Parrot with the longest life expectancy

[niraj]

I personally hope every single one of my pets dies before I do so that they are not uprooted and placed in jeopardy by me not being here to care for them anymore. Sure I have detailed plans for them after my death just in case, but if I’m dead I won’t be able to oversee the transition.

Also, these species you are talking about aren’t just different colors of the same bird. Sure I look forward to decades upon decades with my African grey, but I would be MISERABLE sharing my whole life with most Amazons and cockatoos. Macaws would be sort of a middle ground for me. The fact (or rather, the assumption) that one species will live longer than another is not a good reason to bring that bird into your life.

Even the lowly cockatiel can live 30 years; that would put me about retirement age. My grandparents both went into nursing homes years before they died and they would not have been allowed to take pets with them, so it’s fortunate that they didn’t still have an extremely intelligent, emotional vulnerable specialty pet that most people don’t know how to take care of, isn’t it?





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I would say we are discussing only parrots that are kept as pets and not others. Your statement that you would be MISERABLE with Amazons or Cockatoos is a strong one but unsubstantiated. Kindly elaborate on why do you think so.

 

[SilverSage]

Because I know a lot of people with those birds. They are awesome creatures but not at all a good match for me and my family. As someone highly involved in rescue I’ve had the opportunity to experience first hand how unpleasant it is to live with a bird that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. I also have taken in dozens of birds who wouldn’t have needed rescuing if their original owners had bothered to be sure they were getting a good species match to begin with. Trust me, my statement is true.


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[niraj]

Because I know a lot of people with those birds. They are awesome creatures but not at all a good match for me and my family. As someone highly involved in rescue I’ve had the opportunity to experience first hand how unpleasant it is to live with a bird that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. I also have taken in dozens of birds who wouldn’t have needed rescuing if their original owners had bothered to be sure they were getting a good species match to begin with. Trust me, my statement is true.


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Thank you for your response. However, with due respect, I would say that Cockatoos and Amazons are very popular pets. I do agree that personal preference is important.

But here, we are discussing a broader issue of life expectancy comparisons among popular pets. There would be people who would go for a pet whose life expectancy may be even less than a decade but they prefer them over a pet that would live for 50 years. However, that is not a point for consideration here.

 

[SilverSage]

Popular pets... no... baby ones are popular, adult ones are not. Did you know that the average cockatoo spends less than 2 years in any given home? Why? Because they are extremely high needs pets who do not fit well into most homes.


What I’m saying is, choosing a pet not because of how well it fits your family, but because it can live 90 years instead of 70 or something like that, is foolish and will only lead to suffering.


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[niraj]

Popular pets... no... baby ones are popular, adult ones are not. Did you know that the average cockatoo spends less than 2 years in any given home? Why? Because they are extremely high needs pets who do not fit well into most homes.


What I’m saying is, choosing a pet not because of how well it fits your family, but because it can live 90 years instead of 70 or something like that, is foolish and will only lead to suffering.


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I agree with you on the point of personal preference. The only thing I am saying is it is not important while discussing comparative lifespans of pets which is a broader issue.

 

[SilverSage]

But we aren’t discussing that, are we? You asked the question, and you posted articles, but we have asked why you are interested and you answered that you want to know because you desire to have a pet live as long as you. So it boils down to using lifespan as a way of choosing a pet. Which you can do, and no one can stop you. But I hope you don’t.


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[niraj]

But we aren’t discussing that, are we? You asked the question, and you posted articles, but we have asked why you are interested and you answered that you want to know because you desire to have a pet live as long as you. So it boils down to using lifespan as a way of choosing a pet. Which you can do, and no one can stop you. But I hope you don’t.


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I have given a general answer to a question on a general topic. However, you are attributing it to me. I think we are digressing from the topic.

 

[Kiwibird]

The simple answer is the desire of most pet owners of having their companion pet live as long as they are alive. It is not possible with most mammal pets and there parrots have an edge.

Yes, the lifespan of large parrots is appealing because the'll be with you forever. Any larger parrot, be it an amazon, African grey, cockatoo, macaw etc... taken good care of will more likely than not outlive you. I adopted my amazon when I was 19 and he was already 10, still very young for his kind. Barring accidents or illness, he'll be around into my 70's at least. Ideally, he'll go about the same age I'll be ready to not have pets any longer. My parents are in their late 60's now and have had parrots since the early 1970's. My mom has been feeding and cleaning and playing with and taking to the vet etc... a bunch of birds for close to 45 years and frankly, she's getting sick of it at her age. Not that she'd ever give them away or give them less than excellent care, but after that long, the care of what are essentially feather toddlers who never mature past the mental age of 2 wears on you. Your life revolves around them, everything from going out to dinner to planning vacations to renovations in your home are dictated by what's best for the parrot(s). Just saying as someone who grew up with them, have watched my parents getting older with them and knowing I'll be inheriting them because they are in excellent health and will likely outlive my parents. By the time they end up with me, no doubt they'll have age related special needs, as parrots do develop in advanced age. When you buy a long-lived baby parrot, you have to consider will you have family willing to take on an elderly parrot with possible chronic age related health issues when you die? Or will you be leaving a portion of your estate to a sanctuary so they'll be provided and cared for the rest of their lives?

