Hey so I'm kind of interested in getting a cockatiel, parakeet, or maybe a lovebird sometime within the next year or two. The a mount of information online is sort of overwhelming and a lot of it seems to be by people with an interest in selling cages, feed, or other things when it comes to birds. I don't know about birds. Got any core resources you can point out, or just tips in general?
these are all great birds to have! And theyâre all very behaviorally different..! The following paragraphs are generalizations about each species based on my personal experience with them:
Lovebirds would be the most demanding, and the most likely to grow into an aggressive biter if their autonomy isnât respected from day 1 (donât be fooled by the pliable, docile juvenile stage of their first year or two). Theyâre also prone to plucking/self mutilating if they are significantly stressed or bored. Of the three species, they are the greatest problem solvers and will require toys and a cage set-up that will allow them to use their active little brains :D They can also be rather cuddle-some, but only during designated times of the day, as dictated by themselves.Cockatiels are probably the most âlow energyâ of the three. Outwardly, theyâre not the brightest bulbs, and they wonât solve puzzles for tasty food items (they much prefer to graze/forage for what has dropped onto the floor) but they are exceptionally sweet and moderately forgiving birds. A bonded/tame cockatiel will also just love being on or near you. If you want a bird thatâll be happy sitting on your shoulder for extended periods of time, this is about the only species that may do just that. They *are* the most anxious of the three species, in my experience--and are prone to night frights. So a large flight cage and a nightlight is a must, imo. Also, I have lived with several cockatiels growing up, most of whom were not very tame--and even despite that, not a single one bit people (unless it was scared and being physically restrained...then they could shed blood. But tbh you should never put the bird into that kind of situation unless their lives literally depended on it). Keets/budgies are somewhere in the middle. They are very energetic, active birds who must go go go go!!! at all times. But they are also very forgiving birds (perhaps the most forgiving of the three species) and, unlike the lovebirds, wonât immediately resort to biting as a way of communicating what they donât like. Unlike cockatiels and lovebirds, theyâre not usually very cuddle-some, because honestly, who got time for that where there is stuff to chatter about, things to inspect, and bell balls to chase??? Budgies (and to a lesser extent, cockatiels) are very social birds, and I recommend bringing one home with the intention of eventually introducing a second (or third, or fourth...) and providing them their own cage set-up. Lovebirds, on the other hand, are usually more content without the competition (and can get pretty aggressive if theyâre forced to live/interact with another bird). ..For all other subjects, resources, etc that is parrot related, I 100% recommend checking out @/flock-talkâs extensive list of tags and resource links:http://flock-talk.tumblr.com/Tagshttp://flock-talk.tumblr.com/resourcesI hope that helps :D!














