Cockatiel/Parakeet comparision

Qball41 · Jan 15, 2020

I'm looking to bring a small(er) parrot into my home. While I have had experience with a Sun Conure and an Umbrella Cockatoo in the past, I'm looking for a smaller less demanding option. But I do know what commitment keeping and caring for a bird involves.

I'm considering either a Cockatiel or a Parakeet. This is based on what I think is a realistic expectation that I will have the ability to meet. One of the key considerations is length of life. At my age (40's) I think it would be irresponsible to take on a bird that will live 30+ years.

Key considerations for me:

1) I want a bird that is comfortable perching on a finger or shoulder. A bird that has a personality that you can interact with, rather than a bird that is independent and you live with, but don't interact. I also want a parrot that, with work, will not be skittish. I have always seen parakeets as skittish, is this true? In this aspect, the Conure I had was excellent for what I am looking for.

2) Noise - I know any parrot can be loud. But with a smaller bird, I'm looking for a smaller voice. Is there much difference between a cockatiel or parakeet? A bird that can whistle or mimic noises would be nice, but not a must have.

3) Mess - I know the Cockatiel is from the same family as the Cockatoo. The Cockatoo was amazing, but the dander and dust was really messy. Does the Cockatiel share that trait?

4) Other - what other differences do you see between these two parrots?

Thanks in advance.

Laurasea · Jan 15, 2020

I like the big size of English budgie! If you can find a breeder that hand tamed them it is well worth the little extra in cost. Otherwise budgies are harder to befriend. Though we have members who have gotten them from the pet stores and had success. Male budgies are more likely to speak, but I don't know any who do.

My freind has a cockatiel, and I don't see him have dander issues. He has a male, he does speak and whistle, and is not loud. But we had a member complain about their loud cockatiel. So I guess can vary.

I'd mention a Quaker, as they are social, but they are loud!! As an average trait they like to be noisy, and can be screaming.

You could also look into taking a bird that is being re-homed, lots of great older birds needing a new home, craigslist is full of them. Sometimes they might be re-homed because people can't handle them, and neglect has turned them into screamers and biters, but in a home with experienced person can turn them around to happy great birds. I've taken in a rehome who is just a lovely wonderful bird. And taken in a rescue from a drug addict that was a screaming biting girl who turned into a wonderful parrot, tho still fearful and still needs some rehabilitation , but so much happier and no more screenings. So with your experience I hope you will consider it.

Cardinal · Apr 2, 2020

Qball41 said:
I'm looking to bring a small(er) parrot into my home. While I have had experience with a Sun Conure and an Umbrella Cockatoo in the past, I'm looking for a smaller less demanding option. But I do know what commitment keeping and caring for a bird involves.

I'm considering either a Cockatiel or a Parakeet. This is based on what I think is a realistic expectation that I will have the ability to meet. One of the key considerations is length of life. At my age (40's) I think it would be irresponsible to take on a bird that will live 30+ years.

Key considerations for me:

1) I want a bird that is comfortable perching on a finger or shoulder. A bird that has a personality that you can interact with, rather than a bird that is independent and you live with, but don't interact. I also want a parrot that, with work, will not be skittish. I have always seen parakeets as skittish, is this true? In this aspect, the Conure I had was excellent for what I am looking for.

2) Noise - I know any parrot can be loud. But with a smaller bird, I'm looking for a smaller voice. Is there much difference between a cockatiel or parakeet? A bird that can whistle or mimic noises would be nice, but not a must have.

3) Mess - I know the Cockatiel is from the same family as the Cockatoo. The Cockatoo was amazing, but the dander and dust was really messy. Does the Cockatiel share that trait?

4) Other - what other differences do you see between these two parrots?

Thanks in advance.

Curious! what happened to your Sun Conure and White Cockatoo??

Vilatus · Apr 4, 2020

As someone who has had both, the cockatiel is probably more what you're looking for if you want to be able to touch your bird.

A hand raised budgie, or even a well tamed budgie will allow petting, but honestly it feels like you'll break them. Cockatiels are sturdier. They do have dander, but not nearly as bad as a cockatoo. Personally I showered with mine every day and they had almost no dander.

As for noise, they're both extremely quiet compared to a conure or cockatoo.

Tiels are MESSY though. As someone who worked at a parrot shop, they were the messiest of them all in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

noodles123 · Apr 4, 2020

Qball41 said:
I'm looking to bring a small(er) parrot into my home. While I have had experience with a Sun Conure and an Umbrella Cockatoo in the past, I'm looking for a smaller less demanding option. But I do know what commitment keeping and caring for a bird involves.

I'm considering either a Cockatiel or a Parakeet. This is based on what I think is a realistic expectation that I will have the ability to meet. One of the key considerations is length of life. At my age (40's) I think it would be irresponsible to take on a bird that will live 30+ years.

Key considerations for me:

1) I want a bird that is comfortable perching on a finger or shoulder. A bird that has a personality that you can interact with, rather than a bird that is independent and you live with, but don't interact. I also want a parrot that, with work, will not be skittish. I have always seen parakeets as skittish, is this true? In this aspect, the Conure I had was excellent for what I am looking for.

2) Noise - I know any parrot can be loud. But with a smaller bird, I'm looking for a smaller voice. Is there much difference between a cockatiel or parakeet? A bird that can whistle or mimic noises would be nice, but not a must have.

3) Mess - I know the Cockatiel is from the same family as the Cockatoo. The Cockatoo was amazing, but the dander and dust was really messy. Does the Cockatiel share that trait?

4) Other - what other differences do you see between these two parrots?

Thanks in advance.

Cockatiels are dusty but they are smaller. So yes, they are powder-coat birds.
Parakeets are VERY smart but people often overlook this quality in them when they get them from a flock at a place like PetSmart-- despite how cheap they are and their size, they rival larger parrots in intelligence.

Cockatiel/Parakeet comparision

Qball41

New member

Laurasea

Well-known member

Cardinal

Member

Vilatus

Well-known member

noodles123

Well-known member

My cockatiel nearly passed away. Here’s how she survived heavy metal poisoning.

I might get a bird rescued.

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