Parakeets are small colorful birds endemic to Australia. This little member of the parrot family is an excellent companion for any new pet parent who wants to acquire a bird as they are quite easy to tame and care for as a pet bird.
Individuals considering keeping parakeets as pets are often curious about how long parakeets live. After all, knowing how long your pet bird will live is crucial to determining if it is a good fit for your lifestyle.
In the wild, parakeets can survive up to 15-20 years if they are not eaten by larger birds or come into contact with an unfavorable environmental condition. Parakeets in cages can survive up to twelve years if you give them some daily time outside the cage, feed them a balanced diet, provide them frequent mental and physical activity, and take them to the vet regularly.
If you have a parakeet or are considering getting one, this article will address some of your questions about caring for your pet parakeet.
How long do parakeets live?
In captivity, a parakeet lives for 6 to 12 years on average. Of course, the number depends on the sort of care you provide for your bird. The length of the bird’s life is also determined by its overall health, its genetics, the type of nutrition and activity it receives, and other factors such as activity provided by its owners.
The typical lifespan of a budgie in the wild is roughly 15-20 years. More specifically, the average lifetime in captivity for certain parakeet species is listed below.
In captivity, budgerigars live for an average of 5-8 years. Monk parakeets, sometimes known as Quaker parakeets, have a lifespan of around 15-20 years. They may live up to 25-30 years in the wild. In captivity, the plain parakeet, which is native to Brazil, has a lifetime of roughly 15 years. You may keep your plain parakeets for 18-20 years if you take good care of them.
An Australian native, grass parakeet may live for up to ten years. The lifetime of this parakeet, like that of other parakeets, is determined by the quality of care it receives, its nutrition, the health or genetics of its parents, and other factors. The Barred Parakeet, sometimes known as a lineolate parakeet, has a 10-year lifetime while the Mustache parakeet has a life expectancy of 20-25 years. Similarly, the Golden parakeet may live up to 20-25 years with good care and up to 30 years in the wild.
The lifetime of a Rose-Ringed Parakeet is almost 25-30 years. To live a long and healthy life, the South American native need plenty of nutritious diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. Finally, the lifespan of a Green-cheeked budgie is over 30 years, but mistreatment by the owner can cut it in half.
Do parakeets live long?
In the wild, the average lifetime of common parakeet species is 25-30 years. When kept in captivity, this number drops to around ten years. However, the length of time that pet birds survive is totally dependent on their owners in terms of the level of care that they are prepared to provide. A pet parakeet may easily survive for 10-12 years or longer with proper nutrition and activity.
What causes parakeets to die?
The amount of time parakeets may survive in captivity is mostly determined by the type of nutrition they get, their protection from environmental threats, and their physical and mental health care.
Because sadness is a prominent indirect cause of early mortality in confined parakeets, owners must question themselves, “How do I know whether my bird is happy?” Apart from food and exercise, a parakeet’s life expectancy can be extended by keeping it cognitively active.
Another factor that contributes to a shorter lifetime in captive or pet parakeets is inbreeding. Closely related birds are more likely to have congenital abnormalities, which can reduce the lifetime of parakeets.
When do budgies reach adulthood?
The answer is 5-8 years, however, with proper care, it may be extended to 10-12 years. Exposure to some poisonous foods, such as chocolates, tobacco, and mental sickness or lack of activity, as well as certain infections, are all common reasons for mortality in pet budgies.
What are the signs your budgie is aging?
Throughout the day, you’ll see your budgie taking longer naps when it is starting to age. It might not talk as much as it used to. Your bird will consume smaller portions as well. Its ability to fly would have dwindled. Its feathers may not grow back as quickly as they used to after molting, making it more vulnerable to temperature variations.
How do you know your budgie is dying?
A budgie will generally know 24 hours before it dies, thus owners can usually tell how long their pets live. It could play with a favorite toy it hasn’t played with in a long time, eat a huge favorite meal, sing a favorite song, and even become more lively on the final day before death. They may even groom, feed, or sit near their spouse in an attempt to keep them warm.
What influences parakeet life expectancy?
Life expectancy in parakeets is influenced by several variables. The following elements have a significant impact on how long a parakeet lives.
Budgies’ respiratory systems are complicated, and they are readily harmed by poisonous gases, pollution, home cleansers, Teflon-coated cookware, cigarette smoke, hazardous plants, and other factors.
Budgies are also easily startled, and loud noises can trigger them to fly into cage bars, resulting in serious injury. As a result, how long parakeets survive in captivity is totally dependent on how well you protect your pet from these conditions.
To keep your budgie disease-free, he or she has to eat a balanced diet. Because parakeets have lower fat stores than other birds, any missed meals or insufficient water consumption can swiftly lead to illnesses or acute dehydration.
A tiny, filthy cage might make your budgie feel imprisoned and make it more susceptible to medical and psychological diseases. Banging its head against the cage walls can result in fractured bones, which can lead to bleeding and an increased risk of infection. As a result, selecting the appropriate cage for your bird is critical.
How do you know if your parakeets are in good health?
A healthy parakeet has toes and feet that are immaculate. It should also be upbeat, lively, and inquisitive. Its eyes and beak do not have any crusting. It demonstrates a desire to make friends with both other birds and people. Additionally, it is curious about its cage, toys, and perches.
Budgies might suffer from broken bones since their bones are delicate and hollow. If you don’t address it by taking your pet to the vet, your pet might end up with internal bleeding and infections.
My parakeet has wet droppings, what should I do?
If your bird is sluggish and has wet, runny droppings, or the feathers at the back end seem dirty, it might be coccidiosis. You can wait a few days and then make dietary modifications, such as only giving seeds, to see if the situation improves. If the symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian right once.
What are common parakeet illnesses?
Parrot fever or ornithosis is characterized by your bird’s eyes constantly leaking tears. If you feel your bird is suffering from chills and fever, make an appointment with a veterinarian immediately once.
Rectal prolapse is a disorder in which the intestines migrate out of position. It’s distinguished by a red marble protruding from the bird’s back. Please consult a veterinarian as soon as possible if you observe this. In such circumstances, surgical intervention may be required.
Do not attempt to care for a sick parakeet at home. Take your bird to the vet straight away if something isn’t right with her.
What do the parakeet sounds mean?
Hearing your budgie sing is always a positive sign; it suggests he’s probably healthy and content. The majority of their sounds and melodies come from their surroundings, including human speech. They’ll imitate phone ringtones, television, music, birds outside, and other pets, among other things. They also compose tunes that are incredibly innovative and unique.
Why does my budgie scream?
If your budgie screams, he’s most likely expressing fear, discomfort, or irritability. If you try to interact with it after 8 p.m., for example, he will scream. After that time, he obviously likes to remain quiet and alone. During the day, if his feeding bowl is empty, he will scream. When no one was watching, some parakeets would scream (and I mean produce the loudest sound you have ever heard). Some enjoy being the focus of attention.
Parakeets and parrots in general have a variety of sparkling personalities, and you’ll learn what different noises indicate for your bird over time.
Is it better to have one or two parakeets?
A solo parakeet is more friendly to humans and seeks physical contact more frequently than a parrot with a partner. A solitary parakeet is also less prone to bite and engage in hostile behavior. … If you only have one parakeet, training it can be a lot easier.