Cockatiel Vs Conure – Which Parrot Should You Get?
I know that deciding between a cockatiel and a conure can be tricky! I’ve been an owner of two Conure for two years now and I was also confused at first. However, I liked the conure’s playfulness so I chose to have the conure.
But cockatiel vs conure – which parrot should you get? Well, cockatiels are usually gentle and friendly pets, making them good companions for people of all ages. Conures, on the other hand, possess intelligence and playful personalities, making them a great choice for people who want an interactive pet.
That being said, there are some important differences between them. Before committing to one of these two birds, it is crucial to understand these differences and similarities. Let’s have an in-depth look at them then.
Cockatiel Vs Conure – The Basic Idea
| Cockatiel | Conure |
| A cockatiel parrot is a small, friendly parrot native to Australia and Southeast Asia. They are known for their bright yellow faces, crests, and orange cheek patches. | A conure parrot is a type of small parrot that belongs to the Arinae subfamily. They were originally from the South and Central American regions. There are many different species of conure parrots, including the Green-cheeked Conure, Sun Conure, and Nanday Conure. |
| According to PLOS ONE journal, they also have an impressive vocal range and can even mimic human speech. Cockatiels are incredibly social birds, and they love to interact with their owners. | They also tend to be quite vocal, so be prepared for a lot of noise. |
| They are also highly intelligent and can be taught to do a variety of tricks. | In research, it’s also found that conures are known for their intelligence, playful personalities, and vibrant colors. |
| Cockatiels make great pets as they are relatively low maintenance and can be taught to do a variety of tasks. They are also fairly easy to take care of and can live up to 20 years with proper care. | Although they can make great pets, they require a lot of attention and need an experienced owner who can provide proper care. |
Key Differences Between Cockatiel and Conure
Cockatiels and conures are two popular pet birds that are often confused for one another due to their similar size and colorful feathers. However, there are a few key differences between the two that potential bird owners should be aware of.
Size
The most obvious difference between cockatiels and conures is their size. Conures are larger, ranging from 12 to 20 inches in length. Cockatiels, on the other hand, are smaller, usually measuring only 13 inches long.
Appearance
Conures are more vibrantly colored than cockatiels, with a wide variety of feather patterns and colors, including green, blue, yellow, and red. But Cockatiels are usually grey or yellow and white, with only a few having more colorful markings.
Personality
Cockatiels are known for being gentle, quiet, and easily tamed, making them an ideal pet for those who don’t want a noisy bird. Conures, however, are energetic and loud and require a lot more attention than cockatiels. Additionally, conures can be particularly nippy, often biting their owners if they’re not handled properly.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a cockatiel is typically around 10-15 years, while a conure’s lifespan can range from 15 to 40 years. This means that conures require a greater commitment in terms of time and effort than cockatiels. But they are likely to provide more years of companionship and entertainment in return.
Noise
Cockatiels and conures also differ in terms of noise levels. Although both species are quite vocal, conures are generally considered to be louder and more boisterous than cockatiels. As a result, cockatiels may be better suited to those who live in apartments or areas where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
Care Requirements
Cockatiels and conures both require a lot of care, but the specifics of their care can vary as Dr. Amit Bhardawaj stated in his research. For example, cockatiels require a balanced diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables. They also need plenty of time outside of their cage to fly, explore and perch to help keep their feet healthy.
Conures, on the other hand, need a more specialized diet of pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Also, lots of bird-safe toys to keep them entertained. Additionally, conures need a larger cage than cockatiels as they are more active and require more space to move around.
Cost
In terms of cost; cockatiels are usually the more affordable option. Cockatiels typically cost between $50 to $150, while conures can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the species.
In addition to the cost of the bird itself, the cost of care should also be taken into consideration. Both cockatiels and conures require a variety of foods, toys, and other supplies. So it’s important to factor in the additional costs before making a purchase.
In conclusion, taking these differences into account can help potential bird owners make an informed decision and choose the species that best suits their needs.
Green Cheek Conure Vs Cockatiel
Below is the core comparison of Green Cheek Conure and the Cockatiels
| Grounds of Comparison | Green Cheek Conure | Cockatiel |
| Appearances | Green Cheek Conures are larger parrots that grow 8-10 inches in length and come with green cheek | Cockatiel is usually around 12-14 inches in length and typically have gray with yellow and orange markings |
| Activity Level | The Green Cheek Conure is also more active than the Cockatiel | The Cockatiel, on the other hand, is more content to just sit on its perch and observe its surroundings |
| Talking Ability | Not a talkative one | It is much more likely to learn to mimic words and phrases |
Sun Conure Vs Cockatiel
Below is the core comparison of Sun Conure and the Cockatiels
| Grounds of Comparison | Green Cheek Conure | Cockatiel |
| Appearance | The Sun Conure is a medium-sized bird with a brilliant yellow and orange plumage and a red forehead | They are much smaller than Sun Conures and have a grey body and yellow head |
| Activity Level | Sun Conures are more active and playful, and they love to be out of their cages for long periods of time | They are less active and can be content to stay in their cage for extended periods of time |
| Personality | Sun Conures tend to be very social and affectionate | Cockatiels can be a bit more shy and independent |
Cockatiel Vs Conure – Which Parrot Should You Get?
