Hi!

I too have heard various opinions about the lifespan of cockatiels. Most say that their *average* lifespan is about 15-20 years. I have several friends who have tiels that are over 25 and still very healthy. Cockatiels can live to be 35 or even older, and are very hardy, sweet birds. They live long lives for a creature so tiny, as most parrots do. Your sweetie may not be so young anymore, but hopefully, with lots of love and a good diet, hopefully he should still have some years left with you. Who knows, he may be hanging around for another 15 years. My tiels are only 4 years old right now, and I try to feed them the best diet possible. With a good diet (seeds, pellets, veggies, whole wheat bread, rice, boiled egg once in a while, etc.) cockatiels can live long and healthy for a long time. Enjoy your life with your tiel. 16 is older than young, but tiels are normally considered *seniors* once they hit their 20s. I know we have another member here with a older tiel also. I'd love to see pics of your cockatiel btw. I'm sure he's a sweetie!