How long do Kakariki live?
Kakariki commonly live 10-15 years, occasionally up to 25 in captivity with excellent care.
What do Kakariki eat?
Feed about 60-70% pellets with vegetables, fruit, green leafy foods, and a modest amount of seed; avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. They forage heavily, so offer varied greens and sprouted seed to mirror wild grazing.
Kakariki cage and daily life
Provide a large flight cage at least 24 x 24 x 36 inches (60 x 60 x 90 cm) or bigger with 5/8-3/4 inch bar spacing, plus ample out-of-cage time and chew toys. They are constantly active; keep away from kitchens (Teflon/PTFE fumes are fatal).
Common mistakes with Kakariki
Common errors are too small a cage for such active birds (stress, plucking), seed-heavy diets causing fatty liver, and nonstick-fume or toxic-food exposure. Expecting a calm, tame pet leads to disappointment; they are busy aviary birds.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Too small a cage for such active birds, causing stress and feather-plucking.
- Feeding a seed-heavy diet leading to obesity and fatty liver disease.
- Exposing the cage to Teflon/PTFE fumes or toxic foods like avocado and chocolate.
- Expecting a calm, tame lap pet when kakariki are busy aviary birds.