African greys are among the most intelligent parrots out there, but do you know how much an African grey parrot costs?
Whether you are just curious or looking to buy one for your family, you have come to the right place.
Similar to other exotic birds, it should be noted that African grey parrots are pretty expensive. As a general rule, the more desirable the coloration and markings of a bird, the higher its price tag will be.
However, the price of an African grey parrot is only the beginning of the costs associated with owning one.
So before you take on this responsibility, keep reading this article to find out if these sociable birds are suitable for you or not!
How Much Does an African Grey Parrot Cost?
Typically, African grey parrots cost between $1,500 and $4,000. However, take note that the exact price of an African grey varies based on its age and sex. Its price also depends on the reputation of the bird breeder.
On the other hand, adopting a rescued parrot can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
You should also know that there are two subspecies of African grey parrots: the Congo African greys, known for their large size, and the Timneh African greys, which tend to be smaller but have a deeper shade of grey plumages.
While both possess bright red tail feathers and a white mask around the eyes, these birds’ prices vary greatly.
For instance, Timneh parrots are rarer and are a higher price subspecies than their African Congo counterparts.
The table below shows the price difference between these two African grey parrots:
Aspiring pet owners can also choose to raise their own African grey chick.
On average, buying African grey eggs cost anywhere from $30 to $100; however, their survival rate is relatively low, and they typically require a lot of care.
Of course, it should be noted that the African grey parrot price ranges presented above are only rough estimates.
The actual cost of any given bird will depend on various factors that will be discussed in the following section.
Factors Affecting the Cost of an African Grey Parrot
As with cockatiels and cockatoos, several aspects primarily determine the African grey cost. Therefore, you will find that some breeders offer African greys for sale at a much higher price than others.
The following are some of the factors that affect the price of the African grey parrot:
Age: An African grey parrot’s age plays a huge role in determining its value. For instance, older birds cost less than baby birds due to their past behavior and low demand. Nevertheless, an older bird can still be sold at a premium if it has already been trained to talk or perform tricks.
Appearance: While it’s common for African greys to possess red-colored tails, some display silver tail feathers, making them more expensive. The same goes for parrots with pink or reddish African grey color. These birds are often worth more than those with standard grey plumage.
The Rarity of Subspecies: Even though both subspecies came from Western Africa, Timneh African greys are more pricey than Congo African greys. Note that Timnehs are less common, and their population has been declining, making them an endangered species.
Quality: The African grey’s genetics have a lot to do with its final price. The better their lineage and breeding history, the more expensive they will be. Furthermore, those with no strange marks and are proven not a crossbreed tend to be more costly than others.
Breeder’s Reputation: Generally, well-respected African grey parrot breeders charge more for their birds. They have been in business for years and have developed a reputation as being reliable breeders.
Gender: Although it’s rare, female African greys cost significantly more than male birds. This is because females lay eggs and require a nest box and incubator, which can be hefty if you’re planning on breeding African greys.
In reality, it’s possible to find a lower-priced grey parrot, but keep in mind that you may be sacrificing quality when you buy from less reputable breeders.
In most cases, they sell sick parrots or ones that have been mistreated.
Initial Cost of Owning an African Grey Parrot
Now that you have an idea about how much an African grey parrot is, it’s time to look at the initial expenses of owning one.
These include the cost of treats, toys, and other supplies you will need for your new pet.
Refer to the list below to get a realistic idea of what you can expect to spend on your African grey parrot:
Food and Treats: Once your African grey grows past its baby stage, food and treats will comprise the majority of your expenses. Your parrot’s diet is important as it can affect their longevity, so make sure they will consume adult food specifically formulated for them. Prepare around $10 to $50 for this.
Mineral Supplements: Because African grey parrots are seed-eaters, they usually don’t receive enough nutrients from their diet alone. So, anticipate paying from around $10 to $30 for mineral supplements that contain calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins essential for their health.
Food and Water Bowls: A pair of food and water bowl is a must-have for your African grey as they need to eat and drink daily. A good set can cost anywhere between $10 and $40.
Cage: Remember that African greys are big birds; therefore, they will need a large, stainless steel cage to accommodate their size. The average price for such a cage is around $100 to $1,500.
Cage Stand: If you want to get a sturdy, high-quality cage stand for your African grey parrot, you should expect to spend anywhere from $35 to $70.
