How long do parakeets live?

The Melopsittacus undulatus, better known as the common parakeet, parakeet, Australian parakeet or parrot, is a species of bird belonging to the order of the Psittaciformes and to the Psittacillidae family, being, in addition, the only member species of the genus Melopsittacus to belong to said family.

The parakeet is an extremely charming bird, not only because of its varied range of colors, but also because of its easy adaptation and integration into human environments, which is why it is common to find it as a pet in different parts of the world.

In the wild, parakeets occupy the entire interior of the Australian territory, distributed in a wide variety of areas such as scrublands, grasslands, savannas and clear groves of Australia.

Despite being an endemic species and its great demand as a companion animal, its export is not prohibited, as is that of the bearded dragon; the reason: this bird is not in danger of extinction thanks to its rapid development and sexual maturation.

In fact, if it were not for the fact that their life expectancy rarely exceeds 6 years of life in the wild, and because, in addition, these birds are monogamous, their population would be even higher.

Parakeet lifespan

Generally speaking, the life expectancy of a parakeet ranges between 4 and 15 years. Although its longevity is considerably high compared to that of other small animals, compared to the rest of the species that make up the superfamily of Psittacoids, the longevity of a parakeet is the shortest of all typical parrots.

The notable difference between the upper and lower limits of the average life span of a parakeet is due to different factors, mainly the hostility of the habitat where the bird develops.

In this sense, a parakeet that has been bred in captivity can live up to 15 years, while one that has lived in the wild will reach a maximum of 6 years of longevity.

How long do parakeets live in the wild?

A parakeet in the wild can live between 4 and 6 years. Although this bird has a much higher longevity limit in captivity, in the wild, parakeets are victims of a wide variety of predators and diseases, which almost always prevent them from exceeding 6 years of life.

How long do parakeets live in the captivity?

In captivity, with proper care and a balanced diet, a parakeet can live up to 15 years of life. It is important to clarify that not all parakeets that have been bred in captivity will enjoy great longevity, as this will depend, to a large extent, on the care provided by their caregiver, as well as on their own ability to overcome the diseases of advanced age.

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Where do parakeets live?

Parakeets are considered an endemic species to Australia, which means that the bulk of their population is found in that country.

However, over the years, thanks to the adoption of parakeets as companion animals by humans, these birds have begun to naturalize in other regions of the world, such as, for example, in Florida, United States, and in Malaga, Spain.

In the wild, parakeets usually live-in small communities, where each one has its own partner (yes, they are radically monogamous birds; in fact, they can "die of sadness" if their partner dies). These adorable birds usually inhabit thickets, grasslands, savannas, and clear groves.

What do parakeets eat?

In nature, parakeets feed on mature seeds of grasses and other plants that cover the ground, especially herbaceous plants belonging to the family Poaceae and the genus Triodia.

Naturally, it is recommended that the feeding of a parakeet in captivity perfectly mimics its usual diet in the wild. Thus, for example, a parakeet in captivity should be fed a mixture of millet grains and other seeds, among which, of course, birdseed should be included.

Although in the wild parakeets do not usually eat vegetables and the like, in captivity, a parakeet can be fed with vegetables rich in vitamin A, iodine and calcium, such as, for example, chard, spinach, lettuce and carrot.

Interesting facts about parakeets

Parakeets are native to Australia

Yes, the term "Australian" that is added to its name is sometimes intended to indicate the nature of this charming parrot, which, originally, was a native of Australia.

However, since the middle of the last century, parakeets have begun to naturalize in new environments both in America and in Europe.

Sadness can really make parakeets sick

Parakeets are extremely melancholic animals, in fact, these birds take this feeling to another level, becoming seriously ill and even dying if they feel lonely. For this reason, it is recommended that they be raised in pairs in captivity.

As a member of the Psittacoids, the parakeet can learn to speak

With the patience and dedication required, an experienced breeder can teach a parakeet to talk, even whistle.

The parakeet suffers from various human diseases

Yes, as you have read, the parakeet can contract some of the many pathologies and conditions that affect humans, such as asthma, bronchitis and obesity.

Parakeets are faithful for life to their partner

Parakeets are monogamous birds, which means that they only have one sexual partner throughout their lives. Of course, if its partner dies and it manages to survive the sadness that this causes, the parakeet can find a new partner, although this phenomenon is not very frequent.

Females are to be feared

Although in most animals the male is the one who has the most aggressive and territorial behaviors, in the case of parakeets, the opposite happens; females are especially territorial. For this reason, under no circumstances should you raise two females in the same cage.

They enjoy music

Parakeets, like species belonging to the cockatoo family, have the ability to enjoy music and even dance. Just remember not to raise the volume of the music excessively to avoid scaring off your parakeet.