Can parakeets and finches live together? This can be a difficult question to answer, as in the wild, parakeets and finches live amongst each other and get along just fine. Whereas in captivity, it will depend on many factors.
First, you need to consider the size of your home. If you have room for two cages, then this can work well for both birds. However, if you don't have enough space in your home or outside area, then maybe this isn't a good idea at all. Next is the diet of these birds.
If they are eating different foods or one eats more than the other, that can also cause problems when sharing an environment with them. The same goes for their personalities, too; do they get along with each other? Do they like spending time together? These are just some things to think about when can parakeets and finches live together.
In this post, we are going to discuss 8 things you should consider before deciding to pair these two birds together.
- Finches
- Parakeets
- 8 Things To Consider Before Pairing A Parakeet And A Finch
- 1. Consider The Differences Between Parakeets And Finches
- 2. Consider The Size Of Your Home
- 3. Consider Your Cage-Buying Budget.
- 4. How Much Time You Have To Tame Your Birds
- 5. Feeding Time: What Kinds Of Food Can You Feed Them Together?
- 6. Parakeets And Finches Play Differently
- 7. Consider The Mess!
- 8. Consider The Fighting
- Conclusion
Finches
Finches are small seed-eating birds that have a very short, pointed beak. They are usually found in North America and Europe.
Finches will eat both seeds and fruits, so they don't require any supplements if you feed them a healthy diet with variety. These birds thrive on bird seed mixes that have sunflower seed or niger seed as the main ingredient.
A typical finch has a short, compact body, a short neck, and a conical bill. They are capable of storing food in their crops for later consumption.
The diet of finches should include plenty of fresh water daily and provide foods like dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts in smaller amounts as an occasional treat.
Finches typically mate for life and lay three to six eggs at one time. The eggs will hatch over 16 days without a brood patch or incubator required.
Parakeets
Parakeets are small to medium-sized birds that are originally from Australia. They are known for being intelligent and having a pleasant disposition.
A parakeet's diet should include plenty of fresh water and seed mix, different types of cooked vegetables, as well as fruits. Parakeets should also be given treats like apples, oranges, and grapes in small quantities.
Parakeets are often monogamous but do not mate for life. They will mate and lay eggs in the spring.
Parakeets are very social and should be kept with other birds, or if by themselves, they need a lot of attention from their owners.
8 Things To Consider Before Pairing A Parakeet And A Finch
1. Consider The Differences Between Parakeets And Finches
What are the differences between parakeets and finches? Well, parakeets are generally smaller birds. They also can be more social and vocal than finches. Finches, on the other hand, tend to be larger in size, they're not as social or as vocal and will typically live by themselves rather than living together with another bird.
2. Consider The Size Of Your Home
You need to have plenty of space for both types of birds to fly around and enjoy themselves. The size of your home will also determine how much space you have for suitable-sized cages.
If you don't have enough room for two cages or one large enough for both birds, then taking on this pair isn't the best idea.
If you have the space for two cages, then read on to see if there are other factors that could help make this decision easier.
3. Consider Your Cage-Buying Budget.
Finches need larger cages than parakeets; typically, they need to be in flight-cages (taller), while parakeets prefer cages wider in width. Thankfully, cages are not extremely expensive, but it is still something to keep in mind when shopping around.
4. How Much Time You Have To Tame Your Birds
Parakeets tend to be easier to tame than finches. Within a number of days to weeks of owning your parakeet, you can have them hopping onto your finger, flying to you, or performing some simple tricks.
Whereas finches require a lot more time and attention to tame. This is one of the most important factors to consider if you're thinking about keeping these two birds together.
If time isn't an issue and you have plenty of patience, or if you do not plan on taming your birds at all, then this might not be a problem for you.
5. Feeding Time: What Kinds Of Food Can You Feed Them Together?
Both birds have a similar diet of seeds and vegetables, but they have preferences on which seeds they eat. The shop-bought mixes will cater to each bird individually and be best suited to that breed.
Similarly, this means you would need to buy two different kinds of seed mix.
Another option would be to make your own seed mixes using the seeds they prefer in common. This could save time and money while helping them bond. However, you need to weigh up the time factor. Do you have the time to prepare a mutual seed mix for your birds?
6. Parakeets And Finches Play Differently
What toys can you provide them with that will entertain both types of birds at once? Parakeets are entertained by a variety of hanging toys and foraging items, while finches are more entertained by nest building. Consider how you will keep up with providing both of these birds with differing personalities, ample enrichment opportunities.
If they are housed in the same cage, you may need to allocate different sides of the cage for each bird to feel at home so as not to overcrowd the cage.
7. Consider The Mess!
I do not really consider parakeets to be messy; poop all over the cage aside. However, finches are both messy eaters and messy poopers. You will be doing a lot more cleaning up with a finch around or find yourself cleaning the cage more often.
8. Consider The Fighting
While it is likely that your birds will get along just fine, if your birds are stressed out due to their environment, this cannot be guaranteed.
For example, if the cage is too small or cramped for them, they may not be able to get along.
If the cage is too cluttered with toys or perches for both birds to have their own space, then it could cause arguments and fighting between your two feathered friends!
It is likely that your parakeet would be the more aggressive out of the pair and will begin to attack your finch!
Conclusion
If you are thinking about pairing a parakeet and finch, it is important to consider the size of your cage, how they play differently, their diet (seed mix), and if there will be enough space.
It's important to consider the differences between your new pet birds before you make a decision. One of them may be more suited for your living situation, or both might need extra care and attention that you're not able to provide. We hope this article has helped you understand some of the things you should think about when pairing up parakeets with finches!
