How much does a parrot cost?
How much does a parrot cost?
$50 – $500 average parrot cost (budget)
$500 – $5,000 average parrot cost (mid-range)
$140 – $1,300 average cost for initial supplies
$25 – $200 average cost per month
Average parrot cost
A parrot costs $50 to $500 on average for popular species like cockatiels, lovebirds, and parakeets. African Grey parrot prices range from $800 to $8,500, while a large, colorful Macaw can cost up to $12,000. Initial food and supplies cost $140 to $1,300, with ongoing expenses averaging $25 to $200 per month.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Parrot | |
| Budget breed (Parakeet, lovebird, cockateel) |
$50 – $500 |
| Mid-range breed (Indian ringneck, cockatoo, Amazon parrot) |
$500 – $5,000 |
| High-cost breed (African Grey, Macaw) |
Up to $12,000 |
| Food & Supplies | |
| Cage | $100 – $1,000 |
| Food | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $200 |
| Bowls | $10 – $50 |
| Average total supplies cost (initial) | $140 – $1,300 |
Parrot
Parrots are a class of birds with curved beaks and clawed feet. Many types of birds are classified as parrots, such as parakeets and lovebirds, but African Greys and Macaws are the most recognizable breeds.
The parrot itself will cost anywhere from $30 to $12,000, depending on the breed and size. Generally, larger parrots cost more. The following table shows the most popular parrot breeds:
| Parrot type | Average parrot price |
|---|---|
| Small | |
| Budgies / parakeets | $30 – $300 |
| Lovebirds | $100 – $300 |
| Quaker parrots | $30 – $1,300 |
| Indian Ringnecks | $600 – $1,000 |
| Medium | |
| Cockatiels | $150 – $500 |
| Eclectus parrots | $500 – $1,000 |
| Conures | $600 – $1,900 |
| Cockatoos | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Large | |
| African Grey parrots | $800 – $8,500 |
| Amazon parrots | $500 – $3,500 |
| Macaws | $1,000 – $12,000 |
Cage
Parrot cages cost around $100 to $1,000, depending on the size. They usually have a perch, ladder, swing, and bath inside, plus bedding to catch waste and a cover to help your bird sleep at night.
Change the bedding in the bird cage every week to keep it sanitary. You can also use unscented toilet paper or newspaper in the cage.
Food
Parrot food costs $240 to $1,200 per year or about $20 to $100 per month. Parrots eat birdseed, pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask your breeder or local pet store which foods are best for whichever breed you choose.
Toys
Parrots need plenty of stimulation and exercise. Items like chew toys, ropes, and blocks cost about $60 to $180 per year or $5 to $15 per month. To cut costs, you can use cardboard or branches from outside for a free enrichment activity.
Bowls
Food and water bowls cost $10 to $20 on average, depending on the type and size. Always keep the water bowl clean and free from debris. Replace any uneaten food before it spoils.
Cost to own a parrot by size
Your yearly expenses will depend on the type and size of your bird. Larger birds need bigger cages, more food, and bigger equipment.
| Parrot size | Average monthly cost | Average annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $25 – $50 | $300 – $600 |
| Medium | $50 – $100 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Large | $100 – $200 | $1,200 – $2,400 |
Parrot cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of buying and owning a parrot:
Breed: Exotic breeds and colors are harder to find and cost much more than common parakeets or lovebirds.
Location: Parrots are most affordable at an animal shelter, and you should always adopt rather than buy if you can. However, shelters don’t always have parrots available, and breeders are more likely to have specific breeds.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for checkups or $100 to $800+ for emergencies. Many vets charge $50 to $200 for an initial vet visit to find or address any issues. Parrots are prone to parasites like giardia, but it’s uncommon when they’re not exposed to other birds.
Training: Some parrots may develop behavioral problems like aggression or biting. Hiring a trainer can help but will raise your overall costs.
Dietary supplements: Some parrot breeds need specific nutritional supplements or dietary requirements to keep them happy and healthy, which will cost more.
Parrot FAQs
How long do parrots live?
Smaller parrots like budgies, parakeets, and cockatiels live 10 to 15 years on average when cared for properly. Larger breeds like African Greys and Macaws tend to live longer, some for 30 years or more!
What do parrots eat?
Parrots eat a mixture of seeds, bird pellets, and fresh food. About 40% of your parrot’s diet should be fruits and vegetables. Here are some safe foods for parrots on top of store-bought bird food:
Apples
Bananas
Citrus fruits
Grapes
Mangos
Papaya
Peaches
Beets
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Carrots
Corn
Greens
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Many foods can be toxic to parrots, including chocolate, cocoa powder, avocado, alcohol, high-salt foods, fruit pits and seeds, cereals, and certain raw foods. If you are unsure about any food, don't feed it to your parrot until you can confirm with a trusted avian veterinarian that it's safe.
How can parrots talk?
Parrots can mimic human speech because they have a Y-shaped organ in their throats called the syrinx. This organ vibrates as air passes through it, allowing the parrot to sing and imitate words.
Finding a pet parrot
Follow these steps when you’re ready to start looking for a parrot:
Look for stores, shelters, or breeders near you.
Read reviews on Vety and Google if possible.
Make sure the breeder you choose has a USDA license.
Ask questions about the breeds they have available.
Ask if they also sell food or equipment.
Questions to ask a pet store or breeder
Ask these questions to make sure you’re getting a parrot from a reputable source:
How long have you been breeding or selling parrots?
What is the overall cost of getting and owning a parrot?
Which bird breeds do you have? Which would you recommend?
Does the parrot need any vet visits or an exam before I take it home?
How long does this breed or parrot usually live?
What foods and toys do you recommend?
What type of covering for the cage is best?
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.