How Much Does a Talking Parrot Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Talking parrots have fascinated most of us since we were children and continue to do so now. Parrots are excellent pets if you are allergic to cat or dog hair, and if you prefer a non-talker who still talks. Most people who buy a parrot want it to be a chatty companion. However, pets of this kind should not be treated like talking toys. You have to keep in mind that not all species of parrots can reproduce words used in human language.

Language imitation skills differ from one species to another, but also from specimen to specimen. There are precocious birds that quickly “catch” words and sounds that they reproduce easily, while others will hardly manage to make 2-3 sounds close to human language. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the most sociable parrot breeds and their costs.

How Much Does a Talking Parrot Cost?

If you want to know how much a talking parrot costs – well, it has different prices depending on the species, although the average talking parrot costs $450 to $900, with cheaper species costing as low as $15 and more expensive ones as much as $2,000 or more. Beyond the purchase price, there are other expenses that you have to take into account.

One thing that few people know about parrots is that they are so intelligent, they need a lot of attention to lead a good life. Choosing a blue or green or white parrot – as the only selection criterion – is a childish attitude and full of disadvantages.

Parrots and other birds need constant attention and frequent training. They cannot be forgotten in the cage and admired only for their plumage or chirping. Do not imagine that it is enough to study lists of parrot names to be called informed; it’s a lot of work when you opt for such a pet.

Types of talking parrots and their costs

Cockatiel

Many people wonder if the cockatiel (or nymph) parrot is talking or if the sounds are necessary to reorient yourself. Well, speaking is not exactly the strong point for nymphs, who will delight you rather with trills than with words, however, some specimens learn a few words or expressions.

They are very friendly and love human contact. Not being noisy, they can be kept even in the apartment. Their habit of looking for food on foot exposes them to several dangers.

A cockatiel parrot price is anywhere between $50 and $150.

Monk Parakeet

The Monk Parakeet, known also as Quaker Parakeet is a great pet and an intelligent parrot, whose ability to speak rivals that of the African gray parrot or other Amazonian parrots. They are an excellent choice for bird lovers who want all the fun of a large parrot in a smaller package. It is a popular pet, good for dedicated beginners, and adapts well to life in a “human herd” setting.

In some parts of America, it is illegal to keep these birds as pets.

Monk parrots are not exactly the cheapest birds. A parrot is sold for $450 to $700, depending on color and age.

Budgerigar

They are small parrots, multicolored, very friendly, and easy to tame, also known as parakeets. They are children’s favorites and are especially recommended for beginners, those who do not have much experience with exotic birds.

These little winged creatures can quickly become man’s best friends and can reproduce, modestly indeed, with a few words. The secret lies in the time that the owners manage to devote to the bird because otherwise, parakeets are intelligent birds that catch tricks that you don’t even expect “on the fly”.

It is the cheapest parrot available on the market, with prices between $15 and $100.

Blossom-Headed Parakeet

The Blossom Headed Parakeet parrot species is found in Bhutan, Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Northern Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, SE China (Southern Guangxi and Western Guandong).

Because these parrots are part of the Asiatic parrot group, they are very gifted when it comes to talking. Most start talking around five months of age but don’t panic if your Blossom-Headed Parakeet doesn’t start talking until this age. Every bird is different, so there are parrots that won’t start talking until they’re a year old.

To overcome the small number of parrots bred in captivity, many breeders resorted to crossing with the Plum-headed Parakeet. But this crossing produced much larger parrots with additional vibrant colors. For this reason, many breeders who care about this breed try to make sure that crosses are only made between Blossom-Headed Parakeets.

The price of a Blossom Headed Parakeet is anywhere between $600 and $900.

African Grey Parrot

It is also called Jako and is by far the most talkative bird. The African Grey does not need training and is learning to speak on his own. The parrot is so talkative that you can hardly make him shut up. He can reproduce not only words but also whole sentences, and when he gets bored, he starts imitating various sounds he hears around the house.

The price of such a talking bird is between $800 and $3,600.

Australian King Parrot

The Australian King parrot is gentle, quiet, intelligent, and affectionate, immediately recognizes its owner, and often eats from his palm. It is neither aggressive nor noisy, it has the talent to imitate the sounds it hears around. The plumage is different for the two genders, the legs are gray, and the eyes have a yellow iris. The males have a red head.

Those who want to purchase an Australian king parrot must provide it with enough space where it can develop, spread its wings, and can even be raised together with another parrot of the opposite gender to form a pair. Regardless of whether one opts for a very large cage or an aviary, it is not recommended to keep several pairs inside it.

