Budgerigars and other species

[jsh695]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum specifically to ask this question of budgerigar experts!

I have 2 male budgerigars that I purchased almost 2 years ago and enjoy them very much. I was hoping to add more birds to my setup for diversity and because I think it would give some fun company to my two males. First I will say that they are housed in a flight cage that is 96cm wide x 72cm deep x 127cm tall - so lots of room for them and their toys and new birds (hopefully).

The reason I need expert opinions is that I am hoping to do a mixed species cage which I have heard some say it is ok with the right species and some say never ever. In my research I was think that zebra finches are feisty enough to hold their own against budgerigars and java finches are big enough to not be bothered by the budgerigars though they are gentle in demeanor.

Thoughts on mixed species cages (considering the larger size of mine)? Any other species that may work? I wanted to be sure by asking lots of forums because I am obviously trying to be a responsible pet owner.

Thanks in advance

 

[ParrotLover2001]

I've had budgies living with cockatiels and one budgie living with a lovebird. I don't recommend housing different species in the same cage.

Sent from my Galaxy s8

 

[reeb]

It’s not recommended to house budgies with other species. You never know how your birds might react to a new bird and to house them together you are putting them at risk. Budgies can be very territorial and can be quite aggressive towards other birds. You can keep them in separate cages and have them interact out of the cage under supervision.

In terms of species, budgies are particularly incompatible with lovebirds, so keep that in mind. Lovebirds are equally if not more territorial and aggressive than budgies, and with larger beaks they can easily hurt them. You can keep cockatiels with budgies, but not in the same cage - they are larger birds and although they have very mild-mannered personalities, they may react when provoked by the smaller birds and do a lot of damage. Some people have success with conures and budgies interacting out of the cage, but again they actually have even larger beaks than cockatiels and have much more dominant personalities, much like budgies’ personalities. Coupled with the fact that they are larger, it is risky and they should never be caged together and need to be observed under strict supervision out of the cage.

In terms of finches I am not as knowledgeable but I still don’t think it is advisable to keep such small birds with budgies. I have seen aggression and injury when pet shops are irresponsible and keep them with budgies without supervision. A budgie could kill a finch because of being able to overpower them in size.

Overall, I really don’t think you can keep budgies with other species in the same cage. A second cage and interaction out of the cage is much better.

I hope this helps!

 

[jsh695]

thanks for the replies, i was pretty sure it would be a 'no' to mixing but just wanted to hear some expert opinions.

thanks!