live alone without a partner, they are very social.
If they do not live with another bird, then they will need extra human attention.
Owners should keep in mind that if they do decide to get a companion for their cockatiel then their pet may be less bonded to them and more bonded to the other bird.
A solo cockatiel will bond much more closely with its owner.
It is very important for cockatiels to get enough attention, so a companion bird is ideal for the busy owner who is often out of the house.
Should cockatiels live in pairs?
Cockatiels can be very happy being housed with another cockatiel companion.
However, if you choose this route there are some factors to be aware of.
It is not advised to keep male and female cockatiels together.
This is because the birds can become hormonal and fight.
Keeping two females or two males together is a safer option.
It is important to remember that there is no guarantee the two cockatiels will get along, even though they are the same breed.
This is especially true if you get one bird later than the other, as the first cockatiel may be territorial or aggressive.
What other types of birds would be a good companion for a cockatiel?
Keep in mind that housing different species of birds together can be much more challenging than keeping two cockatiels together.
However, don’t let this deter you just yet!
Keeping cockatiels and other species of birds happily together is possible if you choose the right companion.
The most important factors to keep in mind are your cockatiel’s size and temperament.
Birds that have a similar size and that aren’t overly aggressive or assertive will make the best companions.
As with any new cage companion, it will be critical to introduce the new friends slowly and pay close attention to their personality.
Every bird is an individual!
Can cockatiels live with budgies (parakeets)?
Yes, budgies tend to make good companions for cockatiels.
They have similar care needs and neither breed is overly aggressive.
While cockatiels are the bigger bird, on the whole their sizes are similar enough that it generally is a good fit.
Cockatiels and budgies are native to the same region in Australia, which could be a reason why they get along well.
Other breeds that cockatiels can get along with include Bourke parakeets, turquoise parrots, and lorikeets.
Bourke parakeets and cockatiels often live well together as both are mellow birds of similar sizes.
Bourke parakeets tend to have friendly personalities and make great companion birds.
However, cage size will be especially important, as Bourke parakeets prefer larger spaces.
Can cockatiels live with lovebirds?
In general, no, cockatiels and lovebirds should not be housed together.
This is because lovebirds can be very aggressive while cockatiels tend to be more passive.
Very often this will lead to your cockatiel being bullied.
Lovebirds also have strong beaks, so there is a higher risk of injury if bullying does occur.
Other species to avoid housing cockatiels with include finches, canaries, and any larger parrots.
Individual birds that are very dominant should also be avoided, no matter the type.
What are the challenges when housing cockatiels with other birds?
Housing birds of different species in the same cage or aviary can be a challenge, even if they get along well in neutral areas of the house.
This is because the birds can become territorial, causing fights and stress.
Housing should also be well ventilated, so that both birds maintain healthy lungs and respiratory systems.
Frequent baths and a larger space will also help with this.
When keeping two species together you will need a much larger cage or even an aviary.
Not every owner can provide the space necessary to house these birds together.
Another challenge is dietary differences.
Cockatiels and other breeds may have different requirements.
For example, cockatiels require higher fat content than budgies do.
If your cockatiel is housed with another bird then you have to be very careful that both are getting well balanced, healthy diets.
At the end of the day, the biggest risk to housing cockatiels with other birds is injury or damage to either bird’s health.
This means that owners must be prepared provide separate housing if any of the birds is getting bullied, is unable to eat their proper diet, or begins to show stress behaviors.
Remember, different bird species are essentially speaking different languages!
It is up to you to make sure both are healthy and happy.
In conclusion, housing a cockatiel with other birds can be a wonderful way to provide a companion.
If you pick a companion bird carefully, provide a healthy living environment, and introduce your cockatiel to the new family member slowly, then this can be an ideal housing arrangement for your feathered friends.