Cockatoo lifespan: Parrots are one of the bird species that have the longest lifespan. However, the lifespan depends on the specific species.
Larger species can live at least 20 to 80 or even 100 years on average, while smaller species (cockatiels can live up to 25 years).
This piece will show you some of the popular types of cockatoos, their lifespan, as well as the factors that affect the lifespan of cockatoos. Continue reading to learn more.
Different cockatoo species have variable lifespans as we’ve already seen. However, with good health care, a favorable environment, and a proper diet,
they tend to live longer, up to 80 or even 100 years. If you keep a parrot at home, it is recommended to take good care of it so that it may live long.
Moluccan cockatoo lifespan
Also referred to as the salmon crested cockatoo, it is similar to the umbrella cockatoo. The only difference is that it has a pinkish tinge rather than stark white plumage. The two species also tend to have similar lifespans.
During their domestication, the Kings Cockatoo tends to live for about 70 years. However, while living and taking care of themselves in the wild, their lifespan is greatly extended as they can live up to 90 years.
However, most Moluccan cockatoo populations are exposed to environmental factors that may limit their lifespan, including disease, dehydration, and predators.
Goffin cockatoo lifespan
Also referred to as the Tanimbar Corella, the Goffin’s cockatoo is one of the smallest species of cockatoos.
Their lifespan is also one of the shortest among parrots. The minimum age is around 25 years, while the maximum age is around 65 years.
Cockatiel
Although cockatiels tend to have a smaller body size and are most often mistaken for typical parrots, they are actually one type of parrot. It is mostly domesticated in homes.
Cockatiels are comical, outgoing, and cuddly. They are also good at whistling and can sing to their owners.
A healthy and socially awkward Cockatiel tends to make a wonderful family pet, which is why they are so popular in most households in Australia. You can also raise them in your apartment.
In the wild, they can live for 10 to 15 years. However, when domesticated and well cared for, their lifespan is 20 to 25 years.
Sulfur-crested cockatoo
The life of the sulfur-crested cockatoo is common in urban areas of Australia. They are famous for their inquisitive and brave nature.
It is also highly domesticated in many homes. If you want to domesticate this rare species of bird, you must remember that it is very demanding and requires a lot of attention.
The life expectancy of the domesticated sulfur-crested cockatoo is approximately 20 to 40 years. However, they can live up to about 70 years in good health and suitable living conditions.
Galah Cockatoo
Commonly known as the pink, pink, or gray cockatoo, the Galah Cockatoo is known for its attractive pink appearance.
They are widely distributed in Australia, and most of them are domesticated. Compared to regular parrots, they tend to live much longer.
Galah cockatoos are known to be friendly and affectionate, which is why they are often tamed. Although they love to be taken care of, they don’t like cuddling. They are very demanding because they want attention.
In the wild, the lifespan of a Galah cockatoo is between 20 and 40 years. However, when they are well cared for, they can live up to 80 years.
Umbrella cockatoo lifespan
Scientifically referred to as Cacatua alba, the umbrella cockatoo is one species with an impressive lifespan.
To ensure that your parachute cockatoo lives long and healthy, you must feed it a high nutritional value feed, including forage. The umbrella macaw is energetic, intelligent, and fun-loving, and as such its diet should reflect these traits.
While domesticated, they can live up to 60 years. However, those in the zoo live for about 50 years due to hostility and harsh environmental factors. Some umbrella cockatoos have been known to live up to 100 years.
The types discussed are not exhaustive but only some common ones. They give you an idea of how long you can expect your parrot to live if you want to breed it.
Factors affecting the lifespan of cockatoos
A parrot can live to its maximum lifespan, or it can die early. The maximum lifespan can be achieved if the parrot lives in ideal hygienic conditions and maintains a proper diet. Below are some of the major factors that determine the lifespan of a cockatoo.
Cockatoo food
If you are raising a cockatoo at home, maintaining an appropriate and balanced diet for your cockatoo can play an important role in ensuring it lives to its fullest.
Although many people believe that cockatoos can survive by feeding only on seeds and nuts, this myth is misleading because it requires more than that for a healthy life and longer lifespan.
A diet consisting only of seeds can be dangerous for a parakeet as it can lead to obesity; It has the same effect as overfeeding. Poor diet is one aspect that leads to a shortened lifespan of cockatoos in captivity.
Cockatoos that live in the wild tend to live longer lives because they fend for themselves and, therefore, have access to a wide range of forage that is both nutritious and beneficial to their bodies.
If you are not interested in what to feed your Cockatoo
The combination of the following extracts will be very beneficial:
- High-quality seed mix – Sunflower seeds are best avoided as they are dangerous to cockatoo health
- A mixture of high-quality granules
- Different types of nuts
- Vegetables, including leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, and more, can be either cut or whole.
- Fruits including grapes, apples, pears, etc.
- Cooked items including pasta, wild rice, and lentils – make sure they are unsalted
To reduce stress on the parrot and make it friendly, active, and enthusiastic, you must stimulate it to eat its favorite meals more often. This can increase their lifespan.
Cockatoo care
To keep cockatoos healthy and improve their quality of life, general care is absolutely vital. Here are some of the aspects that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your parakeet is healthy and long-lived:
- Activate – Macaws are some of the most demanding of all parrots. When they are not sufficiently stimulated and given enough attention by their owners, they tend to resort to self-destructive behaviors, including push-pulling. Thus, you must make sure that the parrots have things to keep them entertained all the time.
- Air quality – Most cockatoos have sensitive lungs. Thus, their health is greatly affected when they are domesticated in a stifling environment. Therefore, if you choose to breed budgies in your home, you should avoid perfumes, sprays, and any other scented products near them. It would also be best if you avoid smoking, as it is not only dangerous for you, but for the health of your cockatoo as well.
- Don’t skimp on bird protection – all cockatoos are voracious and vulnerable to household dangers because of their intense curiosity. It would be best if you watch your parrot while he is out of the cage so that he does not hurt himself or destroy your property. Ideally, you can stay away from any potentially toxic materials, contraceptives, power cables, and other types of pets.
- Time Out of the Cage – For the good health of your parrots, both mentally and physically, you need to let them out of the cage more often. This will not only give them a chance to exercise their body and mind but also help them avoid problems related to obesity. Allowing your parrot out of the cage gives him the perfect opportunity to play and be entertained. This helps avoid stress and makes the parrot live a happy and long life. The cage itself should contain a variety of perches, foraging toys, and multiple supplies of fresh water.