How long do Bourke's Parakeets live?
Bourke's parakeets commonly live 10-15 years, occasionally up to 25 in captivity with excellent care.
What do Bourke's Parakeets eat?
Feed a base of seed and pellets with daily greens, a little fruit, and sprouted seed; avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Balance seed with pellets and greens to prevent fatty liver from an all-seed diet.
Bourke's Parakeet cage and daily life
Provide a cage at least 24 x 18 x 24 inches (60 x 45 x 60 cm) with 1/2 inch bar spacing and room to fly, plus chew toys and 2-3 hours out of the cage. They are calm but still need activity; keep away from kitchens (Teflon/PTFE fumes are fatal).
Common mistakes with Bourke's Parakeets
Common errors are an all-seed diet causing fatty liver, nonstick-fume or toxic-food exposure, and too little flight space. Assuming their calmness means they need no socialization or enrichment is also a mistake.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Feeding an all-seed diet leading to fatty liver disease.
- Exposing the cage to Teflon/PTFE fumes or toxic foods like avocado and chocolate.
- Too little flight space, causing inactivity and obesity.
- Assuming calm means no enrichment or socialization needed.