How much do parakeets cost?
How much do parakeets cost?
$30 – $300 average price (common species)
$300 – $1,300 average price (rare species)
$70 – $300 average cage & accessories cost
Average parakeet price
A parakeet costs anywhere from $30 to $300 for a small breed like a budgie to $300 to $1,300 for larger or more exotic breeds like the Indian Ringneck. On top of the cost of your bird, you'll pay about $70 to $300 for their cage, food, and other necessities.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Parakeet | $30 – $300 (common breeds) $300 – $1,300 (rare breeds) |
| Cage | $30 – $200 |
| Food | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $40 |
| Food & water containers | $10 – $30 |
| Average initial cost | $100 – $1,600 |
Parakeet
Small American parakeets and budgies are more common and cost much less than larger or exotic species such as Monk or Quaker parakeets or Ringneck varieties. Parakeets come in a variety of beautiful colors, including blue, green, yellow, gray, white, and even violet.
| Species | Average price |
|---|---|
| American parakeet / Budgie | $30 – $300 |
| Monk / Quaker parakeet | $300 – $1,300 |
| African Ringneck | $400 – $700 |
| Indian Ringneck | $600 – $1,000 |
Cage
A suitable cage for parakeets costs $30 to $200 on average. It should be at least 18 inches in all directions, or more for larger breeds. You will also need:
A variety of perches
Cage liners for waste
A nighttime cage cover
For birds to thrive, they need room to spread their wings and move around. Buying a large, high-quality, durable cage will increase the safety and well-being of your parakeet.
Food
You should give your parakeet fresh food and water daily. Food for a parakeet typically costs $10 to $30 per month and includes:
Seeds as the base of their diet
High-quality pellets
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nuts as a treat
Toys
Buying toys for your parakeet will cost about $20 to $40, and you should replace or rotate toys over time. Parakeets need a variety of toys to keep them happy and mentally stimulated, including foraging toys, chewing toys, and hanging toys.
Food & water containers
Food and water bowls for a parakeet cost $10 to $30. You may want to get multiple bowls for different kinds of food. Stainless steel bowls are durable, and some bowls have a heavy bottom or attach to the cage to prevent tipping.
What is a budgie parakeet?
A parakeet is a type of small parrot with long tails. The terms "parakeets" and "budgies" are sometimes used synonymously, but they're technically not the same. All budgies are parakeets, but not all parakeets are budgies. Budgies are just one of over 100 different species of parakeets!
Like other types of parakeets, budgies cost $30 to $300 initially. The name "budgie" is short for budgerigar, which is a type of Australian parakeet.
Parakeet cost factors
Several factors affect the total cost of taking home a parakeet:
Species: A rare species will cost more than a budgie or American parakeet, with African and Indian Ringneck parakeets being the most expensive.
Number of birds: While it's not strictly necessary to have more than one bird, having a second parakeet can improve their well-being since they're social birds.
Adoption: Adopting a bird is more affordable than buying one from a breeder or pet store, but not all rescue organizations have parakeets in stock. Breeders have higher prices but usually provide customers with guarantees or breed documentation.
Location: Prices may vary based on local markets and the availability of breeders or pet stores nearby.
Vet visits: A routine vet visit costs $40 to $80 on average, or more for emergency care. Parakeets sometimes suffer from bacterial or fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, and parasites.
Grooming: You should clip or file your parakeet's nails to prevent snagging, scratching, or painful overgrowth. You can also use natural wooden perches or filing perches to keep their nails trimmed.
Some owners clip their parakeet's wings regularly to prevent injury from flying into doors or windows. However, many professionals discourage wing-clipping as it can cause undue stress for the animal.
Alternatives
If you know you want a bird but aren't sure if parakeets are right for you, consider the following alternatives:
A cockatoo costs $700 to $3,000 for common breeds or $2,000 to $16,000 for rare breeds.
A parrot costs $50 to $500 for smaller breeds like cockatiels or up to $12,000 for a larger African Grey or a Macaw.
FAQs about parakeets
How long do parakeets live?
Pet parakeets typically live 7 to 15 years on average for smaller breeds and 15 to 30 years for larger breeds. This is as long as or longer than a cat or dog's lifespan. Make sure you're ready for this serious time commitment before buying a parakeet.
Can parakeets talk?
Yes, parakeets can learn to mimic human speech, but they usually can't speak as loudly or clearly as larger parrots and cockatoos. You can also teach a parakeet tricks and commands, such as "step up" or "step down."
Are Monk parrots different from parakeets?
Monk parrots are a type of parakeet and are also called Monk parakeet, Quaker parrot, or Quaker parakeet. They usually have a green body, gray forehead and breast, and yellow or brown beak.
What do parakeets eat?
Parakeets eat mainly seeds as well as grains or grain-based pellets, fresh fruits and veggies, and some nuts. Try to vary their diet and don't feed them an all-seed or all-nut diet. Too many fats could potentially cause heart disease or reduce their lifespan.
Most fruits and veggies are okay in small amounts, but you should never feed a parakeet these foods:
Coffee
Tea
Alcohol
Fried or salty food
Chocolate
Dairy products
Onions or garlic
Fruit pits or seeds
Xylitol
Avocados
Uncooked beans
Are parakeets peaceful?
Yes, parakeets are peaceful, social animals that thrive living in a same-gender pair or group. They also love to bond with their owners and do best when you hold or play with them at least 30 minutes per day.
Where to find a parakeet
When you're in the process of looking for a parakeet, consider these common options:
Rescues: You can sometimes find parakeets in need of a home at a shelter or rescue organization. This is usually the least expensive and most humane option.
Breeders: Buying from a reputable breeder is more expensive, but they are more reliable because they can give health guarantees, proof of the bird's origin or age, basic training, and guidance.
Pet stores: You can find parakeets at most pet stores, including Petco or PetSmart. However, you should look up reviews and make sure the pet store has a good reputation before buying from them.
Questions to ask a veterinarian
Ask a vet these questions to make sure you get the best possible care for your new bird:
Should I take my parakeet for checkups? How often?
What kind of health issues are common in parakeets?
How do I prevent these issues?
Can you recommend seeds or pellets?
Are there any supplements I should give my parakeet?
How common are parasites in parakeets?
What type of grooming does a parakeet need?
Can I groom the parakeet myself, or will a professional need to do it?
What kind of toys do you recommend for parakeets?
Should I let my parakeet out of the cage? How often?
What should I do if there's an emergency?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.