Cage Cover: A cage cover is usually recommended for African grey parrots because they’re easily distracted by their surroundings. However, bird cages vary in size, so expect to shell out between $17 and $40 for one.
Cage Liners, Bedding, and Litter: In addition to a cage cover and stand, you will need to purchase a few other items to make your feathered pet feel at home. Cage liners, bedding, and litter for your new African grey parrot will set you back by about $10 to $30.
Cage Skirt: While a cage skirt is not a necessity, it can be very helpful in ensuring that your African grey parrot’s cage stays clean. Pet stores and online retailers typically charge between $7 and $12 for this item.
Perches and Ladders: To provide your African grey parrot with the best possible environment, you should make sure they’re equipped with perches and ladders. High-quality perches and ladders will run you between $75 and $300.
Nesting Material: African grey parrots typically require $5 to $15 worth of nesting materials. These include wood shavings, pine chips, newspaper, and any other soft material that can be shredded or pulled apart.
Hideaway: If you want to give your African grey parrot a place to rest and hide, a hut or tent that costs around $9 to $17 will do the trick.
Travel Cage: If you’re an African grey owner who loves to go on trips, you might want to invest in a bird carrier. A typical travel cage can cost anywhere from $30 to $115.
Toys: Like cats and dogs, birds are prone to separation anxiety and boredom. To prevent this, get your African grey a variety of toys, including mirrors and swings. You can purchase these online for $25 to $150.
Grooming Supplies: You can expect to spend $60 to $100 on grooming supplies for your African grey parrot. This will include a comb, nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors.
Cleaning Supplies: African greys require sanitary environments, so you should be prepared to spend approximately $30 to $40 on cleaning supplies.
First Aid: Before you bring home your African grey, you will need to invest in some first aid supplies. Expect to pay between $6 and $11 for a small first aid kit that includes gauze pads and antiseptic wipes.
Microchip or Leg Band: As a newbie African grey owner, you might want to consider microchipping or leg-banding your pet bird. This will run you $80 to $100, depending on where you live and how much your vet charges.
The following table presents an overview of the initial cost of owning an African grey parrot:
As you can see, the African grey price is just the starting point in determining the total cost of bird ownership.
Hence, if you really want to purchase one, be ready to set aside cash for all the starter supplies mentioned above.
Annual Cost of Owning an African Grey Parrot
For potential buyers of African grey parrots, the yearly cost of ownership is a crucial aspect to consider.
In reality, these birds have an average lifespan of 45 to 50 years, so it’s best to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
To begin with, you’ll need to allot a portion of your budget to cover basic care costs, which include bird food, vitamins, and other supplies.
You’ll also want to factor in the cost of insurance, pet sitters, and routine vet visits.
To illustrate, the following is an estimate of the annual expenses associated with owning an African grey parrot:
Note, though, that all these can quickly add up if you don’t monitor your finances closely.
Thus, you should make sure that the expenses of keeping this pet are within your budget before making any purchase decisions.
Other Potential Expenses
Aside from the initial and recurring costs of owning an African grey, there are a few other expenses for you to consider. While these are not top priorities, they could be costly if you don’t plan ahead of time.
The list below provides potential expenses that you may need to pay as an African grey parrot parent:
Emergency Medical Expenses: If your African grey parrot requires immediate medical attention, you may need to pay for expensive veterinary care. Thus, setting aside around $300 to $2,000 for health emergencies is recommended.
Bird Pet Sitters: For busy people who work full-time and can’t leave their African greys at home, hiring a bird sitter is a great idea. Depending on your location, this service can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 a day.
Professional Grooming Services: If you don’t know how to groom your African grey parrot yourself, look for a professional groomer who can do it for you. Anticipate spending $35 to $50 for every grooming session.
Boarding: Besides hiring a pet sitter, others choose to board their African greys while they are away on vacation. The cost of bird boarding varies based on the boarding facility but is generally between $20 and $50 per day.
Pet Bird Breeding Expenses: Breeding African grey parrots isn’t as tricky as you might think. All you need to do is be aware of their breeding season and make sure you have the appropriate equipment. But be warned about the cost of this process, which ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
In most cases, the expenses listed above are optional. However, knowing in advance how much each option will cost you can help you prepare financially for your new feathered friend.
Places to Find African Grey Parrots for Sale
African grey parrots are popular as pets in the country, but they are often difficult to find. Fortunately, this section will provide you with a list of places where you can locate African gray parrots for sale.
