Parakeets are great beginner birds for any pet lover that is interested in exploring birds as companions. As with any pet, life expectancy of a parakeet should be considered before adding one to your feathered family. Parakeets are charismatic and social birds but can require a lot of attention.
Parakeet Lifespan
The most common parakeet in captivity is the budgerigar or budgie. In captivity, budgies can live anywhere between 7-15 years of age. This is almost twice the life expectancy of a wild budgie. In the wild, budgies can live between 4-6 years because of threats of predation.
What Makes Some Parakeets Live Longer Than Others?
Multiple factors can influence how long a parakeet can live. Good husbandry is essential—if a parakeet does not have good husbandry provided for it, then their lifespan can be drastically shortened.
Nutrition is another important factor. There are many different parakeet diets available, and a balanced diet is necessary to help your budgie live a complete life.
Life expectancy of parakeets in also influenced by the presence of disease. Parakeets commonly suffer from:
Obesity
Scaly legs or face (Knemokotopes mites)
Chronic egg laying
Tumors
Parakeet Health and Disease Prevention
To keep your pet budgie healthy, prevention is key. Establishing a relationship with an experienced avian veterinarian will allow the best guidance to ensure your budgie has a fulfilling life. Birds can be good at hiding the fact they are sick, so if you sense they might be, reach out to your veterinarian.
Help monitor or prevent common diseases by providing your budgie with:
Regular visits to the veterinarian (yearly)
Yearly bloodwork and parasite screening
Quarantine of all new birds for at least 30 days
Cage enrichment to observe behavior
Desensitize your parakeet to handling which will make transport and visits to the veterinarian easier on them
Parakeet Diet
Parakeets are granivores, meaning they only eat grain and seed. Grain and seed diets in captivity are not the same as in the wild. Wild parakeets often graze on grass seeds, chenopod seeds, and grain crops. Although all seed diets are readily available for parakeets, many of them do not provide the proper protein, vitamins, and minerals to help parakeets live long lives.
Parakeets can develop numerous nutritional diseases when provided an imbalanced diet. Many seed diets do not have adequate calcium and vitamin A levels. A pelleted balanced diet is recommended to prevent any nutritional diseases. Seeds and millet can be used as behavioral enrichment to promote grazing behaviors.
Parakeet Habitat Recommendations
Parakeets should be provided the largest habitat possible. Cage dimensions should be a minimum of 18 inches wide by 18 inches long. For parakeets, it is more important to have a cage that offers a good amount floor space. This will help encourage natural behaviors like foraging. Cage bars should be approximately 3/8 inches apart.
Parakeets should be provided with multiple perches of different sizes and oriented in different directions to mimic their natural environment. Perch diameter should be between 3/8–3/4 inches. Perches can be made from different soft or smooth materials. Any perches made from abrasive materials can lead to foot injuries, so be sure to inspect each perch before placing them in the cage.
How to Improve Your Parakeet's Lifespan
There are many ways that you can improve your parakeet’s health and happiness, which can lead to a longer lifespan. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best caring practices for your budgie. General tips may include:
Do your research before adding a parakeet to your family!
Ensure you can provide adequate care for one or multiple parakeets.
Provide complete nutrition daily
Provide free access to water
Provide adequate social interactions
Provide active foraging for this species
Offer mineral blocks, cuttlebones, and wood blocks to help keep their beak trimmed
Stay up to date on annual veterinary examinations (establish a relationship early with a veterinarian who has experience with birds)
Make sure to ask your veterinarian about routine bloodwork and parasite screening
Be sure to quarantine any incoming new pet birds within the home for at least 30 days.
References
Pollock C. Basic Information sheet: Parakeet. LafeberVet. 2012.
Tully TN. Birds. In: Mitchell M, Tully TN (eds). Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2008. Pp. 254, 270-271, 276.
Featured Image: iStock.com/wonry
WRITTEN BY
Veterinarian
Dr. Sean Perry completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning a Bachelor of Science in...
I'm an avian enthusiast with a deep understanding of bird care and behavior. Having spent years studying and working with various bird species, including parakeets, I can confidently provide insights into their well-being. My expertise extends to topics such as nutrition, habitat requirements, health issues, and lifespan considerations for parakeets.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
-
Parakeet Lifespan:
- The most common parakeet in captivity is the budgerigar or budgie.
- In captivity, budgies can live between 7-15 years, nearly double the life expectancy of wild budgies.
- Wild budgies face threats of predation, leading to a shorter lifespan of 4-6 years.
-
Factors Influencing Lifespan:
- Good husbandry is crucial for a parakeet's longevity.
- Nutrition plays a vital role, with a balanced diet being necessary for a complete life.
- Disease presence, including obesity, scaly legs, chronic egg laying, and tumors, can impact lifespan.
-
Health and Disease Prevention:
- Establishing a relationship with an experienced avian veterinarian is key.
- Birds may hide sickness well, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
- Common diseases can be monitored or prevented through various measures, including quarantine of new birds.
-
Parakeet Diet:
- Parakeets are granivores, primarily eating grain and seed.
- Wild and captive seed diets differ, and imbalanced diets can lead to nutritional diseases.
- A pelleted balanced diet is recommended to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
-
Habitat Recommendations:
- Larger habitats with ample floor space are important for natural behaviors like foraging.
- Cage dimensions should be at least 18 inches wide by 18 inches long.
- Multiple perches of different sizes and materials are crucial for a parakeet's well-being.
-
Improving Lifespan:
- Research and ensure you can provide adequate care before adding a parakeet to your family.
- Provide complete nutrition, access to water, social interactions, and opportunities for foraging.
- Regular veterinary examinations, including bloodwork and parasite screening, contribute to a healthier lifespan.
-
Author and References:
- The article is written by Dr. Sean Perry, a veterinarian with expertise in avian care.
- References include sources like LafeberVet and the Manual of Exotic Pet Practice.
In conclusion, proper care, nutrition, and attention to potential health issues are crucial for ensuring a long and fulfilling life for parakeets in captivity. Always consult with an avian veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your pet's specific needs.
