i already own two cockatiels can anyone suggest a bird which I can keep a step up from that eg a parrot?

Question

it would be preferable if they can live in the same cage together. I own a really big cage

Answer 1

There's really no such thing as a "step up", and just FYI, cockatiels ARE parrots. The smallest of birds, like budgies, lovebirds, and parrotlets are ALL parrots.

If you want to inter-cage them, don't even bother trying to "step up" because even caging multiples of the same species together is dangerous and they may fight or kill each other. Introducing another species, one of probably larger size based on your "criteria", different dietary needs, toy size needs, caging needs, etc. etc. may ultimately lead to injury and tragedy. You'd have to get a second cage for it. Besides, new birds entering a home should always face quarantine, a minimal 30 day period away from all the other birds with no ventilation or physical interaction so it can't pass any disease to your current tiels. Also, even in the situation of caging budgies and cockatiels together in a pet store I've visited, though they have the same dietary needs and are from the same area of the world and are somewhat similar in size (not as drastic as housing a budgie and a macaw together - which by the way is the stupidest thing that could be fathomed), the budgie did substantial damage to the cockatiel and the cockatiel later died of its untreated injuries. In the fight, the cockatiel also did damage to the budgie, though I've no idea where the budgie is now.

The bird you should get is a bird you are genuinely interested in, one that will fall into your lifestyle well and be integrated as a part of your family. Research the species you're interested in and see which is for you. Keep in mind that some parrots are EXTREMELY territorial, like quaker parrots/monk parakeets, lovebirds, parrotlets, etc. so trying to cage them together with other birds may wind you up losing your current tiels. Also keep in mind that some birds are more prone to plucking, neurosis, screaming, and other nuisance behaviours that not all people are prepared to deal with.

Answer 2

You have already gotten some great answers here, but I have more to add.

You have already been warned about the dangers of mixing birds, though some have successfully done it. But they have successfully done that because the birds were out together and chose each other over a period of time. They were only housed together after a long period of close supervision and after it was obvious that they preferred to be together.

I am NOT talking about putting a male and a female together for breeding. I am talking about a friend of mine that has a Sun Conure and an Amazon that bonded. She has other humorous combinations in her house. They are not together for breeding purposes.

Only you really know what bird will best fit your household. You must consider the others in the house for the bird's sake and theirs. If everyone hates the bird, you and the bird will be miserable.

Ask yourself what is really important to you. If being cuddly is important, than look for a bird with that quality. If talking is important, then you should look for a species that lends itself to talking. However, there is never a guarantee that a bird will talk. If it is absolutely necessary it talk, then get an older bird that already talks.

The best bird relationships I know of is where the bird picked it's human. That isn't always possible, but it is sure fun when it happens. What I mean is when you go to visit the bird, the bird does not want to get off of you. It wants to stay with you more than anyone else. That bird has picked you to be it's flock member.

The website listed below has a Parrot Species Comparison Chart, information on the most popular species and stories written by other parrot owners to help you decide what bird is best for you.

You can find specific species stories at the bottom of the individual species page. Reading others experience with the bird you are interested in is very helpful. You might find that a bird that is generally considered quiet is sometimes loud and a bird that is considered a talker doesn't talk at all.

Answer 3

Never, ever put a Green Cheek Conure in with a cockatiel. They are cute birds but very, very fresh with ANY other bird who is not like them.They will attack cockatiels, who are so sweet and I have seen 1 almost rip off a cockatiels toe before. Like the other answerer said a parakeet can be friends with a cockatiel if they are introduced under neutral terms, but as far as putting them together in the same cage thats really not a good idea.Thank you for taking the time to ask others if its a good idea.It shows that you care about the birds welfare.Have a good day!!!!!!!

Answer 4

First of all, NO. You can NOT mix species of birds in one cage! Parrot beaks are very strong, they could seriously injure or kill a tiel if they were upset. Don't even CONSIDER doing that!!! Ever!

If you want to buy a SECOND cage, you can consider something like a senegal, a parrotlet, or a green cheek conure. I would avoid amazons, cockatoos, macaws, or african greys- they are all advanced-ownership birds, and you need a lot more experience to work up to those.

Answer 5

I agree...don't mix species in the same cage, no matter how big it is. You are asking for disaster! As for what kind of bird to get, I would read a ton of info to see what I could handle. Conures and Quakers are nice, but some can be loud and noisy. Parrotlets are little, but they are like small parrots and aren't loud.

Answer 6

I have cockatiels, I keep them in a cage with Kakarikis (New Zealand ground parrots). These are lovely both as aviary birds and hand raised pets.

Answer 7

Don't put a bigger bird with smaller birds in the same cage. Birds are very territorial. It could be detrimental to put another bird in that cage.

Answer 8

Parakeets make good companions for Cockatiels and make very good pets.