Translated by Nick R
Parrots are very common domestic pet birds, often accompanied by other parrots. But, what if I want to have other species?
Table of Contents
Features of parrots that live with other birds
When we talk about parrots, we refer to a variety of species such as the Amazon parrot (Amazona amazonica) and the macaws (genus Ara), very appealing granivorous birds for being excellent pets. There are many advantages derived from their docile behavior and their great intelligence.
If you are thinking of having other species of birds, these are some of the most important characteristics to keep in mind:
- Intelligent parrots require challenges and learning new things.
- They are very sociable; they like company.
- They are very active and like to play, climb and talk.
- They are affectionate, they like contact and attention.
- They need enough space to live to their fullest.
What you need to know before making your parrot live with other birds
As a parrot owner and bird lover, you have probably thought about having other species of birds as pets and you don’t want to keep longing for more of them. I get it, once you have your first bird you just can’t stop.
However, you better analyze very well which birds can live in harmony with parrots because not all of them are the best option. Before putting parrots and other species together, take into account three important points: territoriality, feeding, and diseases.
What does territoriality have to do with the coexistence of parrots and other birds?
In the world of birds, some species are more territorial than others, and wanting to bring them together can generate conflicts, especially during the mating season. An example is putting canaries and lovebirds together because the latter is stronger and could attack them.
In addition, putting more intelligent and cunning birds such as parrots together with some small birds can lead to dominance.
What does food have to do with parrots and other birds living together?
The majority of domestic species are granivorous and their diet is largely based on a mixture of seeds such as birdseed and feed (millet), as well as fruits, vegetables, sunflower seeds, and other complementary foods such as grits and pellets.
When we talk about domestic birds we must include exotic birds such as the goldfinch or mandarin diamond, who prefer the mixture that includes oats and other seeds (feed), while canaries prefer birdseed.
Parrots, for example, love fruits and vegetables, which represent almost a third of their diet. Compared to other birds, parrots eat various seeds such as sunflower, millet, bird seed, and corn.
What do diseases have to do with parrots and other bird species living together?
This is the most important point since the immune system of different species of birds is adapted to their environment and may resist some diseases that others do not. Therefore, you must be very careful when bringing different species together.
Beyond coexistence, bear in mind that diseases that do not affect one species could seriously impact others.
Birds that are compatible living together with parrots
Although parrots can get along with almost all birds, here are the best species for the company of your chatty friend.
Parrots can live with parakeets
Budgerigars belong to the Psittacoidea superfamily, phylogenetically very close to parrots; and they enjoy the company of other birds very much. Parakeets are smaller birds that don’t exceed 15 cm, we could say that they are small parrots.
Territoriality
Budgerigars are a bit territorial, especially females. Yet, they are also very sociable and dislike loneliness. Therefore, this bird can adapt very well to the presence of other birds such as parrots, which are larger and equally sociable as budgerigars. You must keep in mind that, in the beginning, they won’t be very close to each other.
Feeding
Their diet doesn’t differ much from parrots, but budgerigars prefer a little more seed mixture (birdseed, millet, oats), representing almost the totality of their diet.
Diseases
Most of the diseases that affect budgerigars do not affect parrots. However, parakeets are very strong, and they are usually affected by respiratory diseases and parasites like all birds, perhaps a cold or mites.
Parrots can live with cockatiels
Cockatiels belong to the Psittaciformes order, very adaptable birds that get along well with any parrot breed due to their temperament and behavior which are very similar. They are known for their affable and affectionate character.
Territoriality
Cockatiels are normally very affectionate and friendly. However, they can be more territorial than parrots. This does not mean that they are incompatible and cannot live together in harmony, but in mating season they may show territorial behaviors, otherwise, they are very friendly.
Feeding
This bird has a very similar diet to parrots, in fact, they have very similar preferences such as for example, a taste for seeds or sunflower seeds.
Diseases
Both species, parrots, and cockatiels suffer from Psittacosis and coccidiosis. Both have equally strong immune systems. Psittacosis is a very common disease in Psittaciformes, but not in other exotic birds.
You may also be interested in All about the cockatiels
Parrots can live with monk parakeets
Parrots can live in harmony with the most common domestic exotic species of parrots: the Argentine parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus).
This bird belongs to the Psittacidae family, very close to parrots. They have a medium size of approximately 35 cm and an average weight of 140 grams.
Territoriality
Their behavior is very similar to that of cockatiels and parrots. They are very sociable and intelligent. They have the ability to adapt very easily because they are not territorial and have a very complex social structure in groups since they build communal nests. That is to say, they naturally behave in spaces and have gregarious behavior.
Feeding
Monk parakeets’ diet is very similar to that of parrots, mainly due to their phylogenetic closeness, being commonly classified among medium-sized parrots. They also feed on seeds, fruits, and vegetables as a large part of their diet just like parrots, with the difference that they eat insects and sometimes dried meat.
Diseases
Parrots are generally affected with the same diseases as the different psittacine species.
You can learn more about parrots here.
Now that you know the most recommended bird species to keep your parrot company, I hope it has many friends.
