When it comes to choosing a small pet bird, there are two main contenders: the budgie vs cockatiel.
Both of these birds have their pros and cons, but which one is right for you?
To help you make your decision, we’ll compare the two birds in terms of their size, temperament, price, and ease of care.
So which one should you choose?
Read on to find out!
Table of contents
Visual Differences
The first thing you’ll notice about budgies and cockatiels is that they look different.
Budgies are small birds with a body length of around 7-8 inches.
They have green bodies with yellow faces and black markings around their eyes.
On the other hand, Cockatiels are slightly larger birds, with a body length of around 12-14 inches.
They have grey bodies with white faces and yellow crest feathers on their heads.
Size
Regarding size, budgies are the smaller of the two birds.
This can be an advantage if you live in a small space, like an apartment.
However, it’s worth noting that budgies are very active birds and need a lot of space to move around.
So even though they’re small, they still need a large cage.
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Cockatiels are larger birds, but they’re not as active as budgies.
They’re content to perch on a perch or swing and don’t need as much space to move around.
Lifespan
Budgies have a lifespan of around 5-10 years, while cockatiels can live for 15-20 years.
Temperament
Budgies are very social birds and love interacting with their human companions.
They’re known for being very playful and like being kept busy with toys and activities.
Cockatiels are also social birds but are not as active as budgies.
They enjoy interacting with their human companions but don’t need to be kept entertained.
Price
Budgies are generally less expensive than cockatiels.
You can expect to pay around 25$ to $50 for a budgie, whereas a cockatiel will cost you around $100 to $200.
The price difference is since budgies are bred in larger numbers than cockatiels.
Ease of Care
Both budgies and cockatiels are relatively easy to care for.
They both need a large cage with plenty of space to move around, and they should be given a variety of toys and activities to keep them entertained.
The main difference in care is that budgies need more attention than cockatiels.
This is because they’re more active and social birds, and they thrive on interaction with their human companions.
Behavior Budgie VS Cockatiel
When it comes to behavior, budgies and cockatiels have some similarities and differences.
Both birds are social creatures that enjoy interacting with their human companions.
However, budgies are more active than cockatiels and need more stimulation.
Cockatiels are content to perch on a swing or perch, while budgies need to be kept busy with toys and activities.
Another difference in behaviour is that budgies are known for being very
talkative, while cockatiels are usually more quiet.
The big difference in behavior is that budgies are nippier than cockatiels.
This is because they like to play and explore with their beaks and sometimes inadvertently bite their human companions.
Cockatiels, on the other hand, rarely bite and are generally considered to be gentle birds.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, which bird is right for you?
It really depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Active Bird
If you’re looking for a small, active bird that loves to play, then a budgie might be the right choice.
Big Bird
However, a cockatiel might be a better option if you’re looking for a larger, more low-maintenance bird that doesn’t need as much attention.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to visit a pet store or breeder and spend some time with both types of birds.
This will help you get a feel for their individual personalities and see which one is the right fit for you.
Talker Bird
A budgie might be the better choice if you’re looking for a bird that will talk.
Quieter Bird
However, a cockatiel would be a better option if you prefer a quieter bird.
Can Budgies & Cockatiel Live together?
Budgies and cockatiels can live together if they are introduced properly and have enough space.
It’s important to make sure that both birds have their own cage or aviary, as they will need their own space to retreat to if they feel threatened.
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You should also ensure that there are plenty of perches and toys in each cage, as this will help to keep both birds entertained.
If you do decide to house budgies and cockatiels together, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure that they are getting along.
Final Thought
Budgies and cockatiels are two of the most popular small companion parrots. They have some similarities but also key differences in their behaviour and care.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bird is right for you is to visit a pet store or breeder and spend some time with both types of birds.
A budgie might be the better choice if you’re looking for a bird that will talk. However, a cockatiel would be a better option if you prefer a quieter bird.
Budgies and cockatiels can live together if they are introduced properly and have enough space.
So, Budgie VS Cockatiel which bird is right for you?
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