Cockatiels vs African Greys

African Greys and Cockatiels are popular choices for bird enthusiasts looking for a feathered companion. African Greys are known for their high intelligence and ability to mimic speech, while Cockatiels are prized for their friendly and social nature.

General information

Cockatiels
African Greys
Introduction :
Cockatiels are popular household pets known for their friendly and social nature. These small parrots are easy to care for and can provide endless entertainment with their playful antics and ability to mimic sounds. Cockatiels are great companions for individuals or families looking for a low-maintenance pet that can bring joy and companionship to the household.
Introduction :
African Greys are the intellectuals of the bird world, known for their exceptional talking abilities and impressive vocabulary. These birds are like having a sassy, feathered roommate who always has something witty to say. With their striking gray feathers and piercing eyes, African Greys are sure to captivate anyone who crosses their path. Just be prepared for some serious sass and attitude from these clever avian companions!
Advantages :
  • Cockatiels are social birds, providing companionship and entertainment.
  • They are relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming and cleaning.
  • Cockatiels are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks.
  • They have a pleasant and melodious singing voice.
  • Cockatiels are small in size, making them suitable for apartment living.
Advantages :
  • African Greys are great at mimicking human speech
  • They have a high level of intelligence and problem-solving skills
  • African Greys are known for their playful and entertaining personalities
  • They can form strong bonds with their owners
  • African Greys are low-maintenance pets that require minimal grooming
Disadvantages :
  • Cockatiels can be noisy and disruptive at times.
  • They require a lot of attention and social interaction.
  • Cockatiels can be messy and produce a lot of feathers and dander.
  • They may be prone to health issues such as respiratory problems.
  • Cockatiels can be long-lived pets, requiring a long-term commitment.
Disadvantages :
  • African Greys are too smart, they’ll outwit you easily.
  • They can be noisy and mimic annoying sounds incessantly.
  • Their diet can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare.
  • African Greys require a lot of mental stimulation and attention.
  • They can live for a long time, so be prepared for commitment.
Type : Flying.
Cockatiels are flying pets that require a spacious cage and regular flight time outside of it. They are social birds that enjoy interacting with their owners and can be trained to do tricks.
Type : Land animals.
African Greys are like having a sassy roommate who can mimic your every word. They're the stand-up comedians of the bird world, always ready to entertain with their witty remarks and impressive vocabulary. Just make sure they don't pick up any bad habits from late-night TV shows!
🟢 Size : Smaller size.
Cockatiels are small-sized pets, making them suitable for households with limited space. Their compact size allows for easy accommodation in cages or aviaries, making them ideal for apartment living.
🟡 Size : Medium size.
African Greys are medium-sized birds that require a spacious cage to accommodate their active nature. They love to play and explore, so consider getting them a large cage with plenty of toys and perches. They may need a new house or shed to keep them entertained and happy.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
Cockatiels are a popular choice for bird enthusiasts and are commonly kept as pets. While not as widespread as some other pets, they are still relatively common in households that enjoy avian companionship.
Lifespan : 15-25
Cockatiels typically live for 15-25 human years, depending on their care and genetics. Providing a healthy diet, proper housing, and regular vet check-ups can help ensure a longer lifespan.
Lifespan : 60
African Greys typically live to around 60 years, but be prepared for the possibility that they may outlive you. So, make sure you have a solid plan in place for your feathered friend's care in case they become the head of the household!
🟡 Risk : Average.
Cockatiels are generally low-maintenance pets, but they require regular attention and social interaction. They can be prone to health issues like respiratory problems, and their small size makes them susceptible to injuries if not handled carefully.
🔴 Risk : High.
Owning an African Grey is like having a feathered spy in your home. Your friends, family, and even your nosy neighbors will be at the mercy of this chatty bird's gossip. Just hope it doesn't spill all your secrets at the next neighborhood BBQ!


