Parakeet vs Lovebird: Which One Makes a Better Pet?
Parakeets and lovebirds are both popular pet birds known for their colorful feathers and lively personalities. They are generally considered as begginers bird, suitable for younger people. They are relatively easy to take care.
However, there are some differences between these two species in terms of their behavior, intelligence, talking ability, personality, food, maintenance and care, noise level, biting issue, cage aggression, cuddliness, cage size, and toys.
In this blog, we will compare and contrast parakeets and lovebirds to help you decide which one might be the best pet bird for you.
| Category | Parakeet | Lovebird |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior | Social and active, but may become territorial | Social and active, but may become territorial |
| Intelligence | Intelligent and curious, but not known for advanced problem-solving skills | Intelligent and curious, with good problem-solving skills |
| Talking Ability | Good at mimicking sounds and can learn to talk although not clear as other larger parrots. | Limited talking ability |
| Personality | Generally friendly and playful | Affectionate, cuddly and can form strong bonds with their owners |
| May become nippy or aggressive if not properly socialized | May become nippy or aggressive if not properly socialized. Lovebirds do not do well with other birds in same room. They will bite them viciously. | |
| Food | Omnivorous diet, including seeds, fruits, vegetables, and nuts | Omnivorous diet, including seeds, fruits, vegetables, and nuts |
| Maintenance and Care | Require daily interaction and socialization, as well as regular cage cleaning and grooming | Require daily interaction and socialization, as well as regular cage cleaning and grooming |
| May need more space and enrichment opportunities due to their energy levels | May need more space and enrichment opportunities due to their high intelligence and energy levels | |
| Noise Level | Can be noisy, especially during the morning and evening but they are not loud. You may not notice any sound if you are in other room of the apartment. | Can be noisy, especially during the morning and evening. Lovebirds have very high pitch voice. Althogh it may not bother your neighbour but other people in the same apartment surely need to cope up with it. |
| Biting Issue | May nip or bite if not properly socialized | May nip or bite if not properly socialized |
| Cage Aggression | May become territorial and exhibit cage aggression to other bird. | May become territorial and exhibit cage aggression to other bird. |
| Cuddly | Affectionate but does not enjoy being held like lovebirds. | Cudlly, can be affectionate and enjoy being held |
| Cage Size (Check our article on bird cage) | Need a cage that is at least 24″ x 24″ x 24″ for single budgie | Need a cage that is at least 24″ x 24″ x 24″ |
| Toys | Need plenty of toys and enrichment activities to prevent boredom and destructive behavior | Need plenty of toys and enrichment activities to prevent boredom and destructive behavior |
In summary, parakeets and lovebirds have some similarities, but also some differences that are important to consider before deciding which one to bring home as a pet. Both species are social, active, and require daily interaction and care, but lovebirds may be more affectionate and have better problem-solving skills.
Another problem with lovebirds is, they do not tolerate other birds. They will sweet cotton candy with you but will bite to kill other birds in the same room. So, if you are planning to have more birds in future, then think before adopting lovebirds.
On the other hand, parakeets are known for their good talking ability and playful personalities. Both parakeets and lovebirds can be noisy, nippy, and exhibit territorial behavior if not properly socialized.
They also need plenty of toys and enrichment activities to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. As they are territorial, thus it is not wise to house them with other birds, otherwise they will wounded if not kill each other.
Ultimately, the right choice between a parakeet and a lovebird will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and ability to provide the necessary care and attention.