what should I do to make my budgerigar to live longer

[FiveHorses]

Originally Posted by CheyDee

Lastly, birds remain healthiest in the absence of drafts and with slowly adjusting temperature differences, meaning that it will not be often that it is 70 degrees F and calm outside when your indoor temperature is 70 degrees F (or whatever).

Well, you must tell that to the Weather Gods. They've not been paying attention.

[CheyDee]

If one does research on ornithology, s/he could review the data which has been collected on bird illnesses, deaths, weather conditions and their relationships. One could also learn about what birds do in the wild to keep warm as well as cool down. One may also wish to question an avian vet, to learn how temperature and drafts affect their pet birds.

[FiveHorses]

Right... so what you're saying is that it's nothing short of a miracle birds survive outside at all?

They're not dropping out of trees every time the wind blows, it rains, or the temperatures fluctuates wildly. It goes without saying that the climate needs to be close to the climate of wherever the species is originally from, but like any animal they're designed to cope with the changes. When it rains in West Africa (natural habitat of Grays) it can be a bitterly cold rain and will come down with amazing force. Last I heard, it was humans causing the decline in wild Gray numbers, not the rain or the winds that blow off the Sahara every year.

You contend that pet birds are best kept at a stable temperature in a draft-free environment 365 days a year. I simply do, have and will always disagree. I contend that pet birds do best having safe and secure access (even if only the cage on a table while you sit and read a book) to the outside at such time when weather permits for both mental and physical health. Nature designed them to be able to adjust without human intervention.

[CheyDee]

Originally Posted by FiveHorses

Right... so what you're saying is that it's nothing short of a miracle birds survive outside at all? .

I did not say that at all. You may wish to reread my posts.

The natural habitat of "Grays" which you reference is Western and Central Africa. In addition, the correct spelling is "Greys", not "Grays".

To stay on topic, however, we are talking about pet budgies. I maintain that they, as well as all pet birds, will be healthier in a temperature controlled, draft free environment. You are entitled to your contrary opinion.