I don't own a Budgett's, but I have been looking into getting one so I've done some research. Lifespan can be over 10 years, maybe up to 20. I don't know about feeding response in male vs. female. Females are larger than males. The sexes can be told apart by size and males having dark throats at breeding age. There are a few care sheets out there, and simple google search will probably turn up most of information you want to know. Good luck.