Parrotlet vs Parakeet (Budgie). The Right One for You
June 1, 2024
If you are in doubt about which one you should choose, let's compare those two beautiful birds and see which one will fit better as a pet for you.
Those two species are not so different, with the parrotlets being a bit more active than the parakeet. But in general, the differences are few. The most significant difference is present in the appearance, with the coloring being distinct from one another.
Origin: Latin America
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Average size: 3.5-5 inches
Average Weight: 25 grams
Origin: Australia
Lifespan: 10- 15 years
Average size: 7 inches
Average Weight: 30 grams
The Amazon parrot is the Parrotlet's closest relative, both species share some similarities, and like his relative, he has green as the predominant color with a grey wash. Some people claim that the green color is the most healthy, but it will depend essentially if the reproduction was correct. The Parrotlet has 27 different colors and nine other colors due to dark factors, misty, or cinnamon. The dark factor is not common in America, so be careful breeders are trying to sell typical birds as a dark factor. The misty is not in America yet, and the cinnamon may have a breeder, but it is not confirmed yet.
Here you can see the pictures of all the 36 different colors.
The main visual difference is the color and the size. The parakeet has around 2 inches and 5 grams more when compared to a parrotlet.
The traditional Parakeets color is green with yellow, have a few black dots located on the underside of the beak, and predominant black stripes in the back of the head, back, and both wings. There is also another spice, the English Budgie, which does not exist in nature. The parakeet is found only in Australia, in green with yellow as predominant colors.
The number of primary mutations is at least 32 and allows hundreds of possible secondary colors. Here you can see many images of these possible mutations.
They are known as "parakeets," but the original name is "budgerigar." In English, the shortened version of "budgerigar" is "budgie" and is more accurate because "parakeet" refers to a large group of small to medium-sized parrots.
The parrotlets will enjoy the entire family. They are intelligent and have big personality. Fearless, curious, active, and sassy are part of their personality. They are flock birds, which is why they will get along pretty well with others birds around the house.
It is important to note that parrotlets in the wild choose one mate for life, which will lead the bird to be closest to only one person in the house, which does not mean he won't be a good family bird. He will get along with everyone. It will be essential to choose one person at the residence to have the closest relationship. The more time you invest with your bird, the more comfortable he will become and show their personality. By the way, some parrotlets are fearless and interactive, while others will be introverted and shy.
The parakeet is also a flock bird making them good family birds, where social activities are a big part of the parakeet care. Parakeets are curious and active, so finding ways that allow the bird to spend the energy accumulated is part of the care.
Because both species in the wild live in flocks, when they are pets is essential that the family becomes his flock. When their human family is constantly at home and interacting with the bird, he will naturally make the family his bird flock. If the bird spends most of the time alone, getting another bird to be his companion will be a good idea. When they are not in a flock, it can make the bird depressed.
In conclusion, these species have similar behaviors. But considering the fearless, curious, active, and sassy personality of the parrotlets is valid to consider the species more active.
It is a relevant topic to consider before choosing your bird. Fortunately, both species are considered quiet in this sense, but I think that parakeets (Budgie) are a bit more silent, I owned a parakeet, and the noise he makes is very moderate compared to a parrot scream. Although parrotlets are considered parrots inside a small body, they don't have the loud shout we see present in parrots, making them quiet birds.
You can check it for yourself. Here are two videos that demonstrate different noises from both species. Here it is parrotlet sounds, and here budgie sounds.
Both species are active and must spend the energy they have accumulated, and even more when you choose to trim your bird's wings. By the way, in this article, you can see if you should or not clip your bird's wings.
These birds need to be always provided with a supply of toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Toys with bells, beads, and rings are their favorite. Swings and chew, play gym or T-stand are also good ideas. Here you can check these products and much more to accommodate your future friend.
The day cage is possibly the most significant investment you can make. It should be a large, stimulating environment that provides lots of light and air. Ideally, the space within the day cage should allow some exercise.
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