Should I Adopt A Budgie Or A Cockatiel?

The decision whether to adopt a budgie or cockatiel; one of the two most popular companion parrots in US should be best done by comparing the 2 pet birds.  

Similarities between budgies and cockatiels:

 
• Both cockatiels as well as budgies have hooked beaks that are suitable for cracking seed. Being natives of the arid inland Australia and adapted to the desert, both these birds adapt to the most unsuitable of circumstances. They could thrive on formulated diets, vegetable treats and water or also an all-seed diet. 

• Both these pet birds can be hand tamed and taught tricks. Budgies as well as cockatiels form ideal and interesting companions to children, adults and seniors.

• Both male cockatiels and budgies learn to talk, while females do not. Also both of them just need a roomy cage with a chance to fly free in an average home or apartment. Though both these parrot species vocalize, their calls do not disturb neighbors and they are quiet at night; so they are good apartment pets.    

• Both cockatiels and budgies come in different colors, sizes and shapes, though the different colors are all of the same species.

Differences between budgies and cockatiels:

• Cockatiels have low energy and are pacifists, they spend a lot of time sitting and preening, vocalizing mainly in the mornings and evenings. Budgies on the other hand move around and play a lot, and keep up a steady chatter.

• While cockatiels are about 12 to 14 inches from the top of its head to the end of its tail feathers, budgies are about 5 to 11 inches. It is found that while America parakeets are 5 to 6 inches long, “English budgies” that are bred by exhibitors are 10 to 12 inches long. The biggest English budgies and the smallest cockatiels are similar in size.

The choice between budgies and cockatiels:

Size could be a factor to decide whether you want to adopt a cockatiel or a budgie; budgies being smaller in size would require a smaller cage. Also budgies are trainable and can be hand trained. Budgie could also be the right choice if you want a pet bird that could interact with you vocally and fly after you.

You should adopt a cockatiel if you want a bird to be tolerant to your petting; cockatiels love to be petted behind their crest feathers and over their ears. Also cockatiel would be a right choice if you want a bird with a low key and touchy feel; budgies being full of energy, would perch on your finger, but do not like to be touched.

Last but most important budgies generally live for 10 to 15 years, while cockatiels generally live for 15 to 20 years, with both species making rewarding, interesting and loving companion birds.        



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