Parakeet Lifespan 2024: How Long Do Parakeets Live?

Parakeets, also known as budgerigars (or “budgies”) to many pet owners, are adorable, intelligent birds that make wonderful companions if correctly cared for. So if you’re considering bringing a parakeet into your home or are curious about its lifespan, you’ve come to the right place!

This blog post will discuss the factors influencing a parakeet’s longevity and estimate how long these fascinating creatures typically live. So whether you’re doing research or fascinated by these colorful birds – our article has all the information you need to know about Parakeet Lifespan.

What is Parakeet?

A parakeet is a small, seed-eating passerine bird from Australia and parts of Indonesia. There are many parakeets, but the most popular type kept as pets are the Budgerigar (or “budgie”). These birds measure around 7 inches in length and come in various colors, including yellow, green, blue, gray, white, black, and more.

How long do parakeets live

Parakeet Care

Parakeets are relatively easier to care for than birds like macaws or cockatoos. They require fresh food like seeds and vegetables daily and fresh water daily.

They also need plenty of toys to keep them mentally stimulated; some great options include swings and ladders made of wood or rope. Parakeets should also receive plenty of physical interaction with their owners, such as cuddles and head scratches throughout the day.

Parakeet Personality

Parakeets are social animals that will bond closely with their owners over time. They love attention and can be very talkative if taught how to mimic words or phrases – though they may not always understand what they’re saying.

Some parakeets can even learn tricks like flying through hoops or playing fetch with their owners! Though they do not require a lot of physical space (like larger birds), Parakeets still need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, so make sure you provide plenty of toys for your feathered friend.

Wild Parakeet Lifespan Versus Parakeets in Captivity

Wild Parakeets

Parakeets do not usually live very long in the wild due to predation and other hazards. While some parakeets can live up to 15 years, most only survive until they are around 5 or 6 years old. Unfortunately, many baby parakeets don’t even make it past their first year due to a lack of food sources, predators, and other environmental dangers.

Parakeets in Captivity

Parakeets kept as pets can have dramatically different lifespans than their wild counterparts. With proper care and nutrition, captive parakeets can easily live for 10-15 years—some may even reach 20 years. To ensure your pet has a long and healthy life, it’s essential to provide plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their diet, along with quality bird seed. Additionally, it would help if you gave your pet plenty of stimulation by providing toys to play with or taking them outside for supervised flight sessions.

How long do parakeets live

How Long Do Parakeets Live in Captivity?

Mustache Parakeet (20 – 25 Years)

The Mustache Parakeet is one of the most popular parakeets kept as pets. These birds are known for their bright colors and cheery personalities. They typically have an average lifespan of between 20 and 25 years in captivity when properly cared for.

To help your Mustache Parakeet reach its full longevity potential, provide it with plenty of fresh food and water daily, along with plenty of mental stimulation and socialization opportunities. Additionally, keep its cage clean and free from debris that could harm your bird’s health over time.

How long do parakeets live

Plain Parakeet (18 – 20 Years)

The Plain Parakeet is another popular pet parakeet known for its gentle nature and vibrant coloring. Plain Parakeets can typically live between 18 and 20 years when given proper care and attention in captivity.

To ensure that your Plain Parakeet reaches its total life expectancy, provide it with appropriate amounts of fresh food and water each day and plenty of toys to keep it entertained during the day. Additionally, clean its cage regularly to avoid exposing your bird to potentially harmful bacteria or other contaminants that could lead to illness or death over time.

How long do parakeets live

Barred Parakeet (10 Years)

The Barred Parakeet is one of the most popular parakeets to keep as a pet. It is known for its playful personality and beautiful blue-gray coloration. This species can live up to 10 years in captivity under the right conditions.

To ensure your Barred Parakeet has a long and healthy life, provide plenty of space for exercise, an enriched environment with toys to play with, and access to quality food and fresh water daily. Additionally, regular visits to an avian veterinarian are recommended to address any medical issue before it becomes severe.

