Budgerigars are often bought for keeping in an apartment. They owe their popularity to their beautiful and bright appearance, friendly character, unpretentiousness and sociability. Of course, every owner wants his pet to live a long life. The longevity of parrots directly depends on the correct care.
Under natural conditions, budgerigars live on average 3-4 years, rare individuals step over the threshold of 5 years. Such a short life expectancy is due to the many dangers that lie in wait for a small bird in the wild, as well as a lack of food. At home, budgies can live up to 15 years. Of course, this is possible only with proper care - timely treatment of diseases, ensuring a balanced diet, protection from drafts and sudden temperature changes, and the absence of stress.
Impact of stress on parrots' lifespan
With the treatment of diseases and proper nutrition of parrots, most caring owners are quite successful in coping. However, many have problems with protection from stress in a city apartment. First, it is difficult for birds to adapt to human biorhythms. In nature, parrots fall asleep at sunset and wake up at dawn. At home, electric lights and televisions make birds nervous until midnight. Second, budgies are often stressed by other pets, especially cats, dogs, and toy rats. The frightened bird becomes nervous and loses its feathers. Some individuals may even die as a result of stress, especially if the parrot is suddenly startled.
The dangers of budgies at home
A considerable number of birds die not at all from old age, but because of the carelessness of the owners. Among the reasons leading to the premature death of a pet, the most common is an open window. If a parrot flies out into the street, it is rarely possible to catch it. The bird, accustomed to living in an apartment, simply dies.
Some budgies die from gnawed electrical wires. Sometimes birds are smashed to death on glass or mirror. Therefore, before letting the budgerigar fly around the room, you should close the curtains and hang mirrors.
Some houseplants are also dangerous to birds. Poisonous for parrots are azalea, hyacinth, dieffenbachia, laurel, ivy, philodendron, amaryllis, poinsettia, crocus, hydrangea, anthurium, spathiphyllum, spurge, ornamental pepper and yew tree.
Long-lived parrots
Some budgies can live 20 years or more. However, such centenarians are not so common. In older parrots, hearing and vision deteriorate, but they remain active. Instead of thin poles for older birds, it is better to put small boards, since older parrots often have pain in the joints of their paws.
