How Much Does It Cost to Buy & Care for a Pet Bird?

How much will it cost to buy the bird you want? It depends on the species, and whether you buy from a professional breeder or another source such as a pet store.

Beyond the cost of the bird itself, new owners should budget for things such as pellets and other dietary needs like seeds and fruits, properly sized cages, and even bird-proofed rooms for larger birds to fly around.

Depending on the breeder, availability, and location, the cost of your bird may fluctuate outside the given ranges. The list also includes some of the other expenses you should plan for while caring for your new feathered friend.

Should a Bird's Cage Be Covered at Night?

Costs for Bird Care, Food, and Housing

In general (depending on the breed), housing, feeding, and caring for a bird is less expensive than caring for a dog or cat. But the costs can rise dramatically depending upon the lifespan of the bird (some birds live as long as people) and your pet's healthcare needs.

According to Kiplinger, these are the average costs you should budget for if you're considering a parakeet or other non-exotic small bird:

First-year cost: $465
Annual cost: $250 (plus unforeseen vet costs)
Total lifetime cost: $3,750 to $4,500 for an average lifespan of 15 to 18 years
Other first-year costs include the cage ($50) and the purchase price, which ranges from $15 to $40 for a parakeet. After the first year, annual costs include food ($35), toys and entertainment ($50), and routine vet check-ups ($25 to $150).

Larger birds such as macaws and parrots are much more interesting pets than parakeets, but they are also more expensive to buy, house, feed, and care for. While it's possible to buy a birdcage for a macaw for less than $200, chances are it will need replacement relatively soon; it's probably smarter to budget at least $300 just for that purchase.

Small Birds: Budgies, Canaries, and Finches

Budgies (Parakeets): $15 to $40. Since they're small, budgies are relatively inexpensive to care for and feed. However, a diet consisting only of seeds is not enough; veterinarians recommend a diet that includes pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables including leafy greens.
Canaries: $25 to $150. In addition to what you'll pay for the canary, make sure you have the right size cage for these active birds. They need room to fly around and plenty of toys since they can get bored easily.
Finches: $10 to $100. Most finches prefer the company of other finches to that of a human companion. Ideally, they're kept in small "flocks" when in captivity. So if you're planning to get a pet finch, you may want to get more than one to keep your bird emotionally healthy.
Parrotlets: $100 to $300. The average parrotlet can live up to 20 years or longer, provided it's well cared for. Be prepared to make that kind of commitment to a pet before getting a parrotlet or any other type of parrot.

Medium Birds: Conures, Lories, and Doves

Cockatiels: $50 to $150. These very social birds need regular interaction so that they stay tame. Talk to them and handle them daily.
Conures: $150 to $500. In the wild, conures eat fruit, nuts, and seeds, but in captivity, they need a balanced, pelleted diet supplemented with nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Make sure their food (and their cage) is thoroughly washed regularly to prevent transmission of parasitic infections.
Doves: $20 to $100. These easygoing birds need exercise, and not just within a cage. Bird-proof a room in your house that allows your dove to fly around for at least an hour a day. The room should be free of easy escape routes and common household hazards.
Lories: $400 to $900. Unlike the other members of the parrot family, lories need nectar in their diets, since that's their primary source of nutrition in the wild. The nectar formulas, available from breeders and specialty pet shops, can be part of a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables or even edible flowers such as dandelions.

Large Birds: African Greys, Cockatoos, and Macaws

African Greys: $600 to $2,000. Because they are so intelligent, African Grey Parrots can be quite emotionally needy. They require frequent socialization and exercise, so your home will need a parrot-proof area where the bird can spend several hours each day.
Cockatoos: $800 to $5,000+. All cockatoos struggle with weight gain, so owners should monitor their fat intake. High-quality pellets, a moderate amount of seed mix, and daily helpings of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables that have been thoroughly washed are the ideal diet for cockatoos. And they need a minimum of three to four hours outside of the cage every day, as well as chew toys for exercise.
Macaws: $900 to $5,000+. When macaws get bored, they chew on things, so make sure your bird is getting enough stimulation. These are expensive and high-maintenance pets that require a significant time investment from owners.