Birds can live an incredibly long time. One bird, who lived in captivity at a zoo, made it to eighty years, which is longer than some humans live. It's not uncommon to see birds in captivity living 20-30 years or more. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the bird, the longer it will live. So a cockatoo, a common family bird, will live longer than a sparrow, for example. If you have a pet bird, you undoubtedly want to give it the best life you possibly can.
You're going to want to give your pet bird the best chance of having a long life. If you have a bird - no matter what type of bird it is - consider trying these three tips to increase your feathery friend's life.
Feed High-Quality Food
Unfortunately, the number one cause of problems for birds in captivity is the diet they have. Owners unintentionally buy cheap, unhealthy food that does not provide all the nutrients necessary for their pets to thrive. Or, they like to share some of their table food with their bird, which adds up over time. Who doesn't love giving their pet a little bit of their quesadilla? As with humans, these little snacks and treats add up over time and cause problems later on.
That's not to say that you cannot ever give them a bit of your food. Instead, their primary diet should have some fresh fruits and veggies (like humans) like lettuce or carrots, and they should be fed quality bird food. Treats should be used sparingly!
Give Them Exercise
Birds need lots of time out of the cage! It's easy to become so focused on our lives that we don't realize the time our bird has spent in the cage. You meant to take them out last night, but you were tired. Unfortunately, not getting enough exercise will lead to potential problems later in life. If you want your feathered friend to live long and happy, training is crucial.
Socialize With Your Bird
Birds are remarkably social and smart creatures. They love to interact with people, learn new tricks, and play with new objects. Your feathered companion craves interaction with you! Take some time to pet their head, let them out of their cage, or pick up a new toy for them. Having quality social time with your bird will give them mental desire and drive to live a long time.
Small Things Make A Big Impact
When it comes to the life of your bird, small investments can have a significant impact on your pet's quality of life. Feeding quality food, giving them exercise, and socializing with them can keep your bird happy and healthy. Most of these investments don't require a significant amount of time in a day. Even a few minutes of socialization and exercise is better than nothing.
Similarly, switching food to a high-quality diet sometimes takes minimal effort at all. You don't need to wait until you have copious time to start the habits that will prolong the longevity and life of your bird! There are ways to start today to give your bird the gift of a long, precious life!
Comments
Hi there,
In another article you talked about the white face cockatiel having a 16-25 years life span. Yet in this article you’re saying 10-14 for cockatiels in general. Huge difference :)
Does it mean the white face lives longer ? You said in the other article that the white face, being a mutation bird, has a lesser immune system. So i’m a bit confused. Can you clear this up for me please ?
Thinking about buying a white face tomorrow or in the next couple days . 400$ CND, hand fed. What do you think ?
Thank you very much for your help!
Alain