How Much Do Parakeets Cost? (Other Expenses also Included)

Hello there!

If you’re considering bringing a parakeet into your home as a new feathered friend, one of the first questions that might pop into your mind is, “How much does a parakeet cost?”

However, the cost of owning a parakeet goes beyond just the initial purchase price.

In this article, I’ll break down all the expenses involved in keeping a parakeet as a pet, so you can be fully prepared to welcome these delightful and colorful little birds into your life.

Let’s dive in and explore the various aspects of parakeet ownership, from their purchase price to ongoing expenses and everything in between!

How Much Do Parakeets Cost?

In Short, Parakeet cost starts from $12 to $55 depending on the breed type, store, and age.

Other than Parakeet’s cost there are other essential costs like Food, Treats, Toys, Vets, and Cages.

These costs add up over time.

Including the essential costs, it could be $300 a year minimum. 

Parakeets are cheaper as compared to many birds that are kept as pets at home.

In case you’re looking for a cheap price bird, then a parakeet is the right option for you.

These least-price birds are easy to train and take care of when you keep them with care at home, which makes them great pets for new owners.

Keep in mind that buying a parakeet is easy, but taking care of that bird would cost you double or more than that.

An average parakeet can cost around $12 to $55 at different pet stores or online stores.

You can get parakeets in different colors like blue, green, or multi-color parakeets.

Other than the cost of the bird, there are a couple of things that have a certain price in order to take care of your bird before purchasing a parakeet.

According to different studies on birds, an estimate of $290 is made as to the first-year expense of owning a parakeet.

When you calculate the entire lifespan of your bird which may be between 16 to 18 years, it can cost about $2,880 – $3,430.

A couple of parakeets can cost anything from $40 to $70.

However, the parakeet cost can shift a lot from one store to the next.

It is ok to get a single parakeet if there will be somebody home with the parakeet for a large portion of the day and willing to give the parakeet a lot of consideration.

However long the parakeet is getting its required socialization and attention, at that point, the bird will feel comfortable and happy.

Other than the pet parakeets, you will likewise need to put resources into extra things.

Some of them you should purchase once and others, like food, you’ll need to get each month.

It doesn’t all boil down to the parakeet’s expense.

You’ll additionally need to dedicate sufficient time and responsibility to clean their cages, and also communicate with them, and watch out for them as far as medical conditions are concerned.

All Parakeet’s Essential Expenses

Since your birds are not supposed to be living on their own, you have to give them proper supplies and care along with treatment so that they don’t get sick.

And it can cost lots of money.

You will need to refill supplies every week or once a month for your bird.

And these supplies may be categorized into different sections.

1. Parakeet Food Cost

Parakeets have little appetite, and they don’t require much when it comes to feeding, and you can get the cheapest food for them to save expenses.

There is special parakeet food available in the market in different sizes, such as a $12 bag of 4-pound parakeet food that will be enough for your bird for a week.

A bigger bag may cost you more.

2. Parakeet Treats Cost

Parakeets can also be given treats called Sticks.

You can feed them with millet or corn cobs that can fill the tummy of your bird.

These are low-cost food for your parakeet in case you want to save some expenses and food that won’t hurt your bird’s health.

Parakeet treats such as Millet or Corn Cobs can cost around $20 or more a year. 

3. Parakeet Toys Cost

The toys available for parakeets to play with are inexpensive.

These toys are sold as a whole set to let your bird spend its time playing with them.

There are a variety of toys available with an average cost of $15 to $20.

What’s critical to note in this situation is that you ought to get the most secure conceivable toy from the most confided-in maker or merchant.

For blocks, ensure they are made of wood and that the paint on them is non-harmful.

Indeed, even the plastic parts must be amazingly versatile so as not to be coincidentally gulped by the birds.

4. Veterinary Checkup Cost

You need to keep your parakeet safe and healthy by giving it a regular check from a vet.

With most veterinarians charging anything from $25 to $35 just for checking your bird, the cost for ill parakeet treatment can be more.

If your parakeet is tested for a positive disease, you must be ready for costs in the scope of a few hundred dollars.

In case the circumstance is considerably more convoluted and your bird requires a medical procedure, your vet costs may go up a lot.

5. Parakeet’s Cage Cost

For keeping your parakeet in a safe place in your home, away from any other animals or interaction with anything so that your bird may not get hurt, you require a cage for your parakeet.

This cage that you provide to your bird is its home, where he has to spend most of his time.

You should check for all the requirements and needs of your bird by giving it a proper feeling of its natural habitat.

This means that the cage should be bigger and better in every way.

The price of a cage meeting these requirements may cost about $75 to $100.

The taller the cage, the better, as parakeets are very active, but it will cost you a bit more than small cages.

The cage also has its requirement, which is going to increase your cost of taking care of your parakeet.

A cage that has horizontal bars will provide entertainment as well as a platform for exercise for your bird as they will be able to climb the side of the cages.

There are also several things to include inside the cage of your parakeet, such as bedding and other items link hanging decors for making your parakeet more lively while staying in the cage to spend its time.

6. Parakeet’s Bedding Cost

You can get different styles of bedding for your parakeet’s cage, and the average cost of these beddings may differ between $10 – $15.

This includes cage liners, sand, aspen wood pellets, sand sheets, and recycled paper.

Your bird may kick out bedding onto the floor, but natural sands provide a much more natural habitat for the bird.

7. Containers for Food And Water

There are food bowls and water containers available in the market to be put into the cage of your bird.

Because the birds always prefer to eat in the air and you can provide them these bowls hanging in any corner of the cage.

You can get these safe and sturdy food containers from a bird store or online from a marketplace for an estimated cost of $10.

8. Parakeet Care Cost

You need to be very careful with the health of these little birds as they are immune to danger and harm.

You should have all the measures to be taken to avoid any injury to your bird.

You should take his health seriously and notice every little detail; otherwise, you will have to see a veterinarian doctor, which may cost you a lot if your pet is sick.

Make sure that you have been providing it proper services and care for taking his health seriously and being very careful with it.

You should have the remedies ready for any kind of damage to your bird before it may happen.

And you should be prepared for any type of expense that may be required for taking its care.

Factors Affecting a Parakeet’s Price

There are many birds available for sale online as well as in pet stores.

You should know about parakeets before you want to buy one.

Different parakeets have different costs depending on multiple factors that vary their prices.

We divide these factors into different sections for a more detailed discussion.

1. Breed

Parakeet’s prices differ in many aspects as far as their breed is concerned.

There are simple wild parakeets, and then there are the exotic ones.

These birds have a wide variety of colors on their feathers, and you can get them from anywhere nowadays, but the most common of them are the green ones that are found as abundant.

This is the cheapest variety as compared to the other colors such as blue or yellow are more expensive.

You can get the simple parakeet for a cost as low as $90 or maybe less, but you can get an exