The costs of owning a parrot can be broken down into two categories: upfront costs, which are incurred only once, and monthly expenses, which are recurring.
Upfront costs include the initial purchase of the parrot, and the necessary supplies like cages, perches, and others. Monthly expenses are ongoing necessities such as food, grooming, toys, and veterinary expenses.
The actual cost of a parrot comes down to the species and their care requirements. Large parrots usually have complex care needs and are expensive to own compared to smaller species.
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Parrot Prices In 2024
The cost of purchasing a parrot can vary widely based on factors such as the species, age, and where you acquire the bird. Parrots come in a wide price range starting from $20 to $500 for more common or smaller species, while rare or attractive species can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
The price of a parrot also depends on where you get it. Breeders often charge more, especially if they deal in a specific genus of parrots. Pet stores may offer a variety of species, but prices can vary. Adoption from a rescue organization is often a more affordable option and provides a home for birds in need.
| Parrot Species | Price |
|---|---|
| Budgies | $20–$80 |
| Cockatiels | $80–$250 |
| Parrotlets | $100 – $350 |
| Lovebirds | $100 – $250 |
| Senegal Parrots | $800 – $1,200 |
| Caiques | $800 – $1,500 |
| Conures | $300–$800 |
| Quaker Parrots | $250–$500 |
| Pionus Parrots | $500 – $2,000 |
| Indian Ringneck Parakeet | $400–$1,500 |
| African Greys | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Eclectus Parrots | $800–$3,000 |
| Amazon Parrots | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Cockatoos | $1,400–$3,500 |
| Macaws | $1,000–$18,000 |
Upfront Costs
When you first bring home a new parrot, there are a number of upfront costs besides what you have paid for your pet. You need to have these essentials in your home ready and set up before you even get the parrot. We’ve got checklists to guide you on what essentials you need and what to expect in terms of expenses.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cage | $50–$1000 |
| Perches | $10–$40 |
| Toys | $10–$200 |
| Food & Water Bowls | $5–$40 |
| Food | $25-$100 |
| Travel Carrier | $30–$100 |
| Initial Health Examination | $50–$200 |
Total (Minimum) $180
Total (Maximum) $1680
Cage ($50–$1000)
Ideally, you want to get as large a cage for your parrot as you can get to give them the freedom they enjoy in the wild.
A cage is a parrot’s home where it spends most of its day, so it must be big enough for them to move freely, forage for food, play with toys, and have an enriching experience.
Different birds have different cage requirements, including the size and shape of the cage. Small parrots like budgies and parrotlets can be fine with a small cage, however, it is recommended to get a larger cage if space is not an issue for you.
Stainless steel cages are better options for parrots as they are durable and non-toxic, although they are more expensive than the standard ones.
Perches ($10–$40)
Parrots need more than one type of perch in their cage. Various types of perches at different locations of the cage are ideal. Generally, natural wood branches are great for parrots as they provide a natural experience and also help keep their nails and beaks trimmed. In addition to this, parrots can also benefit from soft rope perches.
Toys ($10–$200)
Parrots need lots of toys in their cage. They need toys for mental stimulation, physical exercise, beak health, and to prevent boredom.
Most parrots like to destroy their with their beaks, which makes toys an ongoing cost. You might have to replace their toys every few months.
Travel Carrier ($30–$100)
A travel carrier for your parrot is essential for various reasons. It is a comfortable means of transporting your parrot that can be used in different situations. The carrier is practical for vet visits, general outdoor travel, and emergencies.
Vaccination
Generally, most parrots do not require vaccinations. However, in specific situations, veterinarians may recommend the polyomavirus vaccine, although this is uncommon.
Parrots that are living with various bird species may be advised to get vaccinated, as they could be at risk of contracting diseases from other birds.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Parrot? (Ongoing Expenses)
Owning a parrot involves ongoing expenses, including monthly costs for food, cage maintenance, grooming, and sometimes emergency veterinary care. Being aware of these costs helps you plan your budget efficiently.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Food | $25-$100 |
| Grooming Costs | $15–$50 Every 6 months to 1 year |
| Annual Veterinary Checkups | $50–$200 |
| Pet Insurance | $10–$50 per month |
Total (Minimum) $87.5
Total (Maximum) $400
Food ($25-$100 Per Month)
Most parrots eat a diet of pellets, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. 80% of a parrot’s diet should consist of pellets, with the remaining 20% comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, and a small amount of nuts and seeds.
Pellets can cost you around $10–$50 depending on the size of your parrot. Most brands recommend using the pellets within 8-10 weeks of opening.
You can extend its shelf life by freezing and storing it in airtight containers, however, it’s advisable not to purchase parrot pellets in bulk.
A balanced diet for parrots should also include fresh foods. You can make fresh vegetable chop and serve it to them. Fruits, nuts, and seeds should be offered as treats only.
Grooming Costs ($15–$50 Every 6 months)
While parrots can handle some grooming themselves, like preening their feathers and keeping their beak length in check, they need assistance in certain areas of care. Parrots usually need their nails trimmed every 6 months to 1 year, depending on the species.
Having your parrot’s nails trimmed at the vet can cost you around $15–$50. You can cut their nails by yourself also, however, it is not an easy job and requires guidance and some level of experience.
It is best to take your parrot to a vet for its first nail trim so that you can observe and learn how it is done properly.
It’s important to note that while a parrot’s beak grows continuously, they do not need assistance in trimming their beak. An overgrown beak can be indicative of a metabolic disorder or other health problems.
Annual Veterinary Checkups
When you first bring your parrot home, it’s important to take them to the vet for an initial checkup. This is a proactive step to ensure the bird is healthy and any potential issues can be identified early on.
Parrots should also be examined for health issues every 6 months or annually as birds tend to hide illnesses. Their instinct to hide signs of illness makes it difficult for owners to know about their health.
Routine examinations assess a bird’s overall health, check for any subtle signs of diseases, and address potential issues before they become more serious.
Pet Insurance ($10–$50 per month)
Parrot insurance plans cover unexpected veterinary bills, theft, and death. The cost of insurance is based on the plan you choose and the species of your parrot.
Your Species Of Parrot Could Determine How Much You Spend
Size
Larger parrots usually cost more money to take care of than smaller ones. They need more food, larger cages, and a consistent supply of toys as their massive beaks destroy things pretty quickly. Veterinary care for larger parrots is also more expensive.
Specialized Diet
Certain parrot species like lories, lorikeets, and Eclectus parrots have special dietary requirements as these birds are frugivores in the wild. They primarily feed on berries, fruits, the nectar of native flowers, and natural vegetation.
The majority of the diet of an Eclectus parrot includes fresh fruits and vegetables and the rest comes from pellets. Lories and lorikeets on the other hand eat fruits, veggies, and a specialised nectar powder.
Dusty Parrot Species
If you get a dusty parrot species like an African Grey or a Cockatiel, you will have to invest in a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce fine dust produced by these birds. A good air purifier costs somewhere in the range of $50–$200.
In order to prevent dust accumulation in the house, you will also need to be prepared for more frequent and thorough cleaning.
Regular cleaning including wiping surfaces, vacuuming with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner, and ensuring proper ventilation. This is important for both your bird’s respiratory health and your own.
