10 Birds You Can (Probably) Keep With Your Budgie

Budgies are some of the most popular and lovable pet birds out there. If you already have one, you might be wondering whether your budgie would enjoy having a feathered friend to share space with.

The good news is that budgies are social birds who often do well living alongside other bird species. Some of the best companions for budgies include cockatiels, canaries, finches, and certain types of parakeets. These birds share similar temperaments and care needs, which helps keep things peaceful.

That said, not every bird species will get along with a budgie. Choosing the right companion takes a little research. Below, we will walk through 10 birds that tend to pair well with budgies, along with tips on how to introduce them safely.

Can Budgies Live With Other Birds?

Yes, budgies can absolutely live with other birds. In fact, many budgie owners find that their bird becomes happier and more active with a companion around. Budgies are flock birds by nature, so they are wired to enjoy the company of others.

The key is choosing a bird species that matches your budgie’s size, energy level, and temperament. Pairing a budgie with a bird that is too large or too aggressive can lead to stress or injuries. You also want to make sure both birds have enough space, separate food dishes, and plenty of perches so nobody feels crowded.

When done right, keeping multiple bird species together can be a wonderful experience for both you and your pets.

1. Canaries

Price: $50 to $150
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Size: 4 to 5 inches

Canaries are one of the most popular choices to keep alongside budgies. These small, cheerful birds are known for their beautiful singing, and they tend to mind their own business rather than picking fights.

One reason canaries work so well with budgies is their similar size. Neither bird feels threatened by the other, and they can comfortably share a larger aviary or flight cage. Canaries are also relatively low maintenance, eating a similar diet of seeds, fresh vegetables, and the occasional fruit treat.

Keep in mind that canaries generally prefer their own space and may not be as social as your budgie. Giving each bird its own area within the cage helps prevent any territorial squabbles.

2. Lovebirds

Price: $50 to $200
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Size: 5 to 7 inches

Lovebirds are colorful, affectionate birds that can sometimes be kept with budgies. They share a similar size range and enjoy an active, playful lifestyle. Both species love to climb, chew on toys, and explore their surroundings.

However, lovebirds can be a bit feisty. Some lovebirds have strong personalities and may try to boss your budgie around. This is why it is really important to introduce them slowly and watch their interactions carefully during the first few weeks.

If you have a larger aviary where both birds can have their own territory, lovebirds and budgies can coexist quite happily. Just make sure there are plenty of perches, food stations, and hiding spots so each bird feels secure.

3. Cockatiels

Price: $80 to $250
Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Size: 12 to 13 inches

Cockatiels are one of the most commonly recommended companions for budgies. Despite being a bit larger, cockatiels are known for their gentle and easygoing nature. They rarely show aggression toward smaller birds, which makes them a safe choice.

Both cockatiels and budgies are social birds that enjoy interacting with their owners and with each other. They share similar dietary needs and activity levels, which makes caring for both at the same time pretty straightforward.

Many owners report that their cockatiel and budgie become genuine friends, preening each other and hanging out on the same perch. Just make sure your cage or aviary is large enough to give both birds room to spread their wings.

4. Finches

Price: $20 to $60
Lifespan: Up to 10 years
Size: 4 to 6 inches

Finches are tiny, energetic birds that can be wonderful cage mates for budgies. They are peaceful by nature and tend to keep to themselves, which means they are unlikely to bother your budgie.

One of the best things about finches is that they come in a wide variety of species and colors. Zebra finches and society finches are among the most popular choices for mixed bird households because of their calm temperament.

Since finches are quite small, you will want to make sure your budgie does not accidentally intimidate them. A spacious cage with multiple levels and plenty of perches gives everyone room to coexist comfortably.

5. Bourke’s Parakeets

Price: $100 to $300
Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Size: 7 to 9 inches

Bourke’s parakeets are a fantastic match for budgies. These gentle, quiet birds are native to Australia, just like budgies, so they share similar natural behaviors and habitat preferences.

What makes Bourke’s parakeets especially great companions is their calm demeanor. They are one of the most peaceful parakeet species and rarely cause conflict with other birds. They tend to be most active during dawn and dusk, which means they often rest while your budgie is at peak energy during the middle of the day.

