Parakeet or Lovebirds?

[RoosterWhisperer]

Thank you!

Your welcome!
I always wanted a blue parakeet when I was little, but I ended up with a white and yellow cockatiel now, she's sweet but slightly skittish, she also lost her sister, but she's been ok.

 

[RoosterWhisperer]

Her name is Sky, or is it, Rio...

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

I have had Budgies, Lovebirds and Cockatiels - and bred all three.

I would say that all of these birds (if raised the correct way) will make outstanding pets. Tiels are perhaps more docile and like their routines, budgies can be fantastic little mimics, and Lovebirds have personality PLUS but can be a little mischievous.

All of these birds will need either companionship or PLENTY of enrichment in their cages plus interaction time with you.

All three will benefit from having free flight time for their good health and all three are capable fliers so will need a secure space to fly without hazards (i.e. windows, playful cats, glass ornaments!).

In order of noisiness - All have the capability to raise the roof when upset but generally I'd say Cockatiels are quietiest, followed by budgies (they chatter a lot but often quietly to themselves), followed by lovebirds (who can actually be quite raucous when they're having play time).

All three have the potential to be bitey if not socialised correctly but I'd say none of these are inclined to bite unless upset or provoked to do so. Males of all of these can become possessive of their owner and experience "hormonal" urges so they might experience a few more "male bonding" issues (to put it politely).

If I had to rank these guys in terms of birds for beginners.. I'd say budgie first, followed by cockatiel, followed by lovebird.

 

[Livvy0987]

Her name is Sky, or is it, Rio...

If you're referencing the movie, it's a great movie! If your not... Cute name!

 

[RevlisRemmah]

Have you had any problems with them chewing on your furniture/items in your house? Is there any cons to them (I don't mean to be a Debbie down-er)

No, but I never just left them out unattended. Mine could always fly so sometimes they perch on things they shouldn’t but no chewing or scratching. The only downside is the poo messes. They have pooped on my shoulders and down my back, on the floor, curtains, you get the picture

 

[RoosterWhisperer]

If you're referencing the movie, it's a great movie! If your not... Cute name!

Thank you, that was her sister's name, Rio was Sky's passed on sister.

 

[RoosterWhisperer]

No, but I never just left them out unattended. Mine could always fly so sometimes they perch on things they shouldn’t but no chewing or scratching. The only downside is the poo messes. They have pooped on my shoulders and down my back, on the floor, curtains, you get the picture

I have had that happen with so many young chickens lol!
Down my shoulder and back, eww.

 

[Livvy0987]

I have had Budgies, Lovebirds and Cockatiels - and bred all three.

I would say that all of these birds (if raised the correct way) will make outstanding pets. Tiels are perhaps more docile and like their routines, budgies can be fantastic little mimics, and Lovebirds have personality PLUS but can be a little mischievous.

All of these birds will need either companionship or PLENTY of enrichment in their cages plus interaction time with you.

All three will benefit from having free flight time for their good health and all three are capable fliers so will need a secure space to fly without hazards (i.e. windows, playful cats, glass ornaments!).

In order of noisiness - All have the capability to raise the roof when upset but generally I'd say Cockatiels are quietiest, followed by budgies (they chatter a lot but often quietly to themselves), followed by lovebirds (who can actually be quite raucous when they're having play time).

All three have the potential to be bitey if not socialised correctly but I'd say none of these are inclined to bite unless upset or provoked to do so. Males of all of these can become possessive of their owner and experience "hormonal" urges so they might experience a few more "male bonding" issues (to put it politely).

If I had to rank these guys in terms of birds for beginners.. I'd say budgie first, followed by cockatiel, followed by lovebird.

Thank you! Would you recommend a male or a female? I never knew that about males ...

 

[Livvy0987]

Thank you, that was her sister's name, Rio was Sky's passed on sister.

Was rio after the movie "Rio"?

 

[RoosterWhisperer]

Was rio after the movie "Rio"?

Probably, I didn't name her, she was a rescue.