Cockatiels: what should you know about it?

Life with a pet is always more fun and full of emotions. Moreover, when we have a friend we love, we always worry about his health. For bird lovers, it is common to ask – how long do cockatiels live? Generally, our flying friends live a long time. Nevertheless, what factors can influence life expectancy? To find out the answer to this and other questions, keep reading. 

How long does a cockatiel live?

According to experts, the life expectancy of a cockatiel is 10 to 15 years. This average time is more faithful to birds that live in the wild, where the dangers and risks are greater. In captivity, many pets exceed this number, reaching 25 years without major problems. The record goes to Sunshine, a bird that lived in Albuquerque, in the United States. According to the Guinness book, Sunshine lived with her family for 32 years.

What are the risks for a cockatiel?

If you wonder how long this bird lives, it is important to understand that everything will depend on its lifestyle. According to veterinarians, some behaviors can lengthen or shorten a pet’s lifespan. 

Space

Our flying friends like space. A small, cramped cage will certainly influence how long an adult cockatiel lives. She needs a comfortable home where she can exercise and play. When choosing the cage, we recommend not saving on space. Veterinarians indicate that the cage should be three times the height of the bird and twice its width — with wings spread. However, this is a basic recommendation.

Food

Providing the necessary food for the pet can be a challenge. After all, in nature our friends are used to a wide variety of food. This type of bird eats plants, seeds and even some fruits, which complement a balanced diet. If you want to complement it with a snack, the seeds are welcome. However, be careful when offering too much. As they are high in fat, they can cause obesity or health problems.

Games and exercises

These birds love to play. Therefore, stimulating the exercises will influence how long this bird lives. Therefore, they are suitable for people who can spend more time at home with their friend. Families who do not have that much time, the ideal is to bet on environmental enrichment. This type of practice consists of making the house more stimulating for the pet, with toys and activities that they can have fun with alone. 

Hygiene

When we talk about poultry, we often forget about hygiene. However, birds like a clean and organized environment, just like all of us. Therefore, the frequency of cleaning the cage is essential to define how long a female or male cockatiel lives. When taking care of your friend’s hygiene, it is important to dry all objects well, especially the feeder. This prevents contamination and proliferation of bacteria. Offer a bathtub with water.

In the end

Besides the aforementioned care, your bird should also have a trusted veterinarian. See a wild and exotic pet health specialist for more targeted treatment. He will be able to monitor your bird’s development and notice if it needs help.