Cockatiels vs Hermit Crabs

Cockatiels and hermit crabs are both popular choices as household pets, but they have very different characteristics. Cockatiels are social birds known for their playful and affectionate nature, while hermit crabs are low-maintenance pets that require a suitable habitat to thrive.

General information

Cockatiels
Hermit Crabs
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 :
Hermit crabs are unique and low-maintenance pets that can bring a touch of the ocean into your home. These fascinating creatures are known for their quirky personalities and interesting behaviors, making them a fun and educational pet for all ages. With proper care and a suitable habitat, hermit crabs can thrive in a household setting, providing endless entertainment and learning opportunities for their owners.
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 :
  • Low maintenance: Hermit crabs require minimal care and attention.
  • Quiet: They are not noisy pets, making them ideal for apartments.
  • Fascinating to watch: Their unique behaviors and movements are entertaining.
  • Affordable: Hermit crabs are relatively inexpensive to purchase and care for.
  • Educational: They can teach responsibility and provide learning opportunities.
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 :
  • Require specific habitat conditions
  • Regular shell upgrades needed
  • Can be aggressive towards other hermit crabs
  • Short lifespan compared to other pets
  • Need to be handled carefully to avoid stress
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.
Hermit crabs are land pets that require a habitat with both land and water areas. They are unique pets that need a proper environment to thrive, including shells for shelter and climbing structures.
🟢 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 : Smaller size.
Hermit crabs are small pets, typically measuring only a few inches in size. They are compact and can easily fit in the palm of your hand, making them suitable for smaller living spaces.
🟡 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.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
Hermit crabs are not as popular as traditional pets like dogs or cats, but they have a dedicated fan base. They are commonly kept as pets by enthusiasts who appreciate their unique characteristics and low maintenance requirements.
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 : 10-30
Hermit crabs typically live for 10-30 human years, depending on the species and care provided. Providing proper habitat conditions and diet can help extend their lifespan towards the higher end of the range.
🟡 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 : Average.
Hermit crabs are considered an average risk pet to own. While they are generally low maintenance, there are some risks associated with providing the proper habitat and diet for them. Additionally, they can be sensitive to changes in their environment.


Setup and maintenance

Cockatiels
Hermit Crabs
🟡 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 : Average.
The relative setup cost for hermit crabs is average. While they require a specialized enclosure with proper substrate and climbing structures, the initial investment is moderate compared to other exotic pets.
🟡 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 : Average.
Setting up for hermit crabs requires some research and specific equipment such as a proper tank, substrate, heat source, and humidity levels. It may take some time to get everything just right for their well-being.
🟡 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 : Average.
Maintaining hermit crabs can be considered average in cost compared to other pets. Expenses include food, substrate, and occasional equipment purchases, but overall costs are manageable for most pet owners.
🟡 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 : Average.
Maintaining hermit crabs requires some special knowledge and effort, such as providing a suitable habitat with proper humidity and temperature levels, as well as offering a varied diet and monitoring their health regularly.
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 :
Hermit crabs are omnivores and enjoy a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as protein sources like fish, shrimp, and insects. They also require access to calcium-rich foods like cuttlebone for their exoskeleton health.
🟡 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 : Low.
Hermit crabs require minimal daily care, such as providing fresh food and water, monitoring temperature and humidity levels, and occasionally cleaning their habitat. Overall, they are low maintenance pets.


Other features

Cockatiels
Hermit Crabs
🟢 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.
Hermit crabs are delicate creatures that require specific care and handling. Young children may not have the patience or understanding to properly care for them, increasing the risk of harm to the pet.
🟢 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.
Hermit crabs can make good companions for individuals looking for low-maintenance pets. They are interesting to watch and can provide a sense of calm and relaxation in a household.
🟢 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 : No.
Hermit crabs are not suitable for petting as they are delicate creatures with sensitive exoskeletons. Handling can cause stress and potential harm to the crab, so it is best to observe them in their habitat instead.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Hermit crabs are not typically known for being trainable in the traditional sense. They are more independent creatures that do not respond to training methods like other pets might.


When choosing between a cockatiel and a hermit crab as a pet, consider your lifestyle and preferences. If you’re looking for a pet that can provide companionship and interaction, a cockatiel may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance pet that can be observed rather than handled, a hermit crab could be the perfect fit for you.