If you have a cockatiel and would like to give your feathered friend another bird to live with, you need to know what birds are compatible with yours. The good news is that cockatiels are docile birds that are generally very social and passive. This means you can house your cockatiel with other small birds without expecting any problems.

Some birds that pair up well with cockatiels include red-crowned parakeets, turquoise parrots, and bourke parakeets, although the best companion would be another cockatiel. Read more about cockatiel cohabitation below!

Cohabitation 101

It’s perfectly fine to house two cockatiels together. One thing to keep in mind if you want to get another cockatiel is that a male and female cockatiel will likely breed. So, unless you want your home to turn into a hatchery, don’t get a new cockatiel that’s the opposite sex of the bird you have now. Cockatiels of the same sex tend to get along just fine so there’s nothing to worry about.

It’s not a good idea to house a cockatiel with a larger, more assertive bird because the cockatiel probably wouldn’t fare well. If you do decide to get one of the birds mentioned above that do get along with cockatiels, you have to keep an eye on things to ensure nothing bad happens like a territorial fight that ends up with one of the birds becoming injured.

Since you’re interested in knowing what birds get along with your cockatiel, we’ll dig a little deeper into the ideal housing companion for your bird. We’ll also discuss what space requirements are necessary for two birds to live together in harmony and more. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading!

Why It’s a Good Idea to Get a Companion for a Cockatiel

Since they are social birds, cockatiels benefit greatly from living with other cockatiels. While a cockatiel can live alone, these birds prefer having company—a lonely cockatiel will become bored easily. While a solo cockatiel will bond closely with its owner, it would form a closer bond with another bird.

If you’ve already formed a close bond with your bird and get a companion for your cockatiel, be prepared to be replaced as your bird’s best friend. Just remember that it’s natural for birds to prefer the company of other birds versus human company.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of cockatiels, you’ll need a great resource to help your birds thrive. We highly recommend taking a closer look at The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, available on Amazon.

This excellent book covers everything from the history, color mutations, and anatomy of cockatiels to expert housing, feeding, breeding, and health care tips.

Young Birds are More Adaptable

Young birds are more adaptable and accepting of other birds. If your cockatiel is young, choose a young companion for your cockatiel and do it right away. This way, the two birds can develop a close bond while they’re young. If your cockatiel is not young, it’s still a good idea that the second bird you get is young as it will increase the chances of the two getting along.

Two Birds Require Twice the Space

A small bird like a cockatiel should live in a birdcage that’s at least 24” L x 18” W x 24” H. This cage size will provide the bird with enough space to accommodate its head crest and long tail. It’s also roomy enough for a cockatiel to move around freely and play.

When adding another bird to your family, plan on getting a birdcage that’s twice as big. This will ensure there is ample room for both birds to move about freely, play, and have their own space when needed. Be sure that there are enough perches and toys in the cage for both birds to enjoy so the two of them can live happily together.

Ensure Both Birds are Healthy Before Housing Them Together

Before you house a new bird with your cockatiel, make sure that both birds are disease-free. You should have both birds checked by your veterinarian to ensure they are not sick. Even though it costs money to visit the vet, you’ll be given peace of mind knowing that you’re not setting your birds up for trouble.

Don’t Rush the Introduction

When you bring your new bird home, don’t place it directly in the cage with your cockatiel. Keep the two birds in individual cages so they can get used to each other. Set the two cages side by side so they can see each other. Leave the birds like this for a couple of days before housing them together.

When you put the two birds together, the first meeting should be closely supervised to ensure they will get along. Keep the room quiet and free of distractions like loud music and noises. Once you see that the two birds can co-exist, you won’t have to keep such a close eye on them.

Tips for Keeping Your Birds Happy

Cockatiels and other small birds like parakeets enjoy getting out of their cages to perch on a T-stand. If you let your birds out of the cage, be sure that they’re supervised so they don’t get into trouble.

Keep your birds happy inside the cage with a bird toy or two. Try to spend about an hour every day playing with your birds and holding them. Twice a week or so, provide your birds with a shallow bowl of warm water they can bathe in. Alternatively, you can mist your birds gently using warm water and a spray bottle.

When handling your birds, do so carefully because birds can bite and scratch. If you have small children, always be present when they’re around your birds so the birds are treated right. It’s important to always wash your hands well before and after handling your birds to prevent the spreading of bacteria.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what birds can live in harmony with your cockatiel, have fun choosing your bird’s new friend! Remember to take things nice and slow when introducing the two birds and before allowing them to cohabitate. If you follow the advice above, your cockatiel should be happy with the new bird you bring home!

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Featured Image Credit: Barbara Rost, Shutterstock