Parakeets are beautiful birds that have personalities and behaviors that can make them the perfect pet. Knowing how long they live is a critical fact in deciding if having a parakeet is the right pet for your family.
Parakeet Lifespan
So how long do parakeets live? That depends on a multitude of factors; different breeds of parakeets live different amounts of time and there are over 100 breeds in the world. But for the most common breeds kept as pets,
Here are some of the top breeds kept as pets and their average lifespan.
- Budgerigar: 5–8 years
- Grass parakeet: 10 years
- Barred parakeet: 10 years
- Monk parakeet: 15–20 years
- Plain parakeet: 15–20 years
- Mustache parakeet: 20–25 years
- Golden parakeet: 20–25 years
- Rose-ringed parakeet: 25 years
- Green-cheeked parakeet: Up to 30 years
Each bird is different and some birds may live shorter than their expected life span while others live well past their average age. It all depends on the treatment and overall health of the bird in its environment.
How Long Do Parakeets Live in Captivity?
Knowing how long a pet parakeet may live is the first step in deciding if a parakeet would be a good fit for your home. Parakeets in the wild tend to live about 25 to 30 years; however, once they are taken into captivity, their lifespan tends to decrease significantly.
Below are some tips to ensure you give your parakeet the best possible life while in your care.
- Keep fresh water in a clean bowl
- Feed it the right diet at consistent times
- Provide good cage space—size should be 14 inches long, 16 inches high and 17 inches wide
- Be patient with training
- Communicate with them
- Find a knowledgeable, small animal veterinarian
- Be careful how many treats you give it
- Give it fruit only a few times a week due to fruit’s high sugar content
- Offer fresh vegetables—they can make the world of difference to its diet
Good Care and a Long, Happy Life
When an animal is well-taken care of, it tends to have a longer lifespan, just like humans who have lower levels of stress in their life tend to have healthier bodies and minds. When selecting a pet (of any breed, type or species), it is important to know how to best take care of that animal and ensure you and the rest of the household are prepared for the task of caring for it. Once you welcome it into your home, it’s everyone’s responsibility to give that animal a long and happy life.