There's nothing wrong with wanting a long lived pet, but do consider that choice carefully as it is truly a lifelong and beyond commitment. Look at larger parrots, but focus more on finding an individual you "click" with and let species or potential lifespan of said species be a less important factor. Really, when it comes to the difference between a 70 and 80 year lifespan, so long as you're an adult it frankly doesn't matter because the bird WILL outlive you.

 

[niraj]

The simple answer is the desire of most pet owners of having their companion pet live as long as they are alive. It is not possible with most mammal pets and there parrots have an edge.

Yes, the lifespan of large parrots is appealing because the'll be with you forever. Any larger parrot, be it an amazon, African grey, cockatoo, macaw etc... taken good care of will more likely than not outlive you. I adopted my amazon when I was 19 and he was already 10, still very young for his kind. Barring accidents or illness, he'll be around into my 70's at least. Ideally, he'll go about the same age I'll be ready to not have pets any longer. My parents are in their late 60's now and have had parrots since the early 1970's. My mom has been feeding and cleaning and playing with and taking to the vet etc... a bunch of birds for close to 45 years and frankly, she's getting sick of it at her age. Not that she'd ever give them away or give them less than excellent care, but after that long, the care of what are essentially feather toddlers who never mature past the mental age of 2 wears on you. Your life revolves around them, everything from going out to dinner to planning vacations to renovations in your home are dictated by what's best for the parrot(s). Just saying as someone who grew up with them, have watched my parents getting older with them and knowing I'll be inheriting them because they are in excellent health and will likely outlive my parents. By the time they end up with me, no doubt they'll have age related special needs, as parrots do develop in advanced age. When you buy a long-lived baby parrot, you have to consider will you have family willing to take on an elderly parrot with possible chronic age related health issues when you die? Or will you be leaving a portion of your estate to a sanctuary so they'll be provided and cared for the rest of their lives?

There's nothing wrong with wanting a long lived pet, but do consider that choice carefully as it is truly a lifelong and beyond commitment. Look at larger parrots, but focus more on finding an individual you "click" with and let species or potential lifespan of said species be a less important factor. Really, when it comes to the difference between a 70 and 80 year lifespan, so long as you're an adult it frankly doesn't matter because the bird WILL outlive you.

Thank you. You have provided information which is quite important. Can you kindly mention which Amazon do you have and also which species / sub-species your parents had and for how long. This will be an important first hand information.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Niraj, with respect and a warm welcome to a new member... I'm feeling a little like I'm back in school, debating the number of angels dancing on the head of a pin. I do admire academic discussions, however, and I praise our wonderful members for participating so patiently and straightforwardly.
Best of luck to you, regarding completion of your venture.

 

[Kiwibird]

Thank you. You have provided information which is quite important. Can you kindly mention which Amazon do you have and also which species / sub-species your parents had and for how long. This will be an important first hand information.

I have a blue front amazon. I found him through an avian rescue when he was about 10, in 2008. 2 known prior homes, both less than stellar. He's turned into a whole different bird now than the one I adopted! Very healthy too, his vet commented last checkup he was in great health for a 19/20 year old bird. He has a lifespan of around 65 years.

I am unsure the exact years my parents got their birds, but I *believe* the first one was in 1973 and the other 2 were bought over the next few years. The first was a captive bred baby green cheek amazon. He had chronic health problems all his life and passed away a little over a year ago. The second is a double yellow head amazon. She was wild caught (back when it was legal) as an adult, putting her at around 45+ years old. She is in great health and still vibrant and energetic. Old wild caught birds tend to have good genetics because they had to survive the horrendous importation and government quarantine process. She has developed some mild arthritis in the foot she broke years ago but that's her only health concern. The last one is a little goffins cockatoo, also bought as a captive bred baby. He's in perfect health and mean enough he'll probably be one of those birds who lives over 100

Just a side note, if you aren't already aware, avian shelters do exist and are literally overflowing with large parrots. I know I had no idea they existed when I was first looking to get a parrot. Many birds up for adoption are still juveniles who haven't even been through puberty. Many are very good birds who were loved all their lives who's owner passed away or someone got sick or had financial struggles. All need loving homes and a bird who knows what it feels like to not be well treated forms a very strong bond when someone comes along who treats them right. May be worth considering

 

[Scott]

I have given a general answer to a question on a general topic. However, you are attributing it to me. I think we are digressing from the topic.

May I ask what your goal is with this discussion? Are you seeking a companion parrot, working a research project, or inquiring for general knowledge?

 

[niraj]

Another important factsheet about lifespan of Macaws which states that it is a myth that Macaws live for 80-100 years.

Green-winged Macaw Fact Sheet

 

[LordTriggs]

I'm very confused by the purpose of this thread, maybe I'm mis-reading something.

