Parakeets, or budgerigars, are well-known for their eye-catching plumage, wit, and vocalizations.
Due to their low maintenance requirements and compact size, they are widely regarded as the ideal pet bird.
Small, intelligent, and endearing, parakeets are adored worldwide.
In this post, we will cover the actual lifespan of parakeets in the wild and in captivity, as well as their typical life cycle.
Did you know there are more than 120 recognised species of parakeets?
Size, hue, and ancestry are only a few of the ways in which they vary from one another.
Male parakeets have a vivid blue sérum, while females have a pink or pastel blue sérum, making it easy to tell them apart.
Parakeets are a popular pet, and if you have one or are thinking about getting one, you may be curious about its lifespan.
How long do they usually live?
Further, etc.
How Many Years Do Parakeets Typically Live?
Although some Australian parakeet subspecies have spread to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the birds originated in Australia.
They frequently appear in groups, either as pairs or flocks. So, if you want to pet a parakeet, it is best to keep them in pairs or small groups.
If you’re looking for a long-term companion, this parrot is your best pet; we’d all love to have a pet for the rest of our lives, but it might not be realistic.
To what extent, then, do parakeets have a lengthy lifespan?
They leave the nest at 30 or 35 days old, and their lifespan can be anywhere from 5 to 25 years.
The graphic below depicts the several stages of a parakeet’s existence.
The average lifespan of a parakeet can be estimated by considering a number of factors, such as the presence or absence of genetic diseases, the lifestyle of the bird (whether it is kept as a pet or lives in the wild), the type of food it consumes (pellet-or seed-based food), its environment, its breed, and the level of veterinary care it receives.
The many species of parakeets, together with the average number of years they are expected to live, are detailed below (captive and wild).
Types of Parakeets | Life Expectancy | Description |
Rose-Ringed Parakeet | 25-30 years, can live up to 50 years | To ensure that, this bird can live a long and healthy life, give them plenty of food, mental stimulation, and good healthcare. |
Budgerigar | 5-8 years as pet, can live up to 20 years | Their life expectancy is dependent on their diet, lineage, exercise, and healthcare. |
Mustache Parakeet | 5-8 years as pet, can live up to 20 years | Mustache parakeets are comparatively talkative birds, requiring attention and physical and mental fitness along with proper healthcare and good food. |
Plain Parakeet | 20-25 years | Plain parakeets are native to Brazil. Like mustache parakeets, they also require attention and mental and physical fitness. |
Barred Parakeet | 15 years as a pet, but can live up to 20 years | Life expectancy is based on their hereditary characters, lifestyle, and exercise along with good care and food. |
Golden Parakeet | 20-25 years as pet, can live up to 30 years | Same as above |
Grass Parakeet | 10 years | Grass parakeets’ lifespan is based on their genetic history (they have a diabetic lineage), healthcare and the diet they receive. |
Green-Cheeked Parakeet | 10 years as a pet, but can live up to 30 years—if taken under exceptional care | Bring delight parakeets, they require constant care, neat, and peaceful environment for better nourishment and to live long. |
Wild Parakeet Lifespan & Captive Parakeets
Parakeets come in more than 120 different species; some are domesticated as pets, while others live in the wild.
While predicting how long a pet parakeet will live is extremely challenging, most experts agree that they will likely live between 10 and 15 years in human care.
Some species of parakeets have a 20-year lifespan if given the right care and food.
Parakeets have a potential lifespan of 30 years in the wild.
How Long Do Parakeets Live in the Wild
Wild parakeets inhabit tree branches and tree cavities in their natural habitat (hollowed trees).
Most people incorrectly believe that captive parakeets live longer than their wild counterparts.
They believe that in the wild, parakeets are constant prey for larger birds and lack the necessary care for a healthy, long existence.
But this is not the case.
Wild parakeets can live up to 30 years, 10 years longer than pet parakeets.
Wild parakeets are content; they are independent birds that fly all day for food and water.
Since they thrive in groups, parakeets are always found in couples or flocks of 20 to 100 birds. They have access to many seasonal fruits, vegetables, and seeds, and they stay mentally healthy through their activities. This helps them live longer than domesticated birds.
Other than becoming prey for large birds, parakeets in the wild face no threat.
The lifespan of a parakeet in captivity is totally reliant on the caretaker.
Parakeets require adequate care and a nutritious diet in order to thrive.
Their average lifespan spans from 6 to 12 years.
People think that they are safer in captivity because there are no dangerous animals or weather changes (like rain, heat, wind, storms, snow, etc.).
As pets, parakeets depend on their owners for everything: food, fun, shelter, a place to live, and companionship.
A small amount of carelessness in any of the tasks for which they rely on us can result in major health issues such as diabetes or obesity.
Lastly, the mental health of pet parakeets may also influence their longevity.
Although we care about them, they may be happier with their own siblings than without us.
How to Determine the Age of a Parakeet
Bird owners are consistently curious about the age of their parakeets.
There are just a few ways to establish the age of your parakeet.
We list a handful of them below.
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Baby parrots
A parakeet is still a juvenile if it is content, curious, willing to try new foods and activities, and social with other birds and animals in the area.
The age of young parakeets ranges from six weeks to six months.
They enjoy conversing and chiselling.
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Adult parakeets
A parakeet is considered an adult if it is more self-confident and active than other nearby birds and people.
Adult parakeets can be six months to three years old.
They delight in conversing, flying, and climbing.
Senior to intermediate-aged parakeets
Middle-aged parakeets avoid doing things and working out in favour of being calm (which uses less energy) and taking long naps.
They enjoy peaceful environments and extended naps.
Lifespan Affecting Factors in Parakeets
The lifetime of parakeets is affected by a number of factors, and by considering these elements, the lifespan of a bird can be extended by up to five years.
Here is a list of the essential components.
The nutrition of a bird has a considerable impact on its lifespan.
Despite being small, parakeets have the same nutritional requirements as larger birds.
Baby parakeets must be fed a seed-based diet.
The majority of pet owners continue to feed their mature pets a seed-based diet.
But birds can’t get all the vitamins and minerals they need from seeds, and eating them for a long time can make them fat.
Consequently, a pellet-based diet together with particular portions of fruits and vegetables is recommended.
However, moderation should always be observed when eating.
Parakeets like a tranquil environment.
To maintain their mental health, place their cages in a tranquil, light-filled area.