Taking a bird into your home is a compromise - no matter what you do they will always make some mess.
You will still have some mess from any poops that come over the tray and also from toys being destroyed. Also, some birds will pick up a veggie and take it elsewhere to eat it which could result in it falling to the floor or being flung.
And I would take a lovebird any day over a cockatiel
we all have our own preferences I have a Lovebird and he is wonderful! He may not sit in one place for long, like on his play gym BUT, he will do his own thing. Lovies LOVE to explore and play! He loves checking out the cupboards, going inside paper bags, going into my walk in closets, playing in the shower curtain etc. My Kiwee is very intelligent and has a very big personality! He isn't cuddly but is very affectionate. He loves being near me, and will nuzzle up against my neck or go in my shirt and poke his little head out! but like I said, he will also go off and do his own thing. He understands lots of commands, will fly to me when I call him and we also have lots of little games we play that he loves. He definitely can be quite noisy and there are some days it drives me a bit nuts! Lovies don't sing like Tiels but sort of have a high pitched squeek like chirp. But I do hafto say when he is excited and playing he makes the most adorable little happy squeeks though! I would also consider him more high maintenance then my other bird which is a Green Cheek Conure. Kiwee is just very attached to me, and probably a bit spoiled and wants to be out ALL THE TIME! But that is probably my fault. I don't think Lovies are for everyone and it did take months for me to gain his trust. He was very afraid of me when he first came home but that first time he flew onto my shoulder was the BEST!!! It is so rewarding to earn a birds trust and love
Good luck with your decision.Agree! I love my Lovie so much!! he's so smart and fun!And I would take a lovebird any day over a cockatiel
