Third Bird - Torn between two species!

[kaylayuh]

So, this forum (in the few days I've been a member!) has inspired me to take the plunge and buy another feathered friend. Right now, I'm torn between a cockatiel and a parrotlet. The local breeder has both available, so accessability isn't the issue.

For those of you that have one or the other, what characteristics do you like about them?
Are there any negatives about the type of bird you own? Would you have chosen differently?

From what I've read about both, they're relatively quiet as far as birds go. I live in a 400 sq. ft. apartment with neighbors next door and above me, so this is a really big plus for both. Ability to speak doesn't really matter (but is a plus); I would like any future feathered friends to be companion birds and able to use a harness to go places. The budgies I have are bonded to eachother, and while they can be handled relatively easily, they're fine being with eachother and wouldn't mind if I didn't cuddle or play with them.

Also, I will obviously need to get another cage for whichever bird I decide to add to my family. I'm looking at two types of cages, both relatively large flight cages. One is a double flight cage with a divider, and if I got this cage, I'd use the other half to house my budgies. If I were to get either breed of bird, would this be advisable or should I maintain two separate cages? Two separate cages are actually less than the double flight cage would be (e-bay shopper here!), but space is what I mostly have an issue with.

[Kathleen]

1. Quarantine period. Most people quarantine a new bird from older birds for 30 days. The alternative to this is having all the birds (new addition and the ones you have already) checked by a vet, but even then, you take a risk, and even if you do quarantine you take a risk after you stop doing it. The best solution for this is to pick a reputable and trustworthy experienced breeder. I don't know if a quarantine period is possible in a small apartment.

2. Your new bird and your older birds may not get along and you'll have to be prepared to take them out separately/never be able to leave them out together and other territory/aggression issues that are possible.

3. I don't think you'll be able to put a harness on a parrotlet because of how small they are. I know how small they are because I've held them before. With a cockatiel it would be possible. Also, it will probably be easier to teach the cockatiel a wider variety of tricks because, well, it's bigger.

4. If you can, post a picture/link to the cage with the "divider" in it on here so I can see what you're talking about. If the divider is solid and the birds cannot get to each other at all, that is probably just fine. But there could be an issue if the divider lets the birds bite each others feet or something like that.

5. The cockatiel is probably going to be a bit louder than the parrotlet, and their noise is kind of like a constant quiet chatter. Cockatiels are known for being a bit talkative but it depends on the individual and I've seen lots of videos of them doing whistles, which are really funny and cute.

Overall, both are really cute and quiet enough to be suitable for an apartment. It just depends on your budget and your preferences.

[zazanomore]

I vote for a cockatiel.

Cockatiels are very sweet natured birds. Typically, they aren't aggressive. This was a major factor for me when I went to get a companion parrot. I knew that even though he was bigger than my budgies, he wouldn't bully them during play and flight time.

They are quiet, and make great apartment pets.

Speaking is not one of the cockatiels strong parts. However, some of them may learn to speak a couple of words or phrases. My Einstein can say about 5 phrases. However, what they lack in speaking ability, they make up in whistling ability. They are fantastic whistlers. But remember, males are typically more vocal then females. So if you do want one that can whistle, stick with the males.

They are extreme cuddle bugs. They will demand head scratches all the time. Einstein will always pay me back though, as he will preen my hair, eyelashes and eye brows after I cuddle him.

If you want to harness them, the aviator harness has a petite size, perfect for cockatiels.

I really can't say anything negative about cockatiels. I always think of my Einstein as a gentle giant (giant compared to the budgies that is )

As for the flight cage, is the divider horizontal or vertical? If it is the vertical type, I think I would stay clear of it. If the birds end up not getting along, they could potentially get at each other through the bars.

[kaylayuh]

1. Quarantine period. Most people quarantine a new bird from older birds for 30 days. The alternative to this is having all the birds (new addition and the ones you have already) checked by a vet, but even then, you take a risk, and even if you do quarantine you take a risk after you stop doing it. The best solution for this is to pick a reputable and trustworthy experienced breeder. I don't know if a quarantine period is possible in a small apartment.

