How Much Does a Pet Bird Cost?

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While knowing what type of bird is best suited for your living space and lifestyle, the bottom line often comes down to price. How much a bird costs, however, is not just the sticker price upon first purchase. The cost to consider should always include long-term feeding, housing, and vet fees. 

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These are items are you’re likely going to need to buy to keep a happy pet bird:

  • Cage – $60-$400
  • Travel carrier – $25-$80
  • Bowls – $10-$30
  • Toys – $20
  • Two perches – $10-$30
  • Ladder – $10-$20
  • Swing – $10-$40
  • Play stand – $30-$200
  • Nest – $5-$15
  • Bird bath – $10
  • Nail clippers – $10-$15
  • Styptic powder – $7
  • Wing scissors – $10
  • Cleaning supplies – $30
  • Bag of bird food – $10
  • Vet exam – $50-$200

In general, the first year to own a small bird will be about $295 with an expected annual vet cost of $185. A total lifetime cost to own a small bird for 15 years or so is about $2,885 to $3,440. The first year costs include a cage for about $70, the purchase cost, the food, toys and treats at about $100, and routine vet checkups for about $85, depending on location and type of bird being seen. Larger birds will be much more. Expect to pay about $200 for a large bird cage, and at least $300 for the bird itself. The overall costs are going to be determined by the specific species with a rough estimate breakdown listed below.

As far as vet costs, most bird visits cost an average of between $30-$100, with an average of $185 per year. Of course, any unexpected illness or need to visit the vet throughout the year could cost more. The visit will include checking the eyes, throat, check the vent and crop, and nares as well as weighing the bird. They may also check and trim the claws, examine the wing and listen to the heart and lungs. It’s a good idea to consider getting pet insurance to cover vet costs.

However, if you have a specific species of bird in mind this article will go into greater detail about specific type of birds!

How much does a budgie / parakeet cost?

$10-$35

Total upfront costs with accessories and vet bill will be about $250.

How much does bird food cost for a budgie?

$31 for starters. A seed-based diet will cost about $11 for 4 pounds. Also, millet is approximately $7. Pelleted food is going to be about $13 for a 2.25 pound bag. 

Budgies are relatively inexpensive to feed. Clean water must be in the cage at all times. Additionally, you will probably want to pick up a cuttlebone to provide necessary calcium for your Budgie. This will cost about $3.50.

How much does bird toys cost for a budgie?

$24.50 to start with three toys, including a bird kabobs, $7, Olympia rings small bird toy, $5, and chimes, $12.50.

How much is vet fees for a budgie?

A vet visit will typically cost between $25-$35 per bird after the initial visit, but unless there is reason for concern, you will only need to take your budgie to the vet about every three years.

Budgerigar

How much does a Canary cost?

$25-$150

Up to $190 for an unusual colored canary who sings well

How much does bird food cost for canaries?

Plan on spending about $50 per year for most small breeds like canaries.

How much does bird toys cost for canaries?

$2-$10 each. Canaries need plenty of toys since they will otherwise become bored very quickly. Good toys for canaries include mirrors, plastic balls, swings, sticks with leaves on them, bells, vine balls, and tightly-wound ropes.

How much is vet fees for canaries?

$30-$100 depending on geographic location and what services the vet provides.

How much does a Cockatiel cost?

$150 

How much does bird food cost for cockatiel?

Around $70 a year

How much does bird toys cost for cockatiel?

$20 or more. The best toys for a cockatiel are foraging toys.

How much is vet fees for a bird for cockatiel?

A new vet visit may cost around $120 which should include a thorough exam, nail clipping and tests, but a typical vet visit for an exam is often between $35-$70 depending on where you live.

How much does a Finch cost?

$20-$100

How much does bird food cost for a finch?

$3-$8 per bag or 1 lb. Tub. They only require about 2 teaspoons of seeds per bird per day.

How much does bird toys cost for a finch?

$3-$10 per toy. Finches enjoy swings, bells, ladders, and toys made from paper.

How much is vet fees for a finch?

$30-$100 for maintenance exams. The first exam may cost more depending on what tests are done.

