Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How long do they usually live--the average? When do they decline in energy and health? Are they like a dog in that they get slower and lose functioning as they get old? My tiel is 10 yrs old now and she seems to be sleeping more and having wetter stools this past yr. She is also becoming mellower during our playtimes, which is a good thing for the most part. Whereas she used to sit on other people's fingers, I'm the only one she wants to be on now.

I would guess the average is around 15-20 years. Many books give them a life expectancy of around 30 years still others say closer to 10. We have had many live to the 20 year mark (it seems pretty common) but have not seen one yet that passed 23. Other cockatiel owners I have spoken with will usually claim a 15-20 year average as well. Good luck and keep enjoying your middle aged tiel LOL!!

Do you know the old age signs, ie, do they sleep more, lose feathers, fall down, can't see well, etc.?

Hi
I think you should take her to the vet. Those signs you described are signs of illness. Even if she is in old age, she shouldn't be showing those sort of signs.

If given an EXCELLENT variety of natural foods they can live to 30 years but average for most tiel owners is 15 - 20 years.

Please take her to an avian vet.

Oh no--she is not exhibiting any of these signs. I was just asking how long tiels live, how you can tell they're old, if they deteriorate, etc. I'm hoping my sweetheart lives to a ripe old age but have NEVER read in any tiel info that they show signs of aging (like dogs, etc.). She is age 10 now.

I would imagine the usual signs would be the same as any person or animal growing old.
Slowing down & doing alot less. Perhaps wanting to be picked up more to be moved.
I'm not really sure either