Choosing to own a pet parrot is not a decision to be taken lightly. From a monetary point of view, the initial price of the bird will be a small fraction of the true cost of its care over the lifetime of your parrot. In addition, there are potential legal ramifications involved with owning certain species that are considered endangered.
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Pet Parrot Prices ·
Listed below are average prices for a selection of the most popular pet bird species. You can also use our quiz/calculator which will also price in the price of the bird AND other costs such as bird cages and accessories. All amounts are in U.S. dollars and we have included both the range of prices for the species as well as the average price. Excluded are rare mutations (unless otherwise stated) because these can greatly increase the price for the bird. I have used the site birdbreeders.com and birdsnow.com, as well as research into local pet stores for smaller birds, to determine these values. Some non-parrot species also included for comparison. If you feel any of these prices need updating, please let me know in the comments at the end of this article.
How Much Does A Parrot Cost?·
Click on the table headers such as “Species” or “Average Price” to sort the table by name or price. (On mobile? Drag the table sideways to see more info).
Species | Average Price (USD) | Group | Price Range (USD) |
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Budgerigar | $20 | Parakeet | $15 to $25 |
Zebra Finch | $20 | Finch | $20 |
English Budgie | $70 | Parakeet | $60 to $80 |
Black Masked Lovebird | $80 | Lovebird | $80 |
Canary (standard) | $100 | Canary | $100 |
Peach Faced Lovebird | $100 | Lovebird | $50 to $150 |
Gouldian Finch | $100 | Finch | $100 |
Fischer's Lovebird | $110 | Lovebird | $80 to $150 |
Bourke Parakeet | $150 | Parakeet | $150 |
Cockatiel | $160 | Cockatoo | $80 to $250 |
Lineolated Parakeet | $200 | Parakeet | $200 |
Cockatiel (Lutino) | $200 | Cockatoo | $150 to $250 |
Red Rump Parakeet | $250 | Parakeet | $200 to $300 |
Pacific Parrotlet | $250 | Parrotlet | $200 to $300 |
Green Cheek Conure | $250 | Conure | $250 |
Parrotlet (standard) | $275 | Parrotlet | $200 to $350 |
Pineapple Conure | $400 | Conure | $400 |
Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet) | $400 | Parakeet | $400 |
Alexandrine Parakeet | $400 | Parakeet | $200 to $600 |
Indian Ringneck | $450 | Parakeet | $400 to $500 |
Nanday Conure | $500 | Conure | $400 to $600 |
Sun Conure | $500 | Conure | $400 to $600 |
Rainbow Lorikeet | $550 | Lorikeet | $400 to $700 |
Jenday Conure | $600 | Conure | $600 |
Senegal Parrot | $700 | Poicephalus | $600 to $800 |
Meyer's Parrot | $750 | Poicephalus | $500 to $1000 |
Black Headed Caique | $900 | Caique | $750 to $1000 |
Dusky Pionus | $900 | Pionus | $900 |
Swainsons Lories | $1000 | Lorikeet | $1000 |
Mustache Parakeet | $1000 | Parakeet | $1000 |
White Capped Pionus | $1000 | Pionus | $1000 |
Hahn's Macaw | $1000 | Macaw | $700 to $1200 |
Orange Winged Amazon | $1000 | Amazon Parrot | $500 to $1500 |
White Bellied Caique | $1100 | Caique | $1000 to $1250 |
Maximilian (Scarlet Headed) Pionus | $1250 | Pionus | $1000 to $1500 |
Blue Headed Pionus | $1300 | Pionus | $900 to $1700 |
Military Macaw | $1400 | Macaw | $1200 to $1600 |
Eclectus Parrot (standard) | $1500 | Eclectus Parrot | $1000 to $2000 |
Goffin Cockatoo | $1500 | Cockatoo | $1000 to $2000 |
Lilac Crowned Amazon | $1500 | Amazon Parrot | $1000 to $2000 |
Moluccan Cockatoo | $1500 | Cockatoo | $1000 to $2000 |
Red Lored Amazon | $1500 | Amazon Parrot | $1000 to $2000 |
Blue and Gold Macaw | $1600 | Macaw | $700 to $2500 |
Yellow Naped Amazon | $1850 | Amazon Parrot | $1200 to $2500 |
Blue Fronted Amazon | $2000 | Amazon Parrot | $1500 to $2500 |
Harlequin Macaw | $2000 | Macaw | $1500 to $3500 |
Severe Macaw | $2000 | Macaw | $2000 |
Solomon Island Eclectus | $2000 | Eclectus Parrot | $1500 to $2500 |
Umbrella Cockatoo | $2000 | Cockatoo | $1000 to $3000 |
Vosmaeri Eclectus | $2000 | Eclectus Parrot | $2000 |