Their similar diet and care requirements make it easy to keep both species in the same aviary. Bourke’s parakeets are also beautiful birds with soft pink and brown feathers that add a lovely variety to your flock.

6. Turquoisine Parakeets

Price: $200 to $400
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Size: 8 inches

Turquoisine parakeets are another Australian species that pairs well with budgies. These stunning birds have vibrant turquoise and green plumage that makes them a real eye catcher in any aviary.

Like Bourke’s parakeets, turquoisines are known for being calm and non aggressive. They tend to keep to themselves and are happy to share space with budgies as long as the enclosure is big enough for everyone.

These birds do best in larger aviaries where they can fly freely. If you are considering adding a turquoisine parakeet to your budgie’s home, plan on providing a flight cage or outdoor aviary to keep both birds healthy and happy.

7. Red Crowned Parakeets

Price: $200 to $500
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Size: 10 to 11 inches

Red crowned parakeets, also known as red masked parakeets, are colorful birds from Central and South America. They are social, playful, and generally get along well with other bird species, including budgies.

These parakeets share a similar diet with budgies and enjoy the same types of toys and activities. They are active birds that love to climb, swing, and explore, which makes them entertaining companions.

Red crowned parakeets are also relatively quiet compared to some larger parrot species. This means they will not overwhelm your budgie with loud calls. Their friendly nature and moderate size make them a solid choice for a mixed bird household.

8. Yellow Collared Lovebirds

Price: $100 to $150
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Size: 6 inches

Yellow collared lovebirds are a specific lovebird species that tends to do well with budgies. They are playful, curious, and full of energy, which matches the budgie’s own lively personality.

These lovebirds are slightly larger than budgies but not by much, so size differences are not usually an issue. They enjoy similar foods, toys, and activities, which makes shared living arrangements easier to manage.

As with all lovebird species, keep an eye on interactions during the first few weeks. Yellow collared lovebirds can be territorial at times, so having a spacious cage with multiple feeding stations helps prevent any issues.

9. Lineolated Parakeets

Price: $150 to $300
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Size: 6 to 7 inches

Lineolated parakeets, often called linnies, are small, stocky parakeets known for their quiet and gentle nature. They are one of the best companion choices for budgies because they rarely show any aggression.

Linnies have a unique personality. They love to hang out, walk around on flat surfaces (which is unusual for parakeets), and quietly chatter throughout the day. Their calm energy complements the budgie’s more active style, creating a nice balance in the cage.

These birds are also easy to care for and eat a similar diet to budgies. If you want a companion bird that will not stress out your budgie, a lineolated parakeet is an excellent choice.

10. Princess Parrots

Price: $200 to $500
Lifespan: 15 to 30 years
Size: 14 to 18 inches

Princess parrots are beautiful Australian birds with pastel colored plumage. They are larger than budgies, but their gentle temperament makes them suitable aviary companions.

These parrots are social and enjoy being part of a flock, which aligns perfectly with your budgie’s social nature. They share similar dietary needs and are generally peaceful birds that do not bully smaller species.

Because of their larger size, princess parrots definitely need a spacious aviary rather than a standard cage. If you have the room, though, watching a princess parrot and a budgie interact can be truly delightful.

How to Introduce a New Bird to Your Budgie

Bringing a new bird home is exciting, but rushing the introduction can lead to stress and conflict. Here is a step by step approach that works well for most bird pairings.

Start by placing the new bird’s cage next to your budgie’s cage. Let them see and hear each other for several days before any direct contact. This quarantine period also helps make sure the new bird is not carrying any illnesses.

After about a week, you can allow supervised time together in a neutral space. A bathroom or small room where neither bird has established territory works well. Watch their body language closely. Relaxed postures, curious head tilting, and gentle chirping are all good signs.

If both birds seem comfortable, you can start letting them share a cage for short periods while you supervise. Gradually increase the time they spend together until you are confident they get along. Always make sure the cage has multiple food dishes, water sources, and perches so neither bird feels the need to compete.

Patience is the most important thing during this process. Some birds become best friends in days, while others need weeks to warm up. Let them set the pace and everything should work out fine.