Can you put conures and cockatiels together in the same cage? Do conures get along with cockatiels, and if so, what provisions should you make to keep them happy? I delve into this.
You might be tempted to get two different species of pet birds rather than multiples of the same. Sun conures and cockatiels are popular choices for cagemates.
Both are active birds and share a multitude of traits. But can you keep them both in the same space?
Keeping two species in the same space provides many challenges, such as – what to do in case of a sick bird, when territorial issues arise, or if a fight breaks out.
Here, we look at how you can introduce a pet conure and a cockatiel and ensure that they bond well.
Can Cockatiels and Conures Live Together?
Theoretically, if introduced well, cockatiels and conures can potentially live together.
However, much depends on factors beyond our control – like how well the birds like each other, do they bond or not, and their individual personalities.
Both bird species have individual characteristics and temperaments.
Cockatiels are much more docile and quieter than conures, which can be more active and vocal. The latter can also end up bullying smaller cockatiels.
If the birds are introduced properly and given enough space, food, and attention, they may be able to coexist peacefully.
We do have evidence of many bonded pairs coexisting in a single cage.
Can Conures and Cockatiels Get Along?
Talk about how to introduce them and let them interact step by step.
- Try to introduce the two birds on neutral ground. This means don’t put either into the other’s cage. Rather, introduce them to a room during out-of-cage time.
- Play along with them and see how receptive they are towards each other.
- If you see squabbles breaking out or one bird showing aggression, put them back in their separate cages. Conures have stronger beaks and can harm cockatiels.
- Encourage calm behavior by giving them a treat when they act well.
- Try to get them used to each other’s behaviors and smell by putting them into two separate cages placed beside one another.
- If the birds get along well, allow them to share a perch and, eventually, a cage.
Can You Put A Cockatiel And Conure In The Same Cage?
While it is possible, there are some things you should consider before taking this step:
Personality
Conures are active and vocal birds that enjoy a lot of handling and attention from their owners.
Cockatiels, on the other hand, are chattering and whistling birds who are social but do not like to be handled as much as conures.
You will have to learn and respect each bird’s personality and provide a safe cage space that accommodates both.
Among the two, if introduced slowly, both birds should get along, with one often acting as the protector of the other.
You can also consider getting a large aviary instead of a cage to solve territoriality issues.
Noise Levels
Conures are known for their loud, screeching calls and can be quite vocal throughout the day.
Cockatiels, on the other hand, have a softer and more melodic call, and they are not as prone to making loud noises.
The calls of each bird may annoy the other, and getting a bigger space could solve this to some extent.
Either way, for a bonded pair, different noise levels will not be much of an issue.
In fact, different bird species that grow up together often take on each other’s vocal calls and habits.
Cage Size & Type
A cage that houses both should be much larger than a regular cage. In fact, it’s best to keep them in an aviary.
A single conure will require a cage that is at least 24” x 24 “ x 24”. Cockatiels require a minimum of 20” x 20” x 24”.
For two birds, you need a much larger cage to allow for flight, nesting, perching, and playing.
Try to give each bird its own corner decorated with its toys and perches.
Cockatiels are dusty birds, and hence, you will need to clean the cage more often to ensure either bird does not have respiratory problems.
Nesting Habits
Cockatiels are ground-foraging birds, whereas conures like to perch high up. Make sure your cage has perches to accommodate both of these behaviors.
Nesting-wise, conures are cavity nesters, meaning they will typically nest in a hole or cavity in a tree or building.
Cockatiels, on the other hand, will typically build their nests on a flat surface, such as a platform or branch.
Either way, we do not encourage putting in a nesting house at all with two different birds. Get rid of homing boxes from the cage to discourage hormonal behavior.
To allow your birds space, you should have a cage that is long both horizontally and vertically. Cockatiels like flying lengthwise, whereas conures prefer to hop to the top.
Food
Conures feed on greens and leaf buds. They also like seeds, berries, nuts, and fruits.
Cockatiels subsist on fruits, vegetables, pellets, and smaller seeds like millets, fennel, rice paddy, and more.
On the whole, since both of them belong to the parrot family, there is considerable overlap in their diet.
However, cockatiels might not be able to eat some of the larger seeds that conures consume.
You should limit seeds and nuts in their diet and focus more on green vegetables. Ideally, there should be two separate sets of food and water dishes in the cage for each bird.
Toys & Accessories
Both conures and cockatiels are playful birds, and you should provide them with various toys to keep them engaged.
They enjoy foraging toys, such as treat balls or puzzle feeders, that challenge them to figure out how to get to the food inside.
They also enjoy swinging, climbing, and hanging toys, such as ropes or ladders, that provide them with physical exercise.
Also, provide them with chew toys and uneven perches to trim their beak and claws.
Make sure to rotate the toys weekly or monthly to prevent boredom.
Can A Conure Kill A Cockatiel?
Conures do have the physical ability to kill a cockatiel. They are larger in size, have stronger talons, and have bigger, powerful beaks.
While cockatiels also have curved beaks and nails, a single cockatiel is no match for an active and strong conure.
A fight between the two can leave your cockatiel fatally injured. You should carefully note your bird’s behavior towards each other while introducing them to avoid such a scenario.
If you notice any discomfort or territoriality, it’s best to keep them in separate cages.
Forcing two birds into the same space can result in larger problems down the line. Alternatively, if your birds do get along well, you can try getting two cockatiels for each conure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What birds get along with conures?
Conures are gregarious birds and will interact with other conure species as well as smaller parrots such as cockatiels, lovebirds, parrotlets, and budgies.
They typically won’t form a flock with larger birds such as macaws and cockatoos. Conures can happily live with other compatible species of their own size or a little larger in an aviary or flight setup.
A lone conure may bond more closely with people than other birds, but considering them for companion parrot ownership is only recommended when they can have the social interaction of at least one other bird mate.
What birds do cockatiels get along with?
Cockatiels typically get along well with other medium sized birds, such as lovebirds, conures, and quaker parrots.
They can also form close bonds with large parrots such as macaws and cockatoos.
Cockatiels do not typically do well with small birds like budgies and finches and may display aggressive or territorial behaviors towards them.
Therefore, it is important to introduce any new bird cautiously, making sure there are separate cages available in case of aggression.
Do conures need another bird?
Depending on the individual bird’s personality, conures may or may not benefit from having a companion.
However, it is important to remember that birds are generally social animals, and they do better when they are kept in pairs or larger groups.
If a conure is not able to socialize with other birds, it is important to provide them with toys, activities, and interaction with their human guardians to ensure that they stay healthy and happy.
Additionally, if you keep two conures together in a cage, be sure that both birds get plenty of space so they don’t feel crowded or stressed out.
Can a green cheek conure and a cockatiel mate?
While it is technically possible for a green cheek conure and a cockatiel to mate, it is not recommended.
The two species have different needs, diets, and nesting requirements, so breeding them together could lead to mutations and health problems for the offspring.
In addition, the hybrids can sometimes be aggressive or possess undesirable traits that would make it difficult for them to find homes.
Therefore, it is best not to attempt this unnatural cross-breeding of two completely different birds.
Wrap Up
One thing to always remember is that whether two birds get along or not is decided by the bird itself.
Humans can merely act as mediators, but ultimately it’s up to them to get along.
Conures and cockatiels might choose to be happy together and form bonds – but they might end up fighting each other too.
You need to understand which way the relationship is going and ensure that you keep both birds safe.
Thank you for reading.