Conures are known for being active, playful, and interactive, so they can make great family pets. Also, they enjoy spending time with their owners, playing games, and learning tricks. Likewise, as Conures tend to be quite vocal, they can be quite entertaining!
Apart from that, they require a lot of attention and socialization. So they may not be the best choice for those who don’t have the time or energy to devote to caring for a pet.
Additionally, Conures may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a quiet pet as they can be quite noisy at times. In general, Conures make great companions for those who are willing to invest time and energy into caring for them.
On the other hand, a cockatiel is a great pet for anyone. They are easy to care for and require minimal space. But they are especially well-suited to people with minimal space or who are looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Consequently, it makes them ideal for people who live in smaller homes or apartments or who don’t have a lot of time to devote to pet care. Besides, Cockatiels are also relatively quiet compared to other pet birds. Which makes them a good choice for people who don’t want to disturb their neighbors.
FAQs
Puzzled up? In this section, we’ll try to answer some of the most common queries people have when dealing with these birds.
Which is Louder conure or Cockatiel?
Conures are generally louder than Cockatiels. Conures can be quite loud when they’re excited, while Cockatiels are usually more subdued. If you’re looking for a quieter pet bird, a Cockatiel may be a better choice.
What is the conure vs cockatiel size difference?
The size of a conure can vary depending on the specific species. But they generally range from 10-18 inches in length, while cockatiels are typically around 12 inches in length.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a pet bird, both the cockatiel and conure make great companions. However, which pet bird is right for you will ultimately depend on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. So, when deciding between Cockatiel VS Conure, do your research, consider your options carefully, and choose the bird that best suits your preferences.
My cockatiel is about 10 months old and has a temper and attitude
When I put him in his cage at night he always fights me, how can I learn him to go in quietly.
Also he just whistles I have tried teaching him a word or two. But no luck yet.
I also leave the tv on for him when I’m away from home on the You Tube channel with birds singing and moving around or baby animated teaching films or learning. Which one is better for him?
Thank you
It’s common for cockatiels to exhibit a bit of attitude as they grow and become more independent. However, it’s important to teach them good behavior to prevent negative habits from forming.
Here are a few tips that can help you train your cockatiel to go into its cage more calmly:
Use treats: Cockatiels love treats, so use them to your advantage. Offer your bird a treat while saying a command, such as “Go to your cage.” Eventually, your cockatiel will associate the command with the treat and will start to move towards the cage on its own.
Start early: If you haven’t already, start training your cockatiel early. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to train your bird to do what you want it to do.
Be consistent: Consistency is key when training a cockatiel. Use the same commands and the same tone of voice every time you want your bird to go to its cage. This will help your bird understand what you want it to do.
Make it a game: Try to make the training process fun for your bird. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, and always reward your bird for making progress.
Be patient: Training a cockatiel takes time and patience. Don’t get frustrated if your bird doesn’t catch on right away. With time and practice, your bird will learn to go into its cage more calmly.
Remember, training your cockatiel is an ongoing process. Keep working with your bird, and you’ll soon have a well-behaved, happy pet.
Teaching a bird to talk can be a challenging process, and it requires patience and consistency. Here are a few tips that may help you teach your cockatiel to speak:
Start with simple words: It’s best to start with simple words or phrases, such as “hello” or “goodbye.” Repeat the word or phrase consistently when interacting with your bird, and reward your bird with a treat or praise when it repeats the word back to you.
Use a clear and consistent tone: Speak clearly and consistently when teaching your bird to talk. Use the same tone of voice and inflection each time you repeat the word or phrase.
Be patient: Teaching a bird to talk can take a lot of time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your bird doesn’t pick up on the words right away.
As for the TV, both options you mentioned – birds singing and moving around or baby animated teaching films – can provide some stimulation for your cockatiel while you’re away. However, it’s important to monitor your bird’s behavior when it’s watching TV. If your bird seems agitated or stressed, it may be best to turn off the TV or choose a different type of program.
Overall, the best thing you can do for your cockatiel is to provide plenty of social interaction, toys, and a comfortable environment. With time and patience, your bird will learn to communicate and will enjoy spending time with you.