Ever wondered about birds with short lifespans? Well, technically no bird really has a short lifespan. However, there are some species that often live less than 20 years. Birds such as lovebirds, parrotlets, and pigeons can have much shorter lifespans when compared to popular pet birds like parrots or cockatoos.
Understanding the unique needs and care requirements of these species can help owners provide the best care possible for their feathered friends. In this article, we will explore relatively short-lived birds, their lifespans, and other essential information.
1. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are small and social birds known for their playful behavior and affectionate nature. They come in a variety of colors and are often kept in pairs because of their strong bonding tendencies. Usually, these sweet birds live around 10 to 15 years in captivity.
Though they may have shorter lifespans compared to other larger parrot species, they still make lovely companions. Their need for interaction and social structure makes them really engaging pets. Here’s what to know if you plan to keep these pet birds:
- Lovebirds must be kept in pairs or small groups. It isn’t a good idea to keep a single lovebird. If you do, you should be prepared to devote a lot of time to social interaction to prevent loneliness and boredom.
- A spacious cage is also super important, as lovebirds need room to fly around and play. The cage must have lots of perches and toys to keep them entertained.
- Lovebirds need a balanced diet with pellets, fresh fruit, and vegetables to stay healthy.
2. Parrotlets
Parrotlets are tiny little parrots with massive personalities. They are known for being sweet yet feisty, curious, and social. Despite their size, they have the same amount of intelligence and charm as large parrots. They usually live between 10 to 15 years.
Their lively nature and easy size make them awesome pets for those who don’t have space for larger birds. Yet, keep in mind that while relatively short-lived, these social birds need constant stimulation and interaction. They do best in pairs or small groups.
Parrotlets also need ample room to fly and exercise as much as possible. They will be much happier with a large cage with toys to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
Pay attention to their behavior, as parrotlets can be prone to aggression if their needs aren’t properly met. Socializing them and offering positive interactions can help mitigate these issues. Early training can also help to develop strong bonds.
3. Pigeons
Pigeons are underestimated as pets, but they make great ones! They are super gentle and intelligent, making them great companions. Domesticated pigeons usually live for around 10 to 15 years. They are known for being very sweet and calm, with strong homing instincts, making them cool pets to have.
Don’t let the term “feather-brained” fool you; these birds have unique social and emotional needs. They may not be your first choice for a pet bird, but they can be very rewarding companions when they’re properly cared for. They thrive in pairs or small groups. So, keeping a single pigeon is not a good idea at all.
There’s a reason why pigeons live in cities; the crevices of buildings mimic their natural environment alongside cliffs and bluffs. So, when creating a habitat for your pigeon, their cage should have lots of nooks, crannies, and perches.
Regular vet checkups are important for these little guys. They can be susceptible to health issues, including parasites and respiratory issues. So, it’s important to seek veterinary care whenever you notice anything wrong with your pet’s health.
4. Budgies
Budgies, commonly known as budgerigars, are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. These little guys are known for their fun, bright colors, playful nature, and love of interaction. They usually live for around seven to 10 years, but some can live way longer with good care.
While budgies have a much shorter lifespan than some parrots, they still give their owners many years of joy and companionship. Their social and lively personalities make them a great choice for many first-time bird enthusiasts. They thrive on social interaction, so keeping them in pairs or flocks is really important for their social needs. If they’re kept alone, they need a lot of daily engagement from their owners.
Provide them with a spacious cage and various perches and toys to encourage mental stimulation. A balanced diet is really important. Pellets, seeds, and fresh fruit are great, but be careful of high-fat foods. Budgies are SO intelligent and can even learn to talk and perform tricks! Just make sure you train them early to avoid common problem behaviors.
5. Finch Species
Various species of finches, such as society finches and zebra finches, are really popular as pets because of their social natures and cheerful songs. These small birds usually live for around five to 10 years. They may have the shortest lifespans of most common pet birds, but they can still bring a lot of companionship and joy during their lives. They are best in pairs or small groups. This is because they can become stressed and lonely when by themselves.
A secure, big cage with room for perching and flying is really important. Vertical space is crucial to let them flitter around. You should have plenty of toys and foraging opportunities in their cage to keep them stimulated and active. Their diet should include finch seed mix, fresh fruits, and vegetables––but no fatty foods!