How long do parakeets live

Green-cheeked Parakeet (10 Years)

The green-cheeked Parakeet (also known as the green-cheeked conure) is usually considered the ideal pet bird due to its calm and gentle nature. These tiny birds are native to South America and thrive when kept as part of a family or flock. They are social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners. With proper diet and care, these beautiful birds can live up to 10 years in captivity.

How long do parakeets live

Monk Parakeet (15 – 20 Years)

The monk parakeet is one of the largest parrot species native to South America. These large birds have been kept as pets since ancient times and are well known for their intelligence and playful personalities. Monk parakeets require much attention from their owner but will reward them with loyalty and affection. When given proper diet and care, these birds can be expected to live between 15 – 20 years in captivity!

How long do parakeets live

Rose-ringed Parakeet (25 – 30 Years)

The Rose-Ringed Parakeet is also known as Indian Ring-necked or a trendy pet. These beautiful birds have gentle personalities, which makes them very easy to handle. They can learn simple commands like “step up” and “no thank you,” and they love spending time with their owners and being part of the family. In terms of lifespan, Rose-Ringed Parakeets can live anywhere from 25 – 30 years in captivity.

How long do parakeets live

Budgerigar (5 – 8 Years)

The Budgerigar, or Common Pet Canary, is a small parrot native to Australia but commonly kept as a pet worldwide. It is another prevalent species due to its friendly nature and ability to mimic speech—so much so that some people refer to it as a “talking bird”! Budgerigars are intelligent birds that need plenty of social interaction, food variety, mental stimulation, and enrichment activities such as toys and games. The average lifespan for a Budgerigar in captivity is around 5 – 8 years.

How long do parakeets live

Golden Parakeet (20 – 25 Years)

The Golden Parakeet is one of the longest-living birds kept as a pet, with an average lifespan between 20-25 years when cared for properly. These birds need plenty of space to fly around and socialize with other parakeets if you plan on having more than one.

They also require regular bathing, fresh foods rich in vitamins A, B1, and C, and plenty of fresh water daily available to them at all times. In addition, the Golden Parakeet can become quite attached to its owner if given enough time and attention – so if you’re looking for a companion that will stay by your side for many years, this might be the perfect bird!

How long do parakeets live

Grass Parakeet (10 Years)

The Grass Parakeet is another popular choice kept as a pet bird due to its vibrant colors and playful personality. It has an average life expectancy of about ten years when taken care of properly – which includes providing them with ample room to move around, new food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and seeds, and lots of toys or perches that they can chew on.

These birds should not be left alone too often since they prefer companionship from their owners or other birds in their flock; otherwise, they may become easily distressed or develop health problems over time.

How long do parakeets live

How Long Do Parakeets Live in the Wild?

Mustache Parakeet (5 – 10 years)

The Mustache Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) is native to South Asia and is characterized by its yellow head and green body. It lives in open woodland habitats with plenty of trees for nesting. Mustache parakeets typically live between 5-10 years in the wild; however, some have been known to reach up to 20 years old.

Plain Parakeet (13 – 15 years)

The Plain Parakeet (Brotogeris trica) is native to Central and South America and is characterized by its green body and yellowish face. They live in savanna-like habitats with plenty of trees for nesting. Wild Plain Parakeets typically live 13-15 years; however, some have been known to reach up to 20 years old.

Barred Parakeet (10 – 12 Years)

The Barred Parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola) is native to western South America and is characterized by its bright green body with white stripes on its wings and tail feathers. They typically inhabit wooded areas near rivers or streams where they can find plenty of food sources such as fruits, seeds, nectar, and insects. The average life expectancy of wild Barred Parakeets is 10-12 years, although some have been known to reach up to 20 years old in captivity.

