TheTameParrot.com - Say “BYE” To Your Parrot Problems

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Like any other product, the cost of birds is dependant on a variety of factors from simple supply and demand, to breeding conditions and expenses.  Let’s face it, breeding and selling birds is a business.  Let’s examine these issues and how they effect to cost of your bird.

AVAILABILITY- Some breeds of birds are quite rare and difficult to breed.  Parents may only produce one or two babies per clutch, and only once a year.  Others, like cockatiels, breed all year long and can average 3-5 babies per clutch.  Because of this overproduction, cockatiels are readily available and very inexpensive to buy. 

In comparison, Hyacinth Macaws were nearly extinct.  With few breeder pairs available, and only one or two babies per clutch a year, they are rare to find.  Prices for these birds can easily cost $8000

BREEDS- Not only do you need look at the type of bird, but also any special breeds.  For example, an “average” grey cockatiel can easily be purchased for $40.  But Latino cockatiels will cost even more.  So knowing exactly what you are looking for is important prior to shopping for your bird.

REGION- Birds are much easier and cheaper to raise in warmer climates, where outside flight cages are used.  In cold climates, it’s necessary to have heated aviaries.  These exotic warm weather birds can not stand the cold weather of northern states.  Shipping birds drastically adds to the cost. Buying birds from distant places doesn’t not save you anything once you add in these costs.

HAND FED OR PARENT FED- The labor costs involved in hand feeding birds can easily add a few hundred dollars to the cost of a large parrot.  But this is also a feature that bird owners insist on, as hand fed babies are more friendly and healthy then babies fed by their parents. 

BREEDER OR PET STORE- Many breeders raise birds as a hobby.  They do it for the love of birds.  Pet stores sell birds for profit.  This doesn’t make them a bad place to buy birds, just more expensive.  And many pet stores are actually supplied by the hobbyist breeder.  If cost is a factor in your decision, look around for an experienced breeder.  Ask local veterinarians, contact local bird clubs, or even animal rescue groups.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS- Other factors to consider are warranties.  Has the bird been checked by a vet, or will that be your responsibility?  That “bird deal” you got may not be that great once you factor in a $100 vet cheque.  It’s tempting to skip this expense, but you could wind up paying far more down the road if your bird was sold to you with health issues. 

BOTTOM LINE- Here is a list of what to expect in price ranges for birds. 

Budgies/Parakeets: $10-25

Canaries: $25-$150 (males cost more)

Finches: $10 - $100 (exotic coloring and breeds cost far more)

Lovebirds: $75-$200

Cockatiel:  $40-$200 (Common breeds are inexpensive)

Parrolets: $100-300

Quakers: $150-200 (Great breeding birds, readily available)

Conures: $300-$800

Caiques: $75-250

Doves $20-$40 (Fancy, show quality doves are much more)

Lories: $400-$800

African Greys $600-$2000 (Older birds cost more…)

Amazons $600-$1500 (Talking breeds cost much more)

Cockatoos $800-$5000 (Various sizes, larger are more expensive)

Eclectus $600-$1200 (Males more expensive)

Macaws: $900-$5000 (High Demand)