Cockatiels are among the most popular pet birds, and they are a genuine long-term companion — a healthy cockatiel can share your life for two decades or more.
How long do cockatiels live?
Most pet cockatiels live 15 to 20 years, and with excellent care some reach 25–30. Sadly, many die younger than they should, usually from a poor diet or a preventable accident rather than old age. A good diet, a safe home and regular vet care make the biggest difference to how long a cockatiel lives.
What shortens a cockatiel's life
The main preventable causes are an all-seed diet (leading to obesity and fatty liver disease), household accidents, and hidden illness caught too late — cockatiels mask sickness well. Night frights (panic in the dark) that cause injury, and airborne toxins like non-stick fumes and aerosols, are also common, avoidable dangers.
How to help your cockatiel live longer
Feed pellets and fresh vegetables rather than mostly seed, keep the home free of hazards and toxic foods, allow daily flight and exercise, provide company and enrichment, give consistent dark, quiet nights to prevent night frights, and build a relationship with an avian vet. Compare species on our parrot lifespan guide.