Lifespan of Common Pet Birds

Depending on the species of bird that you have, you can expect your pet bird to be able to live for a designated period of time. Though a life expectancy number is by no means 100% accurate, it can give you a general idea of how long your bird will live. For the most part, birds in captivity tend to live shorter lives than birds in the wild, due to many people neglecting to give their birds proper pet care attention. However, with the right type of bird care, it is possible to help your bird to enjoy a long, healthy life as a member of your household. Here are some general estimations for the lifespan of some of the most common pet birds.

COCKATIEL – 20 YEARS

Pet cockatiels are generally estimated to have a maximum lifespan of twenty years. However, it is possible for a cockatiel to live up to thirty years, under the right type of living conditions and medical care. The most common factors that affect how long a cockatiel lives are diet and exercise, which are often neglected aspects of proper cockatiel care. In addition to this, giving a cockatiel a sufficient amount of attention is a great way to ensure that they don’t exhibit disruptive behavior that can cause excessive stress.

PARAKEETS – 18 YEARS

In optimal conditions, a parakeet will be able to live for up to eighteen years. However, this is slightly dependent on the type of parakeet, as some parakeets have a maximum life expectancy of fifteen years. Parakeets are some of the most common birds kept by pet owners, due to their inexpensive pet care and generally agreeable temperament. However, some parakeets can be prone to neurological problems, which can result in them dying after only five or six years. In some cases, these problems can be averted if identified before they become serious, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your parakeet’s overall health.

FINCHES – 10 YEARS

Most species of finches are able to live for approximately ten years on average. However, there are some finches that are able to live for up to fifteen or twenty years, if provided with optimal living conditions. Finches tend to be relatively low-maintenance pets, without much preference for directly interacting with humans. Because of this, health problems in finches are often not identified before it is too late. If you want to ensure that your finch is able to live to their maximum life expectancy, be sure to check their health status on a regular basis.

AFRICAN GRAY AND AMAZON PARROTS – 50 YEARS

Amazon and African gray parrots are well-known for being a species of bird with an extremely long life expectancy. These birds are also known for their ability to learn to speak and remember specific phrases. Though the African gray parrot is generally regarded as having an affectionate, quiet and gentle temperament, the Amazon parrot can be prone to creating loud noises. Most Amazon parrots can be trained to refrain from this behavior, however, though it may take a significant amount of time.