Cockatiel, dove and budgies?

Question
Hi I have a cockatiel, a ring neck dove and four budgies, they all seem to get along during there out of cage time and I was wondering if I could keep them all together in a large cage. They all eat small pellets and seed so there diet is nearly the same.

Answer
Hello.  Thanks for posting your questions.  

I would not recommend putting them all together in a large cage on a permanent basis for the following reasons:

- There is only 1 tiel and the budgies would probably pick on s/he.  The tiel may not be able to defend itself against all the budgies.

- The dove should be eating dove/pigeon grain, not pellets and keet/tiel seed.  Although the pellets and keet/tiel seed won't harm the dove, the dove's dietary needs are different than the parrot's dietary needs.  Also, a dove needs grit (eats grains whole), whereas, parrots don't (they hull their seeds).  (DO NOT GIVE KEETS/TIEL GRIT)

- The dove might not be able to defend itself to the budgies and/or tiel.  The dove can't bite, whereas the keets/tiel can (although the dove can "slap" the others with it's wings).  

- A dove's perching needs are different than a parrots.  Parrots have 2 toes forward, 2 toes back.  Dove's have 3 toes forward, 1 toe back.  Therefore, parrots need round perches, whereas, doves need more of a flat surface to perch/roost on.      

- Out/play time is different than being caged together in a confined area.  They can continue to be out together during play time.

I also recommend you get the keets/tiel on a moist/soft diet as their primary feed, along with the pellets 24/7, with seeds only after they eat their healthy feed and/or as an occasional treat.

Chrys