How Much Does A Parakeet Cost?

Last Updated on June 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Parakeets, also referred to as budgerigars or budgies, are extremely popular pet birds. Their small size, beautiful plumage, and ability to mimic speech make them delightful companions. However, while parakeets may seem like affordable starter pets, they do require a considerable investment of both time and money.

This guide examines the full costs of parakeet ownership, from the initial purchase to recurring expenses for food, housing, healthcare, and supplies. Understanding both the expected and hidden costs allows potential parakeet owners to budget wisely and ensure they can adequately care for their new feathered friend.

How Much Does A Parakeet Cost?

The purchase cost of a parakeet itself is quite affordable, typically just $20 to $100. The upfront cost of acquiring a parakeet can range from $20 for a standard pet store budgie to over $250 for a rare show-quality breed from a specialty breeder.

The initial price to acquire your parakeet can vary significantly depending on factors like age, breed, and purchase source. Here is what to budget:

Average Prices at Pet Stores

Pet stores typically charge between $20 and $100 for young parakeets, depending on attributes like color mutations and hand-taming. Mature show-quality breeds often cost $150 and up. Rare mutations can also command premium pricing.

Buying from Reputable Breeders

Established parakeet breeders usually price young, standard budgies from $40 to $150. Factors impacting price include extent of hand-taming, pedigree lineage, and breed rarity. Well-socialized breeds tend to fall on the higher end.

Purchasing Parakeets Online

Buying parakeets online from specialty breeders runs about $50 to $250 depending on breed quality. Reputable sellers may also charge $100 to $250+ for same-day shipping of the bird to your home.

Adopting Rescue Parakeets

Adoption fees for parakeets from animal shelters, rescues or rehoming tend to range from $30 to $100. This is a budget-friendly way to bring home a parakeet while providing a second chance for a bird in need.

The Spruce Pets states that budgies (parakeets) cost between $10 to $35.

Petco offers blue parakeets for sale at a price of $21.99. The article also mentions that a pair of finches can cost between $20 and $100, while a budgie is usually about $25.

Greenlight states that the cost of a budgie (parakeet) ranges from $10 to $35. They also provide a breakdown of costs for other popular bird breeds in the US, such as cockatiels ($50-$150), lovebirds ($50-$150), conures ($150-$500), African gray parrots ($1,000-$2,500), and macaws ($1,500-$3,000).

According to the Mom.com website, a parakeet will typically cost between $10 to $60. The ASPCA estimates that you will spend approximately $75 on an appropriate cage for your parakeet. Food for your bird will cost about $75 per year, and you can expect to spend another $30 per year on toys and treats.

Ongoing Parakeet Care and Maintenance

While the initial parakeet purchase price may seem insignificant, the ongoing costs of food, housing, healthcare, toys, and other supplies quickly add up. It’s important to understand these recurring expenses.

Food and Treats – A nutritionally balanced diet for parakeets includes a quality seed mix, pelleted formula, and fresh vegetables and fruits. This typically costs $20 to $40 per month. Vitamins, minerals, and occasional treats should also be factored in.

Cages and Housing – A suitable new cage for a parakeet starts at $100 for a basic style but averages $150 to $250 for an optimal size with amenities. Replacement perches, litter, and habitat accessories can easily cost $30 to $50 per month.

Veterinary Care – Annual exams along with any medication, injuries, or illness expenses average $300 to $600+ each year. Emergencies or chronic conditions further increase costs.

Miscellaneous Supplies – Other recurring costs like grooming tools, new toys, travel carriers, cage liners, and cleaning supplies average $100 to $250+ annually.

In total, budget approximately $750 to $1,200+ per year for a single parakeet, factoring in all necessities. The monthly cost ranges from $60 to $100.

Factors That Impact Parakeet Expenses

Several factors contribute to the overall annual cost of parakeet care and influence the total investment:

Specific Parakeet Breed – Rarer parakeet breeds often cost more upfront and have unique care requirements that affect living expenses. Larger breeds eat more.

Geographic Location – Areas with few breeders and pet suppliers charge higher purchase prices. But rural areas offer lower costs for supplies, offset by fewer avian vet options.

Number of Parakeets – Expenses obviously increase with multiple parakeets. But some costs are shared across birds, making 2 or 3 parakeets only 50-75% more than 1.

