Parrot Lifespan: How Long Do Parrots Live?

Talkative and intelligent, parrots are some of the most fascinating birds on the planet. They are known to speak many different words, and are usually very entertaining to have in your home. But how long do they live? 

Whether you are a prospective parrot owner or simply interested in the life cycle of these beautiful birds, learning about parrots can be fun and interesting. Let’s discuss the average parrot life cycle and find out how long they live.

How Long Do Parrots Live?

Parrots live an average of 15 to 50 years, and sometimes longer. The amount of time that a parrot lives greatly depends on its species, level of care, and overall health. It is not a rare occurrence for a pet parrot to outlive its owner. 

African grey parrots, macaws, and cockatoos are some of the longest-living parrot species. All of these bird varieties are also available as pets, and are often only available through exotic breeders or pet stores.

If you are looking for a pet parrot to welcome into your home, it is important to only purchase your new companion from a reputable breeder or pet supply store. The overall health of your pet begins with choosing a reputable breeder or expert care.

The Oldest Parrots On Record

Now that we’ve answered the question, “How long do parrots live?” it’s time to look at the parrots that have lived the longest.

In general, smaller parrot species live shorter lives. For example, parrotlets live around 15 to 20 years. Lovebirds have lifespans that vary from 10 to upwards of 25 years.

One of the oldest parrots was a macaw named Poncho, who reached 97 years old. There are also reports of a macaw called Charlie that reached 114 and several cockatoos that reached more than 100 years of age, but they often lack the documentation to “officially” recognize their age.

The Average Parrot Life Cycle

No matter the species or breed, the average parrot life cycle is similar across all parrots. Curious to know what baby parrots go through as they age? Let’s learn more about them now. 

Hatchling

Parrots are born similarly to all other birds: they hatch from their egg and are born blind and featherless. Their mother feeds them just like any other bird:  she flies to the nest and regurgitates food into the baby’s mouth.

After roughly two weeks, most parrots gain the ability to see. They are still completely reliant on their mothers during this time. Like many other birds, hatchling parrots imprint on their mother when they open their eyes, forming an incredibly strong bond with her.

In some cases, parrots can also imprint on human beings. While this can be extremely useful for parrot pet owners and other people raising parrots, it is still important to socialize your baby parrots with other birds. 

Young Adult

Depending on the specific species of parrot, most young birds grow all of their feathers between five and 15 weeks old. Once they have all of their feathers, they can fly and fend for themselves, though many still rely on their mother for food and protection in the wild. 

It is important to socialize a young parrot like you would a puppy or kitten. Parrots are very emotional creatures, capable of throwing tantrums like teenagers or toddlers would. Having a socialized bird leads to fewer issues during their adult lives, and you will have a much more pleasant time raising it. 

Young adults reach sexual maturity between one and five years of age. Once they have reached this age, they are considered fully grown. However, just like puberty affects humans, parrots can be troublesome during this sexual maturity stage. Their true personalities will not manifest until this stage is over.

Adult Parrots

After an awkward young adult stage, adult parrots tend to settle down after a few years. They are usually calm, serious, and intelligent, capable of entertaining you and being a lifelong companion. 

If you are considering adopting a parrot as a pet, it is important to note that many species and breeds live longer than expected. Your pet bird may outlive you, so you should consider this before adopting one. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Pet Parrot

If you are looking for tips to improve the quality of life for your pet parrots, here are some things you can try:

• Avoid harmful foods: Your pet parrot can eat a variety of things, but it is important to avoid foods that are toxic or otherwise harmful to them. Some of these foods include high-fat and high-sugar items, coffee and alcohol, and meats and cheeses. Always use bird-approved food and treats when feeding your parrots. 
• Let them fly: Flying is key for the health of your bird, no matter the breed or species. Many parrot pet owners choose to clip their birds’ wings, but this can be detrimental to their health. Not only do they need to fly in order to exercise and maintain a healthy body weight, but flying greatly improves their mental health as well. Many birds that are unable to fly suffer greatly and may even develop a fear of flying. 
• Talk to them and train them: Parrots are extremely intelligent birds, and the amount of training you can do with them may surprise you. They can learn a great deal of words, tricks, and instructions, even when they are feeling too stubborn to follow these instructions. Talking to your bird multiple times a day greatly improves your relationship with them and their overall lifespan. You can also train them just like you would a dog, with positive reinforcement and treats. 
• Consider specialized vet care: There are some vets that deal specifically with exotic creatures such as parrots. This is a great idea if you are considering adopting a pet parrot, as they will require specialized medical care from time to time. Having a reliable and informed veterinarian can improve the overall lifespan of your bird.