Feathers and Time: Unraveling the Cockatoo Lifespan

Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Fumipets

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One of the bird species with the longest lifespans is the cockatoo. However, Cockatoo lifespan varies depending on the species. While smaller species (such as cockatiels) only survive up to 25 years, the bigger species may often live for at least 20 to 80 or even 100 years.

This article will educate you on several well-known cockatoo species, their lifespans, and the variables that determine cockatoo longevity. Read on to discover more.

1. Moluccan Cockatoo

The Moluccan cockatoo, often known as salmon crested cockatoos, is the same as the umbrella cockatoo. The sole distinction is that instead of having bright white plumages, it has a pinkish tint. The lifespans of the two species are often comparable.

Moluccan cockatoos often live for 70 years after being tamed. Although they may live for up to 90 years in the wild, where they must survive by themselves, their lifetime is significantly increased.

However, the majority of the Moluccan cockatoo population is susceptible to environmental elements including disease, drought, and predators that might shorten its life expectancy.

2. Goffin’s Cockatoo

Goffin’s cockatoo, also known as Tanimbar Corella, is one of the smallest species of cockatoos.

They also have one of the lowest life spans among the cockatoo species. Their maximum life expectancy is around 65 years, with a lowest life expectancy of approximately 25 years.

3. Cockatiel

Cockatiels are essentially a species of cockatoo, despite having a smaller frame and often being mistaken for common parrots. In households, they are mostly domesticated.

Cockatiels are lovable, gregarious birds. They can also sing to their owners and are skilled whistlers. Cockatiels are widespread in most Australian homes because they make wonderful family pets and are easy to socialize. Additionally, you may raise them in your residence.

They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years in the wild. However, they may live for 20 to 25 years if they are domesticated and carefully cared for.

4. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

Living conditions for sulphur-crested cockatoos are typical in Australian cities. They are renowned for having an inquisitive and lively attitude. In many homes, they are also heavily tamed. It is important to keep in mind that this unusual breed of bird is quite demanding and needs a lot of care if you want to domesticate it.

A domesticated Sulphur-crested cockatoo should live for around 20 to 40 years. They may, however, live up to 70 years if they were in excellent health and had suitable living circumstances.

5. Galah Cockatoo

Galah Cockatoos, also known as rose-breasted or pink and grey cockatoos, are renowned for their lovely pink appearance. Australia is where they are most prevalent, and most of them are domesticated. They often live longer than normal parrots.

Galah cockatoos are often tame since they have a reputation for being amiable and loving. They like being cared for, but they dislike being cuddled. They are quite abrasive because they need attention.

The Galah cockatoo has a lifetime of 20 to 40 years in the wild. However, they may survive for up to 80 years if given proper care.

6. Umbrella Cockatoo

The umbrella cockatoo, also known as Cacatua alba, is regarded as one of the species with an exceptional lifetime.

You should give your umbrella cockatoo forages and other highly nutritious feeds if you want to make sure they live a long and healthy life. Because umbrella cockatoos are vivacious, sharp, and gregarious, their food ought to mirror these qualities.

They may live for up to 60 years while being tamed. However, owing to the hostile habitat and challenging environmental conditions, zoo animals often survive for roughly 50 years. It has been said that certain umbrella cockatoos may live up to 100 years.

Only a few of the more popular species are included in the discussion. If you wish to raise cockatoos, they offer you an estimate of how long you may anticipate them to live.

Factors Affecting Cockatoo Lifespan

A cockatoo might survive its whole life or it can pass away sooner. If the cockatoo maintains good health and follows a healthy diet, it can live as long as possible. The main elements affecting cockatoos’ lifespans are discussed below.

Diet

Maintaining a suitable and balanced food for your cockatoo may play a big part in making sure it lives its life to the fullest if you are breeding cockatoos at home. Though it’s a common misconception that cockatoos can live just on seeds and nuts, this is untrue since they need more for a good existence and a longer lifetime.

A diet consisting only of seeds may be harmful to your bird since it can cause obesity and have the same consequences as overeating. One of the factors that contributes to captive cockatoos having a limited lifetime is poor food.

Because they must fend for themselves, cockatoos that live in the wild tend to live longer and may thus access a broad variety of nourishing and healthful feeds.

If you don’t care what you give your cockatoo to eat

A combination of the following feeds will be quite useful:

A blend of premium seeds, yet it would be preferable to stay away from sunflower seeds since they are bad for cockatoos’ health.

a blend of premium pellets

many kinds of nuts

Vegetables, such as leafy greens, peppers, carrots, and others, may be chopped or eaten whole.

Fruits including grapes, pears, apples, and more should only be consumed in moderation.

Make sure that cooked foods like pasta, wild rice, and lentils are unsalted.

You should encourage your cockatoo to eat their favorite foods more often to minimize stress on them and make them pleasant, lively, and enthusiastic. This could lengthen their lives.

General Care

General care is very important for the health and well-being of your cockatoos. You should take the following factors into account to make sure your cockatoo is healthy and has a long life:

Stimulation

One of the most demanding parrot species is the cockatoo. They often resort to harmful habits, such as stress plucking, when their owners fail to provide them with enough stimulation and attention. Therefore, you should make sure that your cockatoos have entertainment available at all times.

Air Quality

Since the majority of cockatoo species have weak lungs, keeping them inside in a stuffy atmosphere has a negative impact on their health. Therefore, you should rigorously avoid perfumes, aerosols, and any other fragrant goods adjacent to them if you have chosen to breed cockatoos in your home. Additionally, it would be great if you abstained from smoking since it is bad for both your health and that of your cockatoo.

Don’t Skimp on Bird-Proofing

Because they are so curious, cockatoos are all violent and prone to domestic dangers. In order to prevent your cockatoo from hurting itself or damaging your possessions, it would be ideal if you kept a watch on it when it was outside of its cage. Ideally, you could keep any potentially dangerous objects, devices, electrical wires, and other kinds of pets out of the way.

Time Out of the Cage

You should allow your cockatoos out of the cage more often for their emotional and physical well-being. They will be able to exercise both their body and mind, and it will also help them avoid problems associated with obesity. Your cockatoo will have the ideal chance to play and amuse themselves if you let them out of the cage. By doing this, you may reduce stress and ensure the long, healthy life of your cockatoo. There should be several freshwater sources, foraging toys, and perches throughout the cage.

Conclusion

As has previously been observed, the lifespans of the various cockatoo species vary. However, they tend to live longer, up to 80 or even 100 years, with adequate health care, a supportive environment, and a healthy diet. It is advised to provide proper care for cockatoos kept at home in order to maximize their lifespan.

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