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

• 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.1 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 $2000. 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.2 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.3 These are expensive and high-maintenance pets that require a significant time investment from owners.