Are you considering adding a conure to your budgie flock? They are such fun, active little birds! But there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering keeping conures and budgies together; one of the most important things to consider is: Can conures live with budgies?
Here’s what I discovered:
While it is possible for conures and budgies to live together in the same cage, it is important to ensure that they have enough space to move around and socialize. The cage should be large enough for both birds to have their own separate areas where they can rest, eat, and play.
That’s the short answer.
There is a lot more to know. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about keeping conures and budgies together. We’ll cover topics like housing, socialization, and more.
So, let’s get going!
Housing conures and budgies together
While budgies and conures can certainly coexist, whether or not they’ll actually get along depends on the individual birds. Generally, budgies are docile birds, while conures tend to be more high-energy and playful.
Here are a few things to remember if you’re housing conures and budgies together.
1. It’s important to ensure that your birds have ample space. Conures are bigger birds and need a little more room to move around.
2. You’ll need to be aware of the noise. Conures are known for being very vocal birds. If you’re keeping them in the same space as your budgies, they may need a little extra attention to ensure they’re not bothering their smaller cousins.
3. Keep an eye on signs of aggression. Conures can be very playful, but they can get a little too rough with budgies.
Differences between conures and budgies
As mentioned before, these two birds can coexist. However, it is important to take extra care when understanding their personalities so that you can work out better whether they will get along or not.
Conures are generally more active and outgoing than budgies, requiring more attention from their owners. They also tend to be louder than budgies. Therefore depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider this when deciding whether or not to keep them together.
Budgies, on the other hand, are more timid and shy than conures. They require less attention from their owners and are usually quieter.
It is important to remember that these birds have different personalities and needs, so it is essential to provide both birds with enough space and stimulation to thrive.
But let’s see in more detail the characteristics that distinguish these birds.
| Conures | Budgies | |
| Size | Large | Small |
| Noise | Loud | Moderate |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Affection | Demanding | Can be aloof |
| Intelligence | High | High |
| Talkative | Moderate | Good |
| Socialization Needs | High | High |
| Tolerance of Other Birds | Moderate | High |
| Playfulness | High | High |
| Aggressiveness | Moderate | Low |
| Bonding to Owner | Strong | Strong |
Conures are territorial
Because they are such social creatures, they often build strong bonds with their flock mates and can become aggressive if they feel like their territory is being threatened.
For example, you will be their flock, and if you introduce your budgie to the conure, the conure may see the budgie as a threat to its place in the flock and might become aggressive.
Conures are much bigger than budgies
The average conure is about twice the size of a budgie, so it’s important to have a cage that is big enough for both birds.
Different beak sizes
Conures have much bigger beaks in comparison to budgies. They use their beak for climbing, eating, and playing, so their beak is much stronger. Therefore the conure may hurt the budgie with its beak, even if it doesn’t mean to.
Pro tip: It is a good practice always to monitor their interaction and leave them during the night in a divider cage.
Energy levels
In general, budgies tend to be more low-key regarding energy levels. They like to perch and watch their surroundings. Conures, on the other hand, are very active and playful.
Also, because of the energy level of the conure, it is important to ensure that they get enough playtime outside the cage. This way, you’ll reduce the chance of them getting bored and picking on the budgie.
What conures can be kept with budgies?
When it comes to keeping conures with budgies, it is important to consider the size and temperament of both birds.
Some conures may be more compatible with budgies than others, and it is generally best to choose birds with similar temperaments and energy levels.
Some conure breeds that are known for their social and friendly personalities and may be more likely to get along with budgies include:
1. Green-cheeked conures
Green-cheeked conures are a popular choice for those looking to keep conures with budgies. They are known for their friendly and social personalities, making them an ideal companion for budgies.
Green-cheeked conures are relatively small compared to other conure species, reaching a maximum size of around 10 inches. This makes them a great option if you have limited space.
2. Sun conures
Sun conures are known for their bright and cheerful personalities, making them ideal companions for budgies.
Sun conures are slightly larger than Green-cheeked conures, reaching a maximum size of around 12 inches. They also have bright yellow and orange feathers, making them a beautiful addition to any flock.
That said, budgies can sometimes show jealous behavior if they feel they are not receiving enough attention from their owners. This can manifest in various ways, such as aggression towards other pets.
3. Nanday conures
Nanday Conures are generally social and friendly birds that enjoy the company of other birds. They are known for their outgoing and playful personalities, making them a great companion for budgies.
Nanday Conures have black feathers on their heads and backs, with bright green feathers on the rest of their bodies. They are also known for being quite vocal, so they may not be the best choice if you live in an apartment or other noise-sensitive area.
4. Jenday conures
Jenday conures are a delightful and sociable breed of parrot. They love interacting with other birds, including budgies, and tend to be slightly more active and playful than budgies.
However, it’s worth noting that Jendays may need a bit more space to move around due to their energetic nature.
While they are generally peaceful birds, they may become territorial if they feel threatened. Overall, Jenday conures make great companions for those who want a friendly and outgoing pet parrot.
Note: Even conures with generally friendly dispositions may not get along with budgies or other birds in every case. It is always a good idea to introduce any new birds slowly and carefully and to monitor their behavior to ensure that they are getting along well.
Tips for keeping conures and budgies together
As we mentioned before, it’s important to ensure that your birds have ample space. Conures are larger birds and need a little more room to move around.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least two square feet of cage space per bird.
If you do decide to have these two birds, ensure to have a cage that has a divider. This way, the budgie has its own space, and the conure cannot reach over and hurt the smaller bird.
Here are a few tips for training your birds to socialize with each other:
- Start by letting them see each other. Put the cage of the conure close to the budgie’s cage and let them get used to each other’s presence.
- Give them time to get used to each other. When introducing conures and budgies, it is important to give them time to get used to each other. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the birds’ personalities.
- Provide plenty of toys and perches. It is important to provide plenty of toys and perches for both birds. This will help keep them entertained and give them something to do together.
- Monitor their interactions closely. If you see any signs of aggression, bring them back to their divider cage.
Summary
Before we move on to the conclusion, we’ve summarized this article into a short list of key points for you to remember:
- It is important to provide enough space for both birds, with at least two square feet of cage space per bird.
- Using a divider in the cage can help keep the budgie safe from the conure.
- Introduce them slowly and carefully and monitor their interactions closely.
- Provide plenty of toys and perches to keep them entertained.
Conclusion
Let’s recap everything we’ve learned.
In this article, we’ve explored if conures can live with budgies and looked at some important aspects to consider, such as cage size, energy levels, and behavior.
We also looked at what other birds’ conures can get along with and what you need to know before making any decisions.
So, those are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering keeping conures and budgies together.
Ultimately, it is important to choose a bird companion that is a good match for your conure’s personality and lifestyle. With a little experience, you’ll be a pro at keeping conures and budgies together in no time!
I hope this article was helpful and that you now have a better understanding of whether or not conures can live with budgies.
And if you want to learn more about conures, be sure to check out my other articles.
Want to learn more about conures?
Ready to boost your knowledge to the next level? If so, check out the articles below:
- Do Female Conures Talk? (Explained for Beginners)
- Are Conures Smart? If so, How Smart Are They?
- Are Sun Conures Loud? ( How to handle a Noisy Conure)