The breeder is a small-time breeder and has all her birds vet checked before they are able to leave the premises. I'm not entirely sure how a quarantine period would work in a small apartment, but I'm sure I could figure something out if need be.

[kaylayuh]

As for the flight cage, is the divider horizontal or vertical? If it is the vertical type, I think I would stay clear of it. If the birds end up not getting along, they could potentially get at each other through the bars.

I think right now, I'm leaning more toward the cockatiel because of they're personality and ability to be harnessed. If I were going on looks alone, I'd probably choose the parrotlet because of the colors, but they seem like little bullies and like they would pick on my budgies. I think I'll just have to go and see which I bond with better.

The cage, from pictures, looks like it has vertical bar spacing. Based on reviews in the forum, A&E cages aren't that great as far as economy cages go. And the single cages end up being better made and cheaper, too.

[GlassOnion]

Personally I wouldn't vote for a cockatiel even though my guy is a sweetie. It seems that tiels seem to be shyier and more flighty than other parrots. Also from my experience and solely on MY opinion they aren't too playful or very parrot-like. *Again, from what I've seen*. They remind me more of doves than parrots in the way their stance and movement. Some cockatiels don't play with toys very much and become perch potatoes. Mine is like that and I've researched this, there are other tiels that don't do too much during the day and it does seem pretty normal. If course there are others who ave different opinions on this, but for me I would not get another tiel.

Parrotlets are a lot more fun and acrobatic. They love to explore and have attitudes! I personally find them to be more personable and to have more personalities because they are feisty. They are more demanding than a budgie or a cockatiel.

I would put a third suggestion, what about a green cheek conure? They are no louder than a cockatiel, like being cuddled and play on their backs. Conures are very playful and a great joy to watch. They require more than a tiel, but the same amount as a parrotlet.

[kaylayuh]

I would put a third suggestion, what about a green cheek conure? They are no louder than a cockatiel, like being cuddled and play on their backs. Conures are very playful and a great joy to watch. They require more than a tiel, but the same amount as a parrotlet.

I think the only reason I haven't considered a Green Cheek Conure is because I've loved Sun Conures since I first saw them and I've never really thought about another one.

I've been reading about parrotlets and cockatiels all weekend, so I'll have to add them to my list now.

[greymatter]

We had my sister's budgie for a bit quite awhile ago, and Mesi would boss Stryder (our cockatiel) around - she would fly into his cage & start eating his pellets and fresh foods. Stryder didn't mind her too much, and it was nice to have another bird we could let Stryder out with (he does go out with our Grey, but Merlin was raised during a time that I bred cockatiel babies, so I think he thinks he's part tiel ).

Parrotlets tend to be a bit bossier, but are very parrotlike in their ways, and quite fun loving and enthusiastic. I do find their chirps quite loud compared with Stryder's occasional scream. I was boarding with a friend years ago, and we had all our birds in the same room - 2 greys, one cockatiel, two parrotlets, and a caique - the higher pitched chirps were very noticeable amongst the flock. But I am quite sensitive to sound at times. The parrotlets would pick on Stryder, so they didn't go out at the same playtimes for his own security.

I never had complaints from neighbours/landlords during the time I rented (10 years with Merlin the grey in tow, and cockatiels, AND a caique at the end), but I've been lucky in that I haven't had problem screamers either.

Good luck with your decision

[Kathleen]

You said your local breeder has both cockatiels and parrotlets.... is there a local breeder with green cheek conures? Green cheeks are really cute too by the way. I've heard they are a more reasonable noise level than some other conures (Sun conures are very loud).

[kaylayuh]

Kathleen: There is a breeder that will have conures in the next coming weeks. They're being weaned now, but they cost a bit more than I'm looking to spend at the moment. I believe she said they're upwards of $500 for the normal Green Cheeks.

I did find a local rescue in the area, though. And I figure I should see if they have any of the three I'm looking for first -- before I go buy one from a local breeder.