The Australian king parrot is an ideal companion bird, it is loving and devoted, and it attaches very easily to the person who takes care of it, but it does not like to be handled too often. The life expectancy of this pet bird in captivity is up to 25 years.

A parrot of this species has a price range of anywhere between $100 and $500.

Macaw

The Macaw parrot is on the verge of extinction in Central America and South America

Macaws are part of seventeen species, within six genera, belonging to the Psittacidae family of parrots, known for their bright colors and strong beaks.

Even though birds of this breed are not recognized for their ability to speak, Macaw parrots can learn to repeat certain words and even phrases.

Macaw parrots are very good pets, but they must be recommended by qualified breeders or suppliers. Potential owners must learn how to properly care for these beautiful birds, in order not to put their lives in danger.

A Macaw parrot costs anywhere between $700 and $1,000.

Cockatoo

The cockatoo is a bird with a particular appearance, very easy to recognize and differentiate from other breeds of parrots. With a lifespan of up to 50 years, he is recognized as being able to learn between 10 and 30 words.

Among all these types of parrots, the male cockatoo is very intelligent and an excellent speaker, with an average clarity of pronunciation. Although not all these birds speak, they are still very communicative. They are considered excellent house birds, although they are extremely noisy. For those who want a white parrot, it is a very good choice.

The price of a Cockatoo parrot is around $2,000.

Extra costs to consider

Treats and Food

The food must be taken from specialized stores and must be suitable for its species so that it does not represent a danger. It is recommended that they also have a larger bowl with warm water where they can bathe. If not, pour some water on him (a few spritzes) and you’ll see him fluff up his feathers and start pecking.

Depending on the bird size, specie, food quality, and whether you buy in bulk or small amounts, you will spend $25 to $30 per month for your bird’s food.

Cleaning supplies

Caring for parrots is not as simple as you might think. The cage must be cleaned daily. Otherwise, it can turn into a hotbed for infection, full of bacteria and germs. Not only the bottom, where the chick reaches, must be taken into account, but also the water and food dishes, which must be disinfected daily.

You can purchase all the necessary cleaning supplies for your parrot from your local store, for almost $30.

Carrier and Bird Cage

Plan on spending anywhere between $35 and $80 on a carrier, while for a cage you will have to pay anywhere between $75 and $1,000.

Toys and Accessories

Children’s toys or other colorful items around the house that you think your parrot would like may contain dangerous dyes and chemicals. That is why it is good for the parrot to receive only toys intended for him, from pet stores, which are otherwise affordable. In the trade, you will find many toys for parrots, of various colors and sizes, usually made of acrylic. They are durable and pose no danger.

The amount of money you are going to spend on your parrot’s toys and accessories depends on the bird’s behavior and the type of toy. Plan on spending anywhere between $10 and $100 for these. For instance, the ladders, swings, and perches cost around $10 to $40 each.

Insurance and vet visits

To avoid getting sick, parrots should be treated with the utmost care. Depending on your bird’s condition, the performed tests, and your location, you will have to pay anywhere between $25 and $45 for the regular vet check-up. Expect to spend $50 to $200 for the initial exam, and $5 to $30 per month for the medical coverage for pet insurance.

Factors affecting the cost of a talking parrot

The price of a talking parrot will vary depending on various factors, including:

• Size
• Species
• Age
• Purchase location
• Breeding location
• Lifespan

FAQs

How expensive are these parrots?

The average price of talking parrots of impressive sizes can get as high as +$8,000. Some of the most expensive parrots are the Macaw, African Grey, Eclectus, Cockatoo, and Amazon parrots.

But you can find a parakeet or conure at Petco for around $500.

How much does a baby talking parrot cost?

Expect to pay around $20 for a baby talking parrot.

How long do talking parrots live?

The lifespan of a talking parrot depends on the species. For instance, the African Greys can live around 40 years, sometimes more than 70 years. On the other hand, Conure parrots, which are smaller than other species, can live only 15 to 30 years.

In general, a parrot can live around 50 years.

Which is the cheapest talking parrot?

One of the cheapest talking parrots is the Budgerigar, with a price of $10 to $35.

Final words

The parrot is part of the fabulous world of exotic birds where we find hundreds of species, or breeds of talking parrots, but not all of them can be kept at home. However, one of the most beloved birds by bird lovers is the parrot, a perfect pet.

If you go to buy a parrot from a classified website or directly from a pet shop, it will more than likely already know a few words. In this way, parrots can be sold very easily.