Double Yellow Headed Amazon | $2300 | Amazon Parrot | $1500 to $3000 |
Timneh African Grey | $2300 | African Grey | $1500 to $3000 |
Catalina Macaw | $2500 | Macaw | $2000 to $3000 |
Congo African Grey | $2500 | African Grey | $1500 to $3500 |
Galah Cockatoo | $2500 | Cockatoo | $2000 to $3000 |
Scarlet Macaw | $2500 | Macaw | $2500 |
Green Wing Macaw | $3000 | Macaw | $3000 |
Red Fan Parrot | $3000 | Hawk Headed Parrot | $2000 to $4000 |
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo | $3000 | Cockatoo | $2000 to $4000 |
Major Mitchell Cockatoo | $5800 | Cockatoo | $5,000 to $6,500 |
Hyacinth Macaw | $10000 | Macaw | $10000 |
Blue Solomon Island Eclectus | $18500 | Eclectus Parrot | $15000 to $22000 |
Black Palm Cockatoo | $19000 | Cockatoo | $15000 to $23000 |
Spix Macaw | $150000 | Macaw | $100000 to $200000 |
Graph of Parrot Prices
Some non-parrot species also included for comparison.
Click on the image below to see a full sized version
Parrot Prices
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African Grey Parrot Price
– Grey Parrots are expensive birds because they are the most intelligent of all parrot species and one of the smartest animals in the world. The most common type of grey parrot is the Congo Grey or African Grey which has a price of $1500 to $3500. The other variety is the Timneh African Grey which has similar pricing of $1500 to $3000.
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Amazon Parrot Prices
– On average, you’re looking at around $1500 for an Amazon Parrot. Popular, playful and talkative, these parrots unsurprisingly come from the Amazon rainforest but also parts of central America and the Caribbean Islands as well, depending upon the species. See the full price list for different subspecies here.
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Budgie Price
– Budgies are the most popular species of pet bird in the world and perhaps the most affordable – they can cost between $15 to $25. Other breeds such as the English Budgie are twice the size and are priced at $60 to $80. Price changes depending upon the variation of the bird, some other popular breeds include:
- Albino Budgie
- Black Budgie
- Feather Duster Budgie
- Green Budgie
- Lutino Budgie
- Opaline Budgie
- Pink Budgie
- Rainbow Budgie
- Red Budgie
- Violet Budgie
- White Budgie
- Yellow Budgie
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Caique Prices
– These playful birds can cost as little as $750 on the low end of the scale and go all the way up to $1250 at the upper end. Black Headed Caique has a price range of around $750 to $1000. However, the White Bellied Caique prices are on average a bit higher and go from $1000 to $1250.
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Cockatiel Price
– Expect to pay between $80 and $250 for your cockatiel with the average price being around $150. Price varies depending upon the color mutation of your cockatiel. Some mutations such as the Lutino Cockatiel can command higher prices at around $200. Other popular cockatiel color mutations that are available are listed below:
- Albino Cockatiel
- Ashenfallow Cockatiel
- Blue Cockatiel
- Cinnamon Cockatiel
- Grey Cockatiel
- Pearl Cockatiel
- Pied Cockatiel
- White Cockatiel
- Yellow Cockatiel
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Cockatoo Prices
– These popular but difficult to manage birds are originally from Australia and South-East Asia. Cockatoos have a large range of prices depending upon the subspecies but as an average, you can get a cockatoo for about $2000. Our full guide to cockatoo prices can be seen here and includes pricing for the following birds:
- Black Palm Cockatoo
- Galah Cockatoo
- Goffin Cockatoo
- Major Mitchell Cockatoo
- Moluccan Cockatoo
- Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
- Triton Cockatoo
- Umbrella Cockatoo
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Conure Parrot Prices
– Conures are found in the Western Hemisphere and are known to be attention seeking birds with long tails. Prices vary by species but on average expect to pay $400 to $600 for a Conure.