DIY Capabilities – Significant savings result from making toys, perches, and other items yourself versus purchasing. But building proper avian cages requires more skill.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Eclectus parrots, Quaker parrots, or Amazon parrots.

Affording Parakeet Ownership

Use these handy strategies to minimize parakeet care costs without sacrificing quality:

Buy Supplies in Bulk When Possible – Stock up during sales on essentials like food, litter, and grooming necessities. Shop competitor price matching specials.

Prioritize Preventive Veterinary Care – Annual exams and early treatment for issues minimize costly emergency vet visits down the road.

Make Your Own Toys and Foraging Items – Simple homemade toys made from household items keep parakeets entertained for less.

Research Quality Insurance Plans – Pet insurance can significantly offset unpredictable vet costs from illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions.

Invest in the Biggest Suitable Cage – Getting a properly sized cage from the start avoids upgrading costs later as the parakeet grows.

Realistic Look at Ownership Costs

While parakeets have a reputation as affordable starter pets, providing for all their daily needs and healthcare still requires dedicating a reasonable budget. But with prudent planning, these personable birds offer years of companionship without breaking the bank.

Be sure to accurately estimate both upfront and ongoing costs before welcoming home your feathered friend.

Initial Parakeet Purchasing Costs

Selecting the ideal parakeet involves more than just picking the prettiest color. Understanding cost implications around age, breed, and source allows budget-friendly planning.

Baby vs. Juvenile vs. Adult Birds – Hand-fed baby parakeets under 3 months cost more but bond tightly with owners. Older juveniles save money but require taming. Adults are least expensive but can be nippy.

Common Parakeet Breeds vs. Rare Mutations – Common color variations like green, blue, and yellow cost less. Rare designer mutations can command prices from $300 to $1,000+.

Big Chain Pet Stores vs Specialty Bird Shops – Large pet stores offer lower prices but often lack specialized bird knowledge. Small specialty shops provide expert guidance yet charge higher rates.

Impulse Purchases vs. Careful Planning – Impulse buying risks overpaying and improper setups. Researching costs, needs, and reputable breeders results in healthier, happier pets.

Ongoing Parakeet Care Costs

The annual expense of parakeet ownership goes far beyond just food. Proper housing, enrichment, and healthcare also require dedicated budgeting.

Short-Term Savings vs Long-Term Investments – Cheaper seed-only diets risk malnutrition. Pricier pellet-based foods provide balanced nutrition long-term.

Minimum Sized Cages vs. Maximum Sized – Bigger cages allow more flying room but cost more initially. However, upgrading later gets expensive so invest upfront in an optimally sized habitat.

Rarely Replacing Toys vs. Routinely Updating – Infrequently replacing worn toys seems cheaper but can lead to boredom and behavior issues. Budgeting for regular new toys keeps parakeets engaged.

Annual Exams vs. Emergency Visits – Preventive vet exams cost less than emergency visits. Prioritizing wellness checks helps avoid costly health crises down the road.

DIY Skills vs. Professional Services – Making own toys cuts costs but takes time. Building custom cages requires carpentry skills. Sometimes it’s worth outsourcing specialized services.

Final Words

While parakeets make relatively affordable companion birds, providing for their daily needs and healthcare still requires dedicating a reasonable budget. But with smart planning and resourcefulness, their endearing personalities and abilities make parakeets well worth the investment.

Be sure to accurately estimate both one-time and recurring expenses before welcoming one of these lively birds into your family!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to buy more than one parakeet?

No, parakeets can live happy, healthy lives solo as long as their owner provides adequate interaction and stimulation. However, these highly social birds do thrive when kept in pairs or small flocks, ideally of the same gender to prevent breeding.

How much time should I spend with my parakeet?

You should aim for at least 2-3 hours per day of direct interaction and supervised time out of the cage playing, training, or snuggling. Parakeets crave companionship so the more time you can positively engage with your bird, the stronger your bond will become.

What are the pros and cons of having a parakeet?

Pros include their intelligence, vocal abilities, relatively low cost, and small size. Cons are their need for frequent attention, potential messiness, moderately loud vocalizations, and 10+ year commitment. But for the right owner willing to invest time and budget, the joy of parakeet companionship outweighs the required work.