Are you just curious over the lifespan of different parrots or are you looking for a companion? Depending on your age right now there are multitudes of parrots that can out live you based on average lifespan for humans and different parrots. But like others have said in that situation you would need to have fail safes set up for your parrot and to base a pet off solely their life expectancy can set yourself up for failure just due to the general personalities of some species. I have personally seen a Cockatoo who's life fell apart after their owner died, the owner had it in their will to give the Cockatoo to their children to care for with a large sum of money reserved for a rescue should the Cockatoo not be suitable for any of the Children's homes. One of the adult Children took the bird and poisoned her in an attempt to get the money and now she lives with a hole in her neck so you can see from that the worry of what happens to the bird after the owner's death.

I can say that fact sheet from Northern parrots is not entirely correct because at an event hosted by that very same store last year I met a 72 year old Scarlet (along with other parrots) like others have said we just straight don't know how long they live in captivity as many parrots that age are wild caught and it has only been within the past few years that parrot care really began to make strides.

I guess what I would say if you do want a parrot companion is don't even think about the life expectancy right now. Many birds even small ones can live into their 20's and beyond so you're never going to be in it for the short haul. Better to enjoy 20 years and give them a good life then to resent them after 2 years and begin a life of being bounced from home to home

 

[niraj]

Thank you. You have provided information which is quite important. Can you kindly mention which Amazon do you have and also which species / sub-species your parents had and for how long. This will be an important first hand information.

I have a blue front amazon. I found him through an avian rescue when he was about 10, in 2008. 2 known prior homes, both less than stellar. He's turned into a whole different bird now than the one I adopted! Very healthy too, his vet commented last checkup he was in great health for a 19/20 year old bird. He has a lifespan of around 65 years.

I am unsure the exact years my parents got their birds, but I *believe* the first one was in 1973 and the other 2 were bought over the next few years. The first was a captive bred baby green cheek amazon. He had chronic health problems all his life and passed away a little over a year ago. The second is a double yellow head amazon. She was wild caught (back when it was legal) as an adult, putting her at around 45+ years old. She is in great health and still vibrant and energetic. Old wild caught birds tend to have good genetics because they had to survive the horrendous importation and government quarantine process. She has developed some mild arthritis in the foot she broke years ago but that's her only health concern. The last one is a little goffins cockatoo, also bought as a captive bred baby. He's in perfect health and mean enough he'll probably be one of those birds who lives over 100

Just a side note, if you aren't already aware, avian shelters do exist and are literally overflowing with large parrots. I know I had no idea they existed when I was first looking to get a parrot. Many birds up for adoption are still juveniles who haven't even been through puberty. Many are very good birds who were loved all their lives who's owner passed away or someone got sick or had financial struggles. All need loving homes and a bird who knows what it feels like to not be well treated forms a very strong bond when someone comes along who treats them right. May be worth considering

Thank you for the insightful details. Cockatoos followed by Amazons have the potentially the longest lifespans as per the link to the research paper posted by me also suggests. It appears that except for the green winged Macaw, other Macaws have lesser life expectancy compared to the above two (exceptions like Charlie - the blue gold Macaw are not considered)

 

[GaleriaGila]

Niraj, with respect and a warm welcome to a new member... I'm feeling a little like I'm back in school, debating the number of angels dancing on the head of a pin. I do admire academic discussions, however, and I praise our wonderful members for participating so patiently and straightforwardly.
Best of luck to you, regarding completion of your venture.

Yes, I'm quoting myself!
I want to offer continued praise for the measured and obliging replies.

 

[Scott]

Another important factsheet about lifespan of Macaws which states that it is a myth that Macaws live for 80-100 years.

Green-winged Macaw Fact Sheet

Posting academic and anecdotal records is interesting, but to what end? Are you interested in dialog, and why dodge inquiries from several members?

 

[niraj]

Another important factsheet about lifespan of Macaws which states that it is a myth that Macaws live for 80-100 years.

Green-winged Macaw Fact Sheet

Posting academic and anecdotal records is interesting, but to what end? Are you interested in dialog, and why dodge inquiries from several members?

I would only stick to the topic and won't digress by entering into a personal debate. I am posting links and information only related to the topic.

 

[Terry57]

We had a wild caught DYH who passed away when she was between 53 & 63 (we have no way of knowing her actual age, this was as close as it could be narrowed down).
All this means though is that Cally lived to be that age, and so would at most speak to a wild caught parrot who lived in captivity.
I feel we are at minimum 100 years away from correlating anything close to accurate life spans in captive bred birds.

 

[niraj]

We had a wild caught DYH who passed away when she was between 53 & 63 (we have no way of knowing her actual age, this was as close as it could be narrowed down).
All this means though is that Cally lived to be that age, and so would at most speak to a wild caught parrot who lived in captivity.
I feel we are at minimum 100 years away from correlating anything close to accurate life spans in captive bred birds.

Thank you. I think the range provided by you is quite in line with the estimates and data available thus far. The research paper I had posted earlier in this thread has reliable data from zoo etc. from the 19th century and the early 20th century like your first hand experience and accordingly helps in making reasonable estimates. Thank you once again.