Third Bird - Torn between two species!

[Skittles]

I haven't owned either birds, however, I've interacted with both and had MUCH better experience with the cockatiel


I find cockatiels are much more forgiving, more solid and interactive compared to the parrotlets.

Parrotlets (or at least the handful I've met) are very sweet but seem to be more of a bully (I think it's to make up for their petite size )


BUT you never know. Your best bet, in my opinion, would be to visit the potential birds and interact with them. You could be set on a 'tiel yet have your heart stolen by the antics of a P'let

[kaylayuh]

BUT you never know. Your best bet, in my opinion, would be to visit the potential birds and interact with them. You could be set on a 'tiel yet have your heart stolen by the antics of a P'let

I think that's what I'm going to do if I can't find a GCC for adoption locally. I'm nervous about the parrotlet because everyone says they're such bullies and I don't want it to pick on my poor little parakeets. But I'm nervous about a cockatiel because everyone always says how nippy they are. My boyfriend's brother has some and he said he bites.

I think I'm leaning more towards a cockatiel because I love cockatoos, and I think I'd like to have a pintsized one.

[GlassOnion]

Cockatoos and cockatiels are quite different, you need to know. Cockatoos will lay with you and often show affection like a dog would, cockatiels on the other hand don't like to do too much with their bodies. You won't have a cockatiel that will lay on its back in your lap like a cockatoo would. But they do enjoy scratches.

[zazanomore]

Cockatoos and cockatiels are quite different, you need to know. Cockatoos will lay with you and often show affection like a dog would, cockatiels on the other hand don't like to do too much with their bodies. You won't have a cockatiel that will lay on its back in your lap like a cockatoo would. But they do enjoy scratches.

Actually, you can get a cockatiel to lay on it's back. They might not do it naturally, but they can be trained to do it.

Einstein loves to cuddle and shows a lot more affection than my dog does. He is very gentle with me. He very delicately preen me.

There's a reason why these birds are the second most popular pet parrot.

[Scarpath]

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).

I have 2 GCC and they are the sweetest things EVER!!!! They don't squack very loudly at all and they are very gentle if you're nice to them. Yes they will make a lot of noise when you come home from some where but over all they aren't that loud. Also they like to chew A LOT!!!! You'll need lots of stuff for them to chew! I'm with Kathleen on this! And if you do get a GCC, for a treat give them yogurt dipped papaya, from the Kaytee Fiesta company. My birds love it!

[kaylayuh]

Cockatoos and cockatiels are quite different, you need to know. Cockatoos will lay with you and often show affection like a dog would, cockatiels on the other hand don't like to do too much with their bodies. You won't have a cockatiel that will lay on its back in your lap like a cockatoo would. But they do enjoy scratches.

Oh, I know. I was thinking more along the lines of their appearance rather than behavior. Although, some people have said the occasional bird can be extremely cuddly.

My parents had a cockatoo when I was a very little kid, and from what I remember, they were awful to him and he was so sweet. If I had the money and room for a cockatoo (and owned housing instead of renting), I would love to have a Moluccan cockatoo.

[kaylayuh]

for a treat give them yogurt dipped papaya, from the Kaytee Fiesta company. My birds love it!

I'm glad your bird likes those things. I have a packet for my parakeets and they want nothing to do with them. I've tried handing the treat to them. I've tried putting it in toys on their playgym. I've tried mixing it with their daily food to see if they'll try it. They pick them up and throw them to the bottom of the cage. Occasionally, I've caught them stomping on them through the grate if I don't cage their newspaper fast enough!

[Scarpath]

for a treat give them yogurt dipped papaya, from the Kaytee Fiesta company. My birds love it!

I'm glad your bird likes those things. I have a packet for my parakeets and they want nothing to do with them. I've tried handing the treat to them. I've tried putting it in toys on their playgym. I've tried mixing it with their daily food to see if they'll try it. They pick them up and throw them to the bottom of the cage. Occasionally, I've caught them stomping on them through the grate if I don't cage their newspaper fast enough!

Haha! I've been trying the same thing with the new treats I bought them. They were out of them and weren't expecting another package 'til mid-March! So I bought these treats from the same company but it was for conures (not budgies like the other stuff) and they won't touch it! It was a waste of my $4. I only had $7 and the other $3 went to the evil toy that trapped my birds toe so basiclly I got NOTHING OUT OF THAT SHOPPING TRIP!!! But you live and learn, right?