Green-cheeked Parakeet (15 Years)

The green-cheeked Parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae) is native to South America and inhabits tropical forests and savannas. In the wild, these small parrots can live up to 15 years. They feed on fruits, seeds, nuts, and berries.

Monk Parakeet (20 Years)

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a medium-sized parrot native to South America that has adapted well to living around humans. These birds can reach up to 12 inches in length and live up to 20 years in the wild. They feed on grains, fruits, vegetables, insects, and other small animals.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (25 Years)

The rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is a tropical species of parrot native to Africa and Asia that has adapted well to living in cities around the world. These birds can reach up to 16 inches in length and live up to 25 years in the wild. They feed on fruits, seeds, nuts, insects, and small animals.

Budgerigar (7 – 15 Years)

The most common type of Parakeet is the Budgerigar, or budgie for short. These birds are native to Australia and typically live in dry grasslands and woodlands. These parakeets usually live between 7-10 years in the wild but can live up to 15 years when given proper care and nutrition.

Golden Parakeet (8 – 20 Years)

The Golden Parakeet is a rare parrot found only in certain parts of Brazil. These birds live in humid tropical forests and feed on fruits, nuts, and other vegetation. In the wild, these birds typically have a lifespan of 8-15 years but can reach up to 20 years with proper care and nutrition.

Grass Parakeet (8 to 20 Years)

The Golden Parakeet is a rare parrot found only in certain parts of Brazil. These birds live in humid tropical forests and feed on fruits, nuts, and other vegetation. In the wild, these birds typically have a lifespan of 8-15 years but can reach up to 20 years with proper care and nutrition.

Do Parakeets Live Longer Than Other Birds?

Parakeets tend to live slightly longer than other small birds, such as finches or canaries, which have an average lifespan of about 3-7 years, depending on the species. However, larger birds such as cockatiels or lovebirds often have lifespans closer to 10-15 years due to their size. In addition, parakeets tend to have shorter lifespans than these larger birds due to their trim physique.

How long do parakeets live

Oldest Living Parakeet

Charlie is the world’s oldest Parakeet, living with his owners in London, England. Charlie was born on April 1st, 2000, and recently celebrated his 21st birthday. He is registered with Guinness World Records as the longest-living Parakeet in captivity! Charlie’s age has been verified by his owner, who has kept meticulous records throughout his life.

How long do parakeets live

Final Thoughts

Parakeets are beautiful and entertaining birds, but how long do parakeets live? In the wild, most parakeets only survive until they’re around 5-6 years old due to predation and other dangers. But with proper care and nutrition, captive parakeets can easily live for 10-15 years—some may even live for 20 years or more!

Many factors, including diet, housing, and health care, affect how long a parakeet will live. By providing your Parakeet with a safe and comfortable home, plenty of toys and stimulation, and a healthy diet, you can help your feathered friend live a long and happy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN PARAKEETS LIVE UP TO 20 YEARS?

The plain Parakeet is a long-lived companion to be treasured; with the proper care and love, they can bring joy for up to two decades. On average, these feathered friends will live 15 years in captivity but have been known occasionally to reach 18 – 20!

DO MALE OR FEMALE PARAKEETS LIVE LONGER?

Female parakeets enjoy longer lifespans than their male counterparts, with an average of 20 years compared to the 12-15 year expectancy for males. However, both sexes require proper care and attention to achieve greater longevity; lack thereof can lead to premature death regardless of gender.

SHOULD YOU COVER A PARAKEET CAGE AT NIGHT?

Providing a dark, quiet, and cozy spot for your bird to rest is vital. But remember, sleep plays an integral role in their overall health, so if you’re ever unsure how they’ll react to not being covered at night, it’s best to err on caution.

DO PARAKEETS NEED A FRIEND?

Having a feathered friend is the key to having an enjoyable parakeet experience! Parakeets love spending time in the company of their kind, but if that’s not available, you can become their companion. So be ready for lots of quality time with your new pal – it will be worth every moment.