I can't decide between a Budgie/Parakeet and a Lovebird?

Question

I'm going to get some birds. I'll most likely get a pair of males. I've done research on both Budgies and Lovebirds, and I'm torn. I want an affectionate, funny bird. I know that Lovebirds can be very affectionate, but so can Parakeets. I also know that Lovies can be a bit destructive and clingy, but Parakeets can be less friendly at times. Don't Parakeets require less work? My Mom has had Lovebirds, and she adored them. Please tell me which one you prefer, and why. If you can avoid it, please don't tell me they're both great. I want a clear answer. I will ask the people I'm buying from their opinions, as well.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Operating a parrot rescue has given me many incites into various species of birds.  Love birds will be louder than the budgies.  Equally messy but possibly the love birds a little more so.  

Make sure that you are getting hand tame birds no matter which you chose and buy from a breeder and NOT a pet store.  Spend time with the bird before you bring him home to make sure that he already steps up.

Both can be affectionate.  I don't suggest that you get two to start.  Start with one as birds tend to bond together and then you will be left by the way side for affection.  You would be better off getting one and bonding to it so that it becomes your best friend.

Nancy

www.parrotadoptontario.com

Answer 2

I have lovebirds and budgies, and they ARE both great. Sorry, just couldn't avoid it lol.

Lovebirds are little comedians and love to play with stuff. They spend hours hanging upside down off stuff and playing with their toys. They are also very sweet and love to snuggle up on my shoulder, or even better in my pockets. They are destructive, but this can be fixed by giving them stuff to destroy. A piece of paper or empty toilet / paper towel roll will keep my guys amused for ages. They can destroy jewellery and shirt buttons very quickly though so you need to watch out for that.

Budgies - Don't play as much and aren't as amusing to watch, but are happy to sit on my shoulder for hours. The budgies are the fav of my 2 year old daughter because they just sit on her and let her pat them.

Budgies do have the benifit of if you don't play with them for a few days they are just as friendly as they were, and don't hold a grudge that you have been short on time.

Lovebirds don't hesitate to let you know that they are ticked off with you, and will make you work hard to win their affection back, but they always cave in.

All in all budgies are my favourite. They are happy to play with their budgie friends while in the cage, but give me their undivided attention when I am spending time with them. They don't get antsy if my contact with them is limited for a few days, and they don't make as much mess with their food and water.

HOWEVER, I do have a lot of birds (budgies, lovebirds, tiels, bourke's and quakers) so I fully appreciate the easy going nature and simplicity of my budgies. I think if I only had 1 type of bird I would probably prefer lovebirds, just because they are more energetic and fun.

Ok, so not exactly a clear answer of which I prefer, but hopefully you will find a comparison useful.

Answer 3

i have both and both are great sorry parakeets can talk lovies usually can't both birds can be very loving a sweet but if you get a pair they will bond more to each other then to you my parakeets are a male female pair both step up sit on my shoulder and are sweet but they will not do anything without the other right there with them my lovie is by herself and more bonded to me she tears up alot of toys but that just means she likes them budgies will tear up toys too just not as quickly lovebirds are alot louder then budgies budgies are probably a better starter bird if you've never had one before if you want your birds to be sweet they need to be held and played with often lovies will lose tamness easier then budgies if you don't give them enough attention i guess I would say you should start with budgies at first as they are a little easier to care for and tame they can be very sweet and funny and cute