Here we can see, “How Much Does It Cost to Get and Maintain a Pet Bird?”
How much will it cost to purchase the desired bird? It is dependent on the species and whether you purchase from a professional breeder or another source, such as a pet store.
Aside from the bird itself, new owners should budget for pellets and other dietary necessities such as seeds and fruits, properly-sized cages, and even bird-proofed rooms for larger birds to fly around.
The pricing of your bird may vary outside of the provided ranges depending on the breeder, availability, and location. The list also contains some of the additional costs you should anticipate when caring for your new feathery buddy.
Costs for Bird Care, Food, and Housing
Housing, feeding, and caring for a bird are generally less expensive than caring for a dog or cat (depending on the breed). However, the expenditures might skyrocket depending on the bird’s lifespan (some birds live as long as humans) and your pet’s healthcare requirements.
According to Kiplinger, the following are the average expenditures to budget for if you’re thinking about getting a parakeet or other non-exotic tiny bird:
- First-year cost: $295
- Annual fee: $185 (plus unforeseen vet costs)
- Total lifetime cost (average parakeet lifespan: 15 to 18 years): $2,885 to $3,440
- Other first-year expenses include the cage ($70) and the purchasing price, which for a parakeet runs from $12 to $65. Annual costs after the first year include food ($75), toys and treats ($25), and routine vet exams ($85). Each species varies; however, parakeets usually live between 15 and 18 years if properly cared for.
Larger birds like macaws and parrots make better pets than parakeets, but they are also more expensive to buy, house, feed, and care for. For example, while it is feasible to acquire a birdcage for a macaw for less than $200, odds are it will need to be replaced very soon; it is probably wise to budget at least $300 for that purchase alone.
Small Birds: Budgies, Canaries, and Finches
Budgies (Parakeets): $10 to $35.
Budgies are pretty inexpensive to care for and feed because they are little. However, a meal consisting solely of seeds is insufficient; veterinarians prescribe a diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables, including leafy greens.
Canaries: $25 to $150.
In addition to the canary, make sure you have the appropriate cage for these energetic birds. They require a lot of space to fly around and many toys because they become bored rapidly.
Finches: $10 to $100.
Most finches prefer the company of other finches over that of a human companion. Therefore, they should be kept in small “flocks when kept in captivity.” If you wish to obtain a pet finch, you should get more than one to maintain your bird emotionally healthy.
Parrotlets: $100 to $300.
The ordinary parrotlet can survive for 20 years or longer if properly cared for. Before getting a parrotlet or any other type of parrot, be prepared to commit to a pet.
Medium Birds: Conures, Parakeets, and Doves
Cockatiels: $50 to $150.
These very social birds require consistent engagement to remain tame. So talk to them and deal with them daily.
Conures: $150 to $500.
Conures eat fruit, nuts, and seeds in the wild, but they require a balanced, pelleted diet supplemented with nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit and vegetables in captivity. To prevent the spread of parasitic illnesses, make sure their food (and their cage) are thoroughly washed regularly.
Doves: $20 to $100.
These easygoing birds require activity, not just within a cage’s confines. So make a bird-proof space in your home where your dove can fly around for at least an hour per day. There should be no accessible escape routes or ordinary domestic risks in the room.
Lories: $400 to $900.
Lories, unlike other parrot family members, require nectar in their meals because it is their principal source of nourishment in the wild.
The nectar formulae, available from breeders and specialty pet stores, can be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables or edible flowers such as dandelions.
Large Birds: African Greys, Cockatoos, and Macaws
African Greys: $600 to $2000.
African Grey Parrots, due to their intelligence, can be highly emotional. They require frequent interaction and exercise, so you’ll need a parrot-proof place in your home where the bird may spend several hours each day.
Cockatoos: $800 to $5,000+.
Because all cockatoos suffer from weight growth, owners should keep a close eye on their fat consumption. The best food for cockatoos consists of high-quality pellets, a moderate amount of seed mix, and daily servings of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables that have been well washed. They also require three to four hours of outside time per day and chew toys for exercise.
Macaws: $900 to $5,000+.
When macaws are bored, they chew on stuff, so make sure your bird is kept busy. These are high-maintenance pets that need a significant time investment from owners.
Owning a Bird On a Budget
Owning a bird on a budget can be difficult, but making a documented monthly budget will assist you in staying on track. Before bringing a bird into your home, you should think about your budget. Owning a bird on a budget is doable, but it must be carefully planned to prevent being in a bind. Budgeting is good money management, and it in no way implies that you don’t care enough for your bird.
Spending Less on Bird Care
When it comes to saving money on bird care without sacrificing quality, price shopping, coupons, and research are your best allies. The goods you choose to stay to your budget should provide room for unavoidable expenses such as medications and emergency treatment. In addition, competitive pricing at various clinics, stores, and internet shops will significantly assist you in saving money on your bird’s care.
User Questions
How much do pet birds cost?
A pair of finches can cost anything from $20 to $100. A budgie typically costs around $25. Cockatiels cost between $80 and $150. Amazon greys can cost anything from $700 to $1,500.
Is it possible to potty train a bird?
Tame parrots can be potty trained at any age, learning quickly. Potty-trained parrots make better long-term house pets, and the habit may be formed in as little as 72 hours.
What is the price of a budgie?
Fortunately, the typical price for a budgie is from $10 to $35, though the price may vary based on where you get your bird. Budgies are frequently found at local pet stores, particularly larger pet store chains.
Is it simple to care for birds?
Birds are excellent pets for people who do not have time to care for a dog or a cat. On the other hand, pet birds are often easier to care for and require less time. While there are no maintenance-free birds, several species are easier to care for than others.
Is a Budgie a suitable pet?
It’s no surprise that the small Budgie is one of the most popular pets globally, ranking only below dogs and cats. This loving, attractive bird is small and cheap, and if properly trained, a Budgie may mimic human speech. These little parrots make excellent pets because they are usually amiable and easy to train.
Conclusion
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