Let’s know about Cockatiel vs Lovebird. Both are part of the parrot family and both have been kept as pets. Although their colors are different, both are attractive and colorful birds too. But cockatiels and lovebirds differ in many other aspects, and while one may be your ideal companion, the other may not be the best choice. Unfortunately, while the cockatiel can do well in a mixed aviary, the lovebird can be quite aggressive with docile species, which means that these two types of birds should not usually be mixed.
Below, we consider both parrot species, including their main differences, so you can choose the one that best suits your family and your home.
visual difference
at a glance
cockatiel
- Average Height (Adult): 12 – 13 inches
- Average Weight (Adult): 2.5 – 5 ounces
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Care needed: low
- Family Friendly: Often
- Other Pet-Friendly: Occasionally
- Trainability: As trainable as a large parrot breed
parrot
- Average Height (Adult): 5 – 7 inches
- Average Weight (Adult): 2.5 – 4 ounces
- Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
- Care needed: low
- Family Friendly: Often
- Other Pet-Friendly: Usually Not
- Training Qualification: Intelligent and Trained
Cocktail Overview
Cockatiel is a member of the parrot family. It originates from Australia and is considered relatively easy to breed. They are commonly kept as pets around the world, as they are attractive to look at, are of a decent size, and can be domesticated and affectionate. Some examples of species will also matter, although there is no guarantee.
personality character
The word that best describes the small cocktail is gentle. Once domesticated, the bird will be fun to handle and will even bite its head when it wants to be tickled or scratched. With this said, while they generally enjoy being around their humans and sitting on your hand, they are not crazy, viz. They will happily sing when you get home, eager to get out of the cage and be around you at home, but this friendly bird may nip at you if it’s untamed and not used to being handled.
Cockatiels are bird-friendly. They are docile birds and not only can they be kept in an aviary with other cockatiels, but they will also get along with other species of birds without much trouble on their part.
Training
Cockatiels are considered an intelligent bird and can be trained. In fact, it is considered as trainable as many large parrot breeds. If you buy or adopt an irrepressible cocktail, it’s a question of taking your time so you can build trust.
Before trying to tame, give it a few weeks to get used to its new home. Start by talking to your ‘teal’ from outside the cage so he gets used to seeing and hearing you. After some time, your bird will come closer to you after listening to you, and this is a good sign that he is getting comfortable. Use treats in the bars of the cage to encourage the bird to come to you before finally placing the treat in your hand. (Cockatiel vs Lovebird)
Cockatiels can also often be taught tricks, including twirling, shaking hands, and twitching. They will happily play with the rope toy and spend hours talking to the bird in the mirror.
Cage & Equipment
A cocktail needs a place to hang out. The minimum size of the enclosure for this bird should be 2 feet x 1.5 feet x 2 feet tall. Horizontal bars enable the bird to climb using its hooked bills. There’s no such thing as a cage that’s too big for a cocktail, however, so give yourself as much room as you can afford to leave. Provide many parachutes and toys and remember that this type of bird will appreciate objects such as mirrors as well as rope ladders.Suitable for:
The Cockatiel is suitable for owners who want a friendly bird and are willing to spend some time with them. You should aim to leave the cage for at least 10 to 15 minutes each day, and this will benefit you and your bird.
lovebird overview
The lovebird is also a member of the parrot family but this small bird is native to Africa. Birds are social and get their name because they form very close, monogamous pair-bonding relationships that last a lifetime. Although different species of lovebirds exist, not all are suitable for keeping in captivity. For example, the black-collar lovebird requires a specific fig, which is native to its homeland, for dietary purposes, and will suffer if it is not obtained.
personality character
Lovebird is a lively and curious little bird. While they are smaller than cocktails in size, they more than make up for it in volume and character. They shout loudly and often.
Lovebirds are far more active than the humble cockatiel and as well as giving them ladders and other toys that keep them active, some owners have enjoyed success by providing their energetic little feathered friend with a hamster wheel in which Steam around. Pet, handfed lovebirds are affectionate little souls. They will climb onto your arm, sit on your shoulder, and enjoy exploring your person. If it is well controlled and enjoys your company, it will hop around in anticipation of being picked up.
Lovebirds are often said to be moody and can also be territorial. They are also described as being hormonal, so they are known to be moodier to care for than cockatiels.
Another thing to consider is that the lovebird will bond closely with any other lovebird, but it can be aggressive around other birds, especially docile birds such as cockatiels. For this reason it is common to keep lovebirds in their own cages.
Training
While an old cockatiel can still be tame, it’s much more difficult to work with an older lovebird who hasn’t had any hands-on training. As such, you should make sure that when you get an older lovebird or get a younger one it is hand-held. The process of taming a lovebird is similar to that of a cockatiel, but you need to be especially careful when you open the cage door as the lovebird can get nervous.
Cage & Equipment
A single lovebird will benefit from a cage measuring 18 x 18 x 18 inches while a couple needs a cage that is 24 inches long and 18 x 24 inches. If you can provide a larger cage, it will give them more room to roam and the birds will benefit. These active birds will need three or four perches, dishes for their water and food, and a bath. You can also provide them with bells, ladders, mirrors and other toys to help keep them entertained.Suitable for:
Bird owners are looking for a bright, energetic and affectionate little bird, but they should be prepared for ear-piercing screams and some seriously moody tantrums.
Which breed is right for you?
Lovebirds and cockatiels are similar in many ways. They are small parrot species, both can be domesticated, and they are both known to be affectionate and friendly little birds in their own way. Cockatiels can be considered more beginner-friendly and less prone to bites while being easier to tame and not noisy. The lovebird is small but should not be kept with other bird species and can make for an unreliable racket for a bird of such a small stature.