Budgie or cockatiels?

[Bird_Nerd]

Hiiii.
I'm not sure if an budgie or cockatiel would be better for me as a first timer.
what is your opinion?
I'll like a budgie cos of their different colours, but I've heard they bite very hard, They've got huge personalities, very fiesty, and I'll like an cockatiel because of their calm dispostiton (compared to budgies!) huge personalities too, Just a few colours, (primarily grey, black, white, orange/yellow right?)
so what do you all think?
I'm 15, I've got over a hundred fish, two cats, had 14 once (Mama cat gave birth to 5 and then 8 kittens). and two mice atm. hoping to add a birdy to this chaotic household.
Thanks in advance.
B_Nerd

[Lisa B]

both birds are wonderful companions. I have had flocks of both.
Seems you nailed the dispostion of them in your post. Budgies are more outgoing, content to make fun on their own. Tiels like to be with their human caretakers. They arent as animated. Both CAN learn to talk, tho Female tiels really dont.
Tiels are among my most favorite of all species, and I have had almost every species live with me through the years.

[birdguy]

keets for sure. i've owned more than 10 of them. they don't bite hard at all. their beaks are just sharp.

[Oscars Mom]

If you want a pet to handle ,pat etc Id go with a cockatiel.Ive had both and I think tiels interavt more with people.I think tiels are a great first bird cause their so easy to train and keep tame.

[Monica]

Handraised from a breeder, either one could be a great companion! I also like to suggest bourke parakeets! Predominantly grey, and not as common as budgies or tiels, however they do come in blues, greens, pinks, oranges, yellows, etc! (just more expensive)

Either way you go about it, I suggest you buy a handraised bird from a breeder as it'll be easier to handle and care for.