How much does a Conure cost?

$150-$500

How much does bird food cost for a Conure?

$10-$16 per bag

How much does bird toys cost for a Conure?

$4-$15 per toy. Some great options for conures include medium stuffed vine balls, foraging cups, or a large cuddle.

How much is vet fees for for a Conure?

Approximately $185 per year plus any unforeseen costs, depending on where you live. Plan on about $85 per routine checkup.

How much does a Dove cost?

$20-$100

How much does bird food cost for a dove?

$7-$18 per bag

How much does bird toys cost for a dove?

$4-$10 a toy, include at least 3 toys in a cage like ladders, swinging perches, and small wooden toys that the bird can arrange and rearrange. Also include a foraging toy where you hide treats, since doves are natural foragers.

How much is vet fees for a dove?

Up to about $185 per year.

How much does an African Grey cost?

$600-$2,000

How much does bird food cost for an African Grey?

$6-$18 per bag, but they also eat fruits, leaves, insects, bark and flowers. Some even feed their African Grey baby food.

How much does bird toys cost for an African Grey?

$3-$17 including toys that will keep them busy, feed their intelligence, and toys they can chew on, shred, untie knots from, take apart, puzzles, Whiffle balls, bells, and toys they can hang onto.

How much is vet fees for an African Grey

$30-$100 average per visit.

How much does a Cockatoo cost?

$800-$5,000

How much does bird food cost for a cockatoo?

$20-$40 per month for bird pellets, $6-$25 per bag or tub. The cockatoo is fairly large and will require a good amount of food, including fresh food and veggies.

How much does bird toys cost for a cockatoo?

$4-$30, including toys that will satisfy their energy, intelligence levels as well as their social needs, including toys they can bite, chew on, climb, and explore.

How much is vet fees for a cockatoo?

$185 per year average.

How much does a Amazon Parrot cost?

$1,500 average, up to $3,000 or more

How much is bird food cost for an Amazon Parrot?

$12-$35 per 25 lb. bag

What’s the best toys for an Amazon Parrot?

$4-$15 including chew toys, bells, shiny objects, wooden toys, ropes, plastic toys, and foraging toys.

How much is vet fees for an Amazon Parrot? 

$185 average per year.

How much does a Macaw cost?

$900-$5,000

How much does bird food cost for a Macaw?

$600 average per year. $35-$50 per 25lb. bag or tub for this large bird that will eat a lot, approximately 10 to 15 percent of its own body weight every day. Brazil nuts range from $150-$175 per 50 lb. Box.

How much does bird toys cost for a Macaw?

$4-$30 per toy including toys they can tear and shred

How much is vet fees for a Macaw?

$185 average per year plus unforeseen vet costs.

How much does a Pionus Parrot cost?

$200 to $900

How much does bird food cost for a Pionus Parrot?

$8-$40 For this bird with a hearty appetite.

How much does bird toys cost for a Pionus Parrot?

$4-$30 including shiny, wooden, rope foraging, and plastic toys made specifically for a parrot.

How much is vet fees for a Pionus Parrot?

$185 per year average.

How much does a Parrotlet cost?

$120-$350

How much does bird food cost for a parrotlet?

$30-$40 per bag to last a few months.

How much does bird toys cost for a parrotlet?

$4-$17 including a rope bungee, mini flying trapeze toys, and hideaway ladders.

How much is vet fees for a parrotlet?

$185 per year average.

Is a Bird a good pet pet fоr kidѕ?

Pеtѕ birds offer great соmраnу аnd affection for all ages. Birds are great with kids if the bird is trained and cared for. They also require less care than most other pets. Sрасе limitations, housing rulеѕ, nеighbоurѕ, аllеrgiеѕ are ѕоmе other rеаѕоnѕ why opting for a bird реt is such a great idea.

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About Us

We are avid bird-watchers who recently retired, allowing us more time to travel the world. Fortunately, we have managed to visit numerous countries around Europe, Asia, and America. Watching and photographing birds has been a passion for many years and we are making the most of the extra time on our hands!

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