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Green Cheek Conure Price
– These Conures make great beginner pets due to their friendly and quiet nature. You can expect to pay $375 for a standard Green Cheek, with normal prices generally ranging from $250 to $500. Specific color mutations can cost $600 to $800.
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Jenday Conure Price
– These friendly but noisey birds are known for their intelligence and on average cost $600.
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Nanday Conure Price
– Distinctive amongst Conures due to their black colored head and larger size. You’re likely to find Nanaday Conures priced at $400 to $600.
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Pineapple Conure Price
– A color mutation of the Green Cheek Conure, you’re likely to pay more than the standard breed and on average will pay $400.
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Sun Conure Price
– These brightly colored birds are named after their sun-light, yellow and orange heads. For an adult Sun Conure you’re likely to pay $400 to $600. Baby Sun Conures are cheaper and are priced at $200 to $350.
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Eclectus Parrot Prices
– The standard price for a Eclectus parrot costs $1000 to $2000. However, this price can vary depending upon whether you own a male of female version of this bird. Plus the price range varies dramatically depending upon the subspecies and color mutation owned, as listed in the full pricing guide here.
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Hawk Headed Parrot Prices
– These rare pet birds are also known as Red Fan Parrots and they come with a striking set of head feathers which they can flare up. Their price normally lies between $2000 to $4000.
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Indian Ringneck Price
– These lovely birds, also called the Rose Ringed Parakeet cost at least $300, and normally go for $400 to $500.
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Lorikeet Prices
– The most common pet lory subspecies would be the rainbow lorikeet, with the Rainbow Lorikeet Price range going from $400 to $700. Some varieties of Swainsons Lories can command prices of over $1000 from high end breeders.
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Lovebird Prices
– Native to Africa, Lovebirds are a small species of parrot that are known for their friendly behaviors but loud screeching noises. The prices of Lovebirds range from $80 to $200, making them an affordable pet parrot to own.
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Black Masked Lovebird Price
– The black colored feathers on the heads on these Lovebirds give them their name. A standard Black Masked Lovebird with no color mutation start at $80.
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Fischer’s Lovebird Price
– A high energy bird that needs a lot of attention. The Fischer’s Lovebird is charming and inquisitive, and the prices for them range from $80 to $150.
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Peach Faced Lovebird Price
– Also known as the Rosy Faced Lovebird, this very popular species of bird will bond closely with it’s owner and can be found on average for $50 to $150. Special color mutations, such as Blue Lovebirds, are priced at $200.
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Macaw Price
– Blue and Gold Macaws will run from $700 to $2500 and Scarlet Macaws slightly higher at around $2500. Special hybrids such as the Harlequin Macaw go for $1500 and $3500, depending upon the coloration. Whereas smaller macaws such as the Hahn’s Macaw go for $700 to $1200.
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Blue and Gold Macaw Price
– These magnificent looking parrots have blue outer feathers with golden inner feathers and are skilled talkers. The price varies greatly depending upon the breeder, so you can expect to pay from $700 to $2500.
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Green Wing Macaw Price
– Also known as the Red and Green Macaw, these mostly red macaws are named after green wing feathers they display. You can expect to pay $3000 to own one.
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Hyacinth Macaws Prices
– This dark blue macaw is the biggest of all pet parrots available and is rare and expensive to own. You can expect to pay over $10,000 when buying a Hyacinth Macaw.
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Catalina Macaw Price
– These macaws are created when you cross a Blue and Gold Macaw with a Scarlet Macaw. You’ll normally be expected to pay $2000 to $3000 for one.
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Harlequin Macaw Price
– Perhaps the most popular of all macaw hybrids, a Harlequin Macaw occurs when you cross a Blue and Gold Macaw with a Green Wing Macaw. The price for a Harlequin Macaw ranges from $1500 to $3500.
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Military Macaw Price
– Given it’s name because it’s green feathers are similar to that of a military uniform. You can buy a Military Macaw for $1200 to $1600.
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Severe Macaw Price
– Also known as the Chestnut Fronted Macaw, this parrot has a particularly long tail feather. On average you will pay $2000 for one.
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Hahn’s Macaw Price
– This friendly Macaw is also known as the Red Shouldered Macaw – it has a mostly green plummage with a red shoulder feather. The price for a Hahn’s Macaw is $700 to $1200.
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Scarlet Macaw Price
– This blue, yellow and red macaw is perhaps the most iconic of all pet parrots and popular with bird enthusiasts throughout the globe. You can expect to pay a price of around $2500 to own a Scarlet Macaw.