Setup and maintenance

Cockatiels
African Greys
🟡 Setup cost : Average.
The relative setup cost for cockatiels is average. While the birds themselves are relatively affordable, there are additional costs for a suitable cage, toys, perches, and food supplies that can add up.
🔴 Setup cost : High.
You better start saving now because African Greys come with a hefty setup cost. From a spacious cage to toys, perches, and enrichment activities, these birds require a lot of supplies. Don't forget about vet visits and high-quality food. Your wallet might feel lighter after bringing one home!
🟡 Setup difficulty : Average.
Setting up for a cockatiel requires some effort and knowledge of their specific needs, such as providing a suitable cage, diet, and enrichment. It may take some time to properly prepare for their care.
🔴 Setup difficulty : Hard.
Getting setup with an African Grey is like trying to navigate a minefield blindfolded. These birds are as high-maintenance as a Beverly Hills housewife. From their demanding diet to their need for mental stimulation, be prepared to dedicate your life to keeping this feathered diva happy.
🟡 Maintenance cost : Average.
Maintaining a cockatiel can be considered average in cost compared to other pets. Costs include food, toys, cage maintenance, and occasional vet visits. Overall, it is a manageable expense for most pet owners.
🔴 Maintenance cost : High.
African Greys are like high-maintenance ex-spouses. They demand top-notch food, constant entertainment, and can even sue you for emotional distress if you neglect them. Better have a lawyer on speed dial if you want to keep these feathered divas happy.
🟡 Maintenance difficulty : Average.
Maintaining a cockatiel requires regular cleaning of their cage, providing a balanced diet, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Some knowledge of bird behavior and health is necessary for their well-being.
🔴 Maintenance difficulty : Hard.
African Greys are like having a toddler with wings and a beak. They require constant mental stimulation, a varied diet, and lots of attention. Forget about having nice furniture or a quiet house. Get ready for non-stop squawking, messy cages, and the occasional bite that sends you running to the ER.
Diet :
Cockatiels enjoy a diet of seeds, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. They also appreciate occasional treats like millet sprays. It's important to provide a balanced diet to ensure their health and well-being.
Diet :
African Greys have a sophisticated palate and enjoy a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. They also have been known to sneakily steal snacks from their owners' plates when they're not looking. Just make sure to keep an eye on your fingers during feeding time!
🟡 Time : Average.
Cockatiels require daily interaction, feeding, and cleaning of their cage. They also need mental stimulation and socialization. While they are relatively low-maintenance compared to other pets, they still require regular attention and care.
🔴 Time : High.
African Greys demand a high level of time commitment. They are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive. Be prepared to spend several hours a day engaging with your feathered friend to keep them happy and healthy. It's a full-time job, but the rewards are worth it!


Other features

Cockatiels
African Greys
🟢 Children : Yes.
Cockatiels can make great pets for children with proper supervision and guidance. They are generally friendly, social, and can be easily trained to interact safely with younger kids.
🔴 Children : No.
African Greys are not ideal pets for children as they require a lot of attention and can be quite sensitive. Plus, their intelligence may lead them to outsmart the kids and cause chaos in the household. It's best to stick with a more child-friendly pet like a goldfish or a hamster.
🟢 Companionship : Yes.
Cockatiels are known for their friendly and social nature, making them excellent companions for individuals of all ages. They enjoy interacting with their owners and can provide entertainment and companionship.
🟢 Companionship : Yes.
African Greys are known for their intelligence and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. They can be great companions, providing entertainment and conversation. Just be prepared for their mischievous antics and occasional mood swings. Overall, a great choice for those seeking a feathered friend.
🟢 Petting : Yes.
Cockatiels can be friendly and enjoy being petted, especially if they are hand-raised and socialized from a young age. They may enjoy head scratches and cuddling with their owners.
⚪ Petting : Unknown.
Petting an African Grey may result in unpredictable reactions. While some may enjoy gentle petting, others may become agitated and potentially bite. Approach with caution and be prepared for the possibility of losing a limb... or at least a finger.
🟢 Training : Yes.
Cockatiels are intelligent birds that can be trained to do tricks, mimic sounds, and even be potty trained. With patience and consistency, they can be great pets for training.
🟢 Training : Yes.
African Greys are highly intelligent birds and can be trained to mimic sounds and even learn basic commands. However, their mischievous nature may lead to unexpected behaviors during training sessions. Maybe you can train it to entertain guests with its repertoire of sounds or maybe it will just outsmart you at every turn.


When choosing between African Greys and Cockatiels, consider your lifestyle and preferences. If you value a bird that can engage in complex interactions and mimic speech, the African Grey may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a sociable and easy-going bird that enjoys human interaction, the Cockatiel could be the perfect fit for your household.