Lifespans of 260 parrots in captivity

Interesting. Hard to know how to interpret what it means in the context of expectations for pets, given the data are for "collections". It does seem clear that we've based our expectation of lifespan on maximum lifespan rather than what it is typically observed in zoos, aviaries and large breeding operations. They do talk about evidence for increasing lifespan based on improved husbandry, but they don't discuss cause of death and even if the database keeps that, it might be hard to have confidence in it since in a lot of cases I'll warrant the birds were just found toes up.

I almost panicked when I saw the GCC line in the table, then I realized that was only 3 individuals and that maroon bellies had some actual statistics.

Well that was a lot to read though. But it seems as if Jakiepoo is beating the odds, median age was less than 20 for most zon and macaws.

henpecked wrote:

Well that was a lot to read though. But it seems as if Jakiepoo is beating the odds, median age was less than 20 for most zon and macaws.

And quite a few more in our flock...what is that country song..."Must be Doin' Something Right"

Same here. We have several that have outlived their supposed expiration dates. I'm curious as to hybrids. Not sure if it strengthens or weakens the length and how to calculate. Perhaps by looking at the lifespan of the predominant parent perhaps?

One thing the authors note is that the trend is toward longer lifespans and that even while they are measuring longer lifespans among the birds that are still alive, those numbers are inherently biased towards the younger direction because the birds are... drumbeat... still alive. Plus these aren't pets and except for the endangered ones, probably not getting as much TLC as the average pet. I think it's really hard to predict lifespan from those data.