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Spix Macaw Price
– Possibly the most expensive pet bird in the world. This Blue Macaw is on the edge of extinction and there are only around 100 or so left in the world. The Spix Macaw can command a price tag of $100,000 to $200,000!
Hybrid Macaw Prices
– Macaw hybrids occur when you cross to two closely related macaw species to create a new one. They tend to be priced at a similar level as normal macaws and range from $1500 to $3500. Listed below are some examples:
Mini Macaw Price
– A group of macaw species that are smaller in stature compared with the standard sized macaw – the criteria being less than 50cm in height. They tend to be priced from $700 up to $2000.
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Parakeet Prices
– Parakeets are identified by their long tail feathers and the name covers a broad category of birds that are small to medium in size. Because many species of parrot fall under the parakeet name, their prices vary greatly, with lower end parakeets costing $20 and high end parakeets being priced at $1000 or more.
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Alexandrine Parakeet Price
– Named after “Alexander the Great”, these parakeets are also priced at a fairly “great” price tag. The price range cost $200 on the low end and $600 on the high end.
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Bourke Parakeet Price
– $150 on is the average price for buying this bird which originates in Australia. You might end up spending over $500 if you buy a special Bourke breed with a color mutation.
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Lineolated Parakeet Price
– Also known as Linnies, these small and green parakeets are found in Central America and the top of South America. They average price of a Lineolated Parakeet is $200.
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Mustache Parakeet Price
– Native to South East Asia, this parakeet is very noticable thanks to it’s redish/pinkesh breast feathers. Due to it’s rarity, it commands one of the highest prices of any parakeet at an average cost of around $1000.
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Red Rump Parakeet Price
– The males of these bright, emerald colored birds have a red back wing feather – of which they are named after. From South-Eastern Australia, you’re likely to pay $200 to $300 for a Red Rump Parakeet.
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Parrotlets Prices
– The lowest priced varieties of parrotlets can be found for as low as $120 but the standard price ranges for parrotlets normally range from $200 to $350. The Celestial or Pacific Parrotlets subspecies normally goes for $200 to $300.
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Pionus Parrots Prices
– Standard Blue Headed Pionus Parrots range from $900 to $1700 but on average they cost $1200. Subspecies such as the White capped Pionus normally cost about $1000. On the otherhand, Maximilian or Scaley Headed Pionus ranges from $1000 to $1500. Lastly, a Dusky Pionus can be found for around $900. Rare varieties of Pionus can go for more than $2000+.
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Quaker Parrot Price
– Also known as the Monk Parakeet, a Quaker Parrot that is purchased from reputable breeders costs on average $400. You can also get different colored breeds such as the Blue Quaker Parrot.
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Image credit betcsbirds
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Senegal Parrot Price
– These are the most popular of the Poicephalus species of parrot. You can expect to pay a price of $600 to $800 for these grey headed and friendly birds.
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Additional Bird Prices (non-parrot)
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Finches Price
– Zebra finches will set you back about $20 with more colorful mutations costing up to $75. Gouldian Finches on the otherhand usually cost at least $100.
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Canary Price
– These beautifully voiced birds are often found for around $100 with some varieties costing closer to $200. A gloster canary is also usually priced at $100.
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What Additional Costs Should I Expect?
You also need to factor in how much are bird cages, which will vary depending upon the size of the cage needed to accommodate the parrot. Also. the quality of the cage you choose and any internal features included will change the price. This mandatory piece of equipment will cost you anywhere from several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Our guide to parrot cages is available here.
Recurring costs mainly revolve around providing high-quality food for your bird. This will run to several hundred dollars a year if you plan on taking care of your parrot correctly with a mixture of high-quality manufactured and fresh foods. Keep in mind that many parrots have a very long lifespan and may even outlive you, so check our parrot lifespan guide to see how long your species is going to live. Also, PetCoach.co has a nice breakdown of initial setup costs for owning a bird.
Parrot toys and perches will also need to be replaced over the lifetime of your bird. Some parrots are very destructive and need to have chew toys replaced often. Other birds are not as demanding, but still need replacements when items get worn or broken otherwise the items turn dangerous. You may also need to buy new toys to enrich your bird’s life by offering it some variety. The cost of bird toys can be massively reduced if you make your own, see our guide here on how to do this.
