![]() There is only one vaccine available for pet birds, but caged birds are rarely, if ever, vaccinated. Image Credit: Lucky Business, Shutterstock Vaccinations Most owners will take their birds for a checkup at least once a year, but every 6 months or so is likely a better option, especially for older birds. This is likely due to an adaptation to predators in the wild preying on weaker birds, and by the time they show symptoms, the disease may have already progressed beyond help. Check-UpsĪn annual veterinary checkup for your parrot is highly recommended, as birds tend to hide illness well. We highly recommend keeping $200 aside for a rainy day. An avian healthcare plan is a great idea, especially for larger, more expensive birds, as they can be expensive if they should fall ill. Of course, if they get sick or need any medical care, the annual costs can quickly skyrocket. Your parrot will need an annual exam to make sure everything is fine with their health, as well as grooming two or three times per year. It’s important to take into consideration the fact that while you may be able to afford the initial cost of a parrot, you’ll need to budget for years of large costs too. But even small species of parrot can live long lives, and the costs can quickly add up. Bear in mind that the most expensive birds are also the longest living and will be with you for decades. When you add together the costs of food, vet care, and insurance, the annual cost of keeping a parrot can swiftly become huge, especially for large birds like Macaws. There are several hundred species of parrots, but the following are common ones kept as pets and their average prices: From a good breeder, a parrot can cost up to $3,000, or more in some cases. Beware of low-priced parrots, as these are often from breeders who are in it for the money rather than from a place of genuine passion for parrots. The breeder you choose should have a genuine love for these birds and should have experience raising and breeding them too. When buying a parrot from a breeder, you must visit the premises to check how they are raised and cared for. There are plenty of parrot rescue organizations in the United States, and non-profit organizations like the Avian Welfare Coalition are a great place to start the adoption process. Remember that there are over 350 different species of parrots, all with different personalities, temperaments, and needs, and you should research the bird that you intend to bring home before diving in and adopting one. Not only will adopted parrots cost less, but you’ll also be giving a loving home to a bird in need. If possible, adoption is the best way to go. Check your local classifieds you might be surprised at how many people are willing to give away expensive birds for free. Many of them are willing to give these birds (plus accessories) away for free, as the responsibility is just too much. Many would-be parrot owners did not take all the aspects of owning one of these birds into consideration. Everything from cages and stands to toys will all cost more the larger the parrot that you decide to purchase. Housing and feeding will cost more too, as larger birds have more unique needs than smaller species. The cost of the parrot you choose will depend mostly on the species, and birds like Macaws or African Greys are a great deal more expensive than a Cockatiel or Budgie, for example. The one-time costs of your parrot will include not only the bird itself but also their cage, toys, food, and accessories. ![]() Let’s get started!īringing Home a New Parrot: One-Time Costs In this article, we’ll break down all the costs involved in owning one of these unique birds, and just how much it is likely to cost you throughout their lifetime. Also, owning any species of parrot is a massive responsibility, and besides the high costs, it is not a decision to be entered into lightly. Smaller birds are naturally cheaper to look after than large species like Macaws, but they are still comparatively expensive pets to own. ![]() A parrot may seem like an inexpensive pet at first glance, especially smaller birds, but the truth is that owning a parrot can turn into an expensive affair.ĭepending on the species of parrot you own, the amount of money that you spend over the bird’s lifetime can easily run into thousands of dollars. Parrots make wonderful pets, and since most species of parrots have long lifespans - sometimes up to 80 years or more! - it’s a pet that will be with you for a long time to come.
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