How Long Do Parakeets Live? You Can Actually Extend Their Lifespan

Although originally from Australia, parakeets can be found in warmer climates all over the world. In their natural habitats, they move in large flocks and can cause severe destruction to grain fields.

They are small, slender birds with a long tail, although some species have short and blunt tails. When you’re thinking about a pet bird, a parakeet is likely to come to your mind first, since it’s one of the most common choices. Parakeets are also quite affordable and easy to keep as pets when compared to other types of birds.

What’s a Parakeet’s Lifespan?

On average, parakeets live for 15 years, but this depends on the species. The budgerigar parakeet can live for 5 to 10 years, the monk parakeet from 15 to 20 years, while the plain parakeet can live for an average of 15 years. Parakeets can live anywhere from 5 to 20 years, depending on how well you care for them.

If you want to make sure your birds meet and even exceed their life expectancy, there’s a lot you can do. The most important aspects of care include living conditions, affection, diet, and activity. Don’t forget about pet insurance (check Bivvy), which can be tremendously helpful, as well.

The Best Tips to Ensure Your Parakeet Lives Longer

When you give your parakeet a nutritious and healthy diet consisting of seeds, vegetables, and fruits, you will undoubtedly prolong its lifespan.

For a healthy and balanced diet, supplement their seed mix with raw fruits and vegetables. Try fresh spinach, lettuce, carrots, thinly sliced apples, and any tropical fruits until you figure out what your feathered friends like the most. Access to fresh water is just as essential, so ensure their water dispenser is always clean and filled.

Taking care of your parakeet’s nails is also important for maximizing their lifespan. When your parakeet is getting the proper diet, its nails do not grow too quickly, and you will not need to trim them too often.

Make sure to keep your parakeet’s nails clipped. Clipping prevents them from getting curly and uncomfortable, which could also damage the bird’s feet. Most people take their birds to the vet or a pet groomer for this. If you’re clipping their nails yourself, always exercise extreme caution and patience to keep the process stress-free for your feathered friend.

Your parakeet’s cage size and design will also have a massive impact on their lifespan. After all, that’s where parakeets spend most of their time. The enclosure has to be spacious enough to allow them to move around and filled with things to keep them occupied while you’re away.

Include different sizes of perches that have various textures to help control nail growth and stimulate different pressure points. Since parakeets love playing in the water, a nice bath makes another fun addition to their cage.

You should also make sure your birds get a lot of exercises. Let them come out of their cage and stretch their wings at least once a day. Parakeets are very active birds, so flying and exploring keep them in shape.

Finally, don’t forget to include toys to keep your birds happy and entertained. Swings, bells, ladders, even little mirrors – parakeets love things they can interact with. You can make toys yourself or check out what’s on offer at the local pet shop. Make sure the toys don’t contain any toxic materials, so your parakeets are safe.

Conclusion

Although they live up to 15 years, you can significantly extend your parakeet’s lifespan for up to a decade by following the tips mentioned above. To make your parakeet familiar and comfortable with you, name it and use that name often.

Treat your birds with love and kindness. Be gentle when handling them to avoid any accidents. Always keep in mind that their lifespan depends heavily on how much time and care you provide for them.