But before continuing, remember that it is not recommended to purchase from a bird mill or breeder that imports wild animals.
By doing so, you’ll be supporting an illegal trade that harms birds and their natural habitat.
Here are some of the best African grey parrot breeders you can contact:
Mika Birds Farm (MBF) – MBF is devoted to breeding birds that are not only healthy but also well-socialized. Moreover, if you’re interested in buying African grey parrot eggs, this breeder is your best bet.
African Grey Parrot Farm (AGPF) – Since 2010, AGPF has been producing high-quality African greys. They also provide each customer a health certificate — along with a written guarantee and parrot care guide — to ensure their birds are in good health before they’re shipped out.
Bird Jungle – Located in New York, Bird Jungle has been breeding and raising birds for over 40 years. They specialize in many exotic species, including cockatoos, budgies, and African grey parrots. Their team also offers affordable grooming and boarding services if you need help with your bird’s care.
So if you want to make sure that your new pet bird is healthy and well cared for, buy from a reputable breeder who can provide proof of their birds’ health, background, and temperament.
Meanwhile, for those who want to own an African grey parrot but are on a budget, consider looking into rescue shelters.
Many old African greys have been abandoned by their previous owners and are now looking for new homes.
Money-Saving Tips for African Grey Parrot Owners
Even though African greys are relatively expensive birds, it’s crucial to know how to save money while still keeping your parrot healthy and happy.
The following are a few ideas for reducing expenses associated with African grey parrot ownership:
Make sure to ask for affordable recommendations. As established, the African gray parrot price is more than most people can afford. Fortunately, by asking around and joining online forums, you’ll be able to find a reputable breeder that offers a low-priced grey parrot.
Invest in pet insurance. The cost of veterinary care can quickly add up, so investing in pet insurance will protect your African grey’s health in case of an accident. Moreover, note that common illnesses such as psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), avian influenza, and bacterial infections can be costly to treat.
Buy bird food in bulk. If you want to cut costs, purchasing bird food in bulk is a great way to do it. This is especially true if you’re buying pellets and seeds for your African gray parrot, as these tend to be cheaper when purchased in large quantities.
Look for deals, special offers, and discounts. Before shopping for your African grey’s cage, toys, and other necessities, check out some of the many deals offered by pet stores and online retailers. You can also look for second-hand items if you are short on cash.
While these money-saving tips may seem far-fetched at first, they can help you cut down on costs without sacrificing your pet bird’s well-being or quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are African Grey Parrots Expensive?
As one of the most popular pet parrots in the world, it is no surprise that African grey parrots are expensive.
On average, you will find that some pet stores sell a baby African grey parrot priced between $1,500 and $4,000.
However, there are many reasons why this price tag should not scare you away from considering an African grey as your new feathered friend.
Its age, gender, and personality are all factors that can influence its final cost.
Though if you want to own one without spending too much money, consider adoption or choose the Timneh grey over the Congo grey parrot. They are more common and can be easily found in the pet industry.
Are African Grey Parrots Good Pets?
Yes, African grey parrots make good pets. They are intelligent and affectionate, but they should be trained properly to learn social behaviors and not become aggressive.
It is also worth noting that they require a lot of mental stimulation and attention, so if you are looking for a pet bird that requires minimal care, the African grey parrot might not be the right choice for you.
You can watch this video to learn more about the African grey parrot’s behavior:
Revealing 10 Truths About Living With An African Grey Parrot | PART #1<a href="https://youtu.be/5jW8eo_SoZw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F5jW8eo_SoZw%2F0.jpg" alt="Revealing 10 Truths About Living With An African Grey Parrot | PART #1" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Are African Grey Parrots High Maintenance?
Yes, African grey parrots are high-maintenance pets. In fact, if they do not receive proper care and mental stimulation, they can become depressed, aggressive, and even self-destructive.
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, owning an African grey parrot isn’t just a fun hobby — it’s also a heavy commitment.
Starting with their expensive price tag, it’s clear that these energetic creatures require more than just the usual care.
They need large cages, mentally-stimulating toys, and other essential accessories to thrive. Their food costs will also be pretty high, especially if you want to give them the best possible diet.
Moreover, you should look for a desirable breeder recognized by any reputable parrot association or club.
While their African grey parrot price is usually high, it’s worth it if you want a healthy pet that will live for decades.
Now that you know how much African grey parrots cost, leave a comment and tell us what you think about their price!
Kommentare