Other expenses include avian vet costs, which will require a parrot travel cage to get there, and cleaning supplies need to be factored into your purchase. You should also think about gettin bird insurance to cover any medical expenses. There is also the possibility of some damage to your home, especially by the larger birds who may chew up woodwork and other available items.
Laws Regarding Parrot Ownership
Parrots have become extremely popular in the pet trade. As with many human endeavors, this has caused problems for these spectacular animals. Intense harvesting of parrots in the wild has caused populations to plummet and in some cases has pushed species to the edge of extinction.
The United Nations Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) attempts to ban all trade in certain species of wild-caught parrots. The species most endangered are listed in CITES appendix I. Parrots included on the CITES list of at-risk populations are:
- African Grey
- Scarlet Macaw
- Blue-throated Macaw
- Palm cockatoo
- Red and blue lorikeet
- Many species of Amazon parrots
You should always avoid purchasing wild-caught specimens of any animal that is on the CITES list for at least two good reasons. First, you are involved in breaking an international treaty and could face legal consequences. Even more importantly, these birds are listed because their existence in the wild is truly threatened. As humans, we must act responsibly to protect these wild populations, even if it means we cannot own a pet that we find desirable.
There are also national and regional laws regarding parrot ownership and you need to consult your local laws before buying an exotic parrot. For example, the United States Endangered Species Act and local state laws need to be checked before buying a potentially wild-caught bird in the United States. This can be a complex undertaking. Assistance can be found at sites like the American Federation of Aviculture and The Parrot Society UK.
Check The Health Of A Pet Bird Before Purchase
Avoid any parrot that is not obtained from a reputable breeder and always ensure that the bird has a closed band on its leg. This indicates that the band was put on very early in life. An open band could have been put on by an unscrupulous merchant, attempting to pass off a wild-caught bird as one that was bred in captivity. For more details on bird banding see our full guide here.
When choosing among parrots that meet the above criteria, look for signs of a healthy bird. Signs that a bird may be ill include:
- Sitting on low perches or the floor of the cage
- Picking at feathers rather than preening
- Trembling
- Weakness
- Dull or sunken eyes
- Walking in circles
- Standing on two feet with its head tucked under a wing
If a bird exhibits any of these signs you should probably not purchase this bird. Though you may have to deal with health issues later in your pet’s life, you want to get off on a good foot with a parrot that does not show signs of illness.
You also need to consider if you have the proper lifestyle to mesh with parrot ownership. They are very long-lived and often loud creatures. Parrots require daily human interaction to avoid behavioral problems. If this does not sound like something you want to deal with, then you should move on to other pet choices. However, if you are able to cater to these requirements then owning a parrot can be a very enjoyable and fulfilling activity.
Post Updated: 2019-09-14
I rescued a Quaker parrot years ago. My friend had several birds which she would let out of their respective cages each day. The Quaker (baby) had been diagnosed with fatty liver, which is common for several breeds. Baby was going from cage to cage eating seeds, which is fatty. She knew if she didn’t do something soon, she would lose him. I took Baby home with me. I was able to control his diet. I found a wonderful woman who would come over and trim his beak and nails. I was able to give this adorable bird 5 more years of life with our family. He was only supposed to live for a few months. I miss him very much. I would love to have another Quaker because of the intelligence and sweet disposition.
Hi Nancy,
Glad you were able to solve the Quaker parrot’s health issues!
Many people don’t feed their birds properly and often give them food mixes that are far too heavy with seeds. Sounds like you know what you’re doing but we also have more information about foods and dieting available here:
https://www.herebird.com/food-diet/
Hopefully you’ll be able to find another Quaker soon,
Jack
Does cockatiel talk?
Hi Beatrice,
They can be taught to mimic some words although they’re not as good at it as some other parrots. See here for more details:
https://www.herebird.com/lutino-cockatiels/#appearance
i have two green ringneck birds are they cost me $350 together.
Interesting, that’s a fairly low amount compared with the current average.
Which country are you in? Where did you buy them from? Are they healthy?
Ive been trying to buy me a parrot that can talk
Hi Orlendy,
Check out this list of birds here:
https://www.herebird.com/how-do-parrots-talk/#species
I have been trying to buy 3 pair of Lutino alexandrine
Hi Sohail,
The price range for an Alexandrine parakeet is $200 to $600 in the USA. Since you’re looking for a Lutino color mutation then this is likely to cost at the higher end, so $500 to $600.
Jack