How Long Do Parrots and Other Birds Live?

How Long Do Parrots and Other Birds Live?

Parrots and other birds can live up to 10 to 50 years or more depending on the type and the conditions they live in. Parrots comprise a group of birds that includes 279 different species. They vary in size from small birds that can fit in the palm of your hand to large birds the size of a cat and their lifespans are just as variable. talking parrot for sale near me

Average Lifespan of Parrots

Parrots are special among pet birds because many species have the potential to be with you for your entire life. They also often outlive their owners. Parrots usually live longer in captivity than in the wild because they are less likely to encounter predators and disease while living in a home. That, however, doesn’t mean they are exempt from illness and shortened lifespans. parrot for sale tasmania

As a general rule, the larger the bird, the longer the expected lifespan is. Listed below are some estimated lifespans for common parrots and other pet birds. These are, of course, based on a healthy bird kept under ideal conditions. In reality, there is a wide range in the age that pet birds might reach and certainly, some will live longer (or shorter amounts of time) than the ages listed.

African Gray Parrots 40 to 60 years, or more
Amazon Parrots 25 to 75 years
Budgerigars (Parakeets) 5 to 18 years
Caiques Up to 50 years
Canaries 10 years
Cockatiels 10 to 15 years
Cockatoos 20 to 60 years, depending on the species
Conures 10 to 30 years, depending on the species
Doves 20 years or more (in the wild it is only about 1 1/2 years)
Eclectus Parrots 30 to 50 years, or more
Finches Typically 5 to 9 years but it can be longer if housed in an aviary
Lorikeets (Lories) 10 to 30 years
Lovebirds 10 to 15 years
Macaws 30 to 50 years, or more, depending on the species
Pigeons 15 years (in the wild it is only about 5 years)
Senegal Parrots Up to 50 years (in the wild it is only about 25 years)
Pionus Parrots 25 years
How Long Do Parrots and Other Birds Live?
 

Parrot Lifespan Factors

The most common factors that affect a parrot’s life are nutrition, veterinary care, and mental health.

Your parrot will thrive if you provide them with a secure and clean enclosure with plenty of space to climb and spread their wings. They should also get lots of natural sunlight or full-spectrum lighting (rather than artificial light alone) as it will allow them to better process nutrients and establish an appropriate day/night cycle for their mental well-being. parrot for sale tulsa

Some birds should also be housed with other birds since they are a flock species. Humans cannot take the place of another bird, no matter how hard we try.

If you are purchasing a pet bird, make sure to choose one from a trustworthy breeder. They should be able to provide you with health information on the bird’s parents since genetics are also a factor in longevity. parrot for sale trinidad

Giving your parrot an appropriate diet will also help keep it healthy and prevent disease. A well-rounded diet includes pellets, grains, seeds, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables. A balance of vitamins, protein, fats, and minerals (such as calcium from sources like boiled eggshells) is critical in maintaining a bird’s health and longevity.

Giving a bird a diet that consists mainly of sunflower seeds (which birds love) is one of the worst things you can do. These contain high levels of fat and very few nutrients. parrot for sale thailand

Scarlett macaw parrot with head tilted to side inside a cage

Famous Old Parrots

While many individual parrots have lived a considerably long time, a couple became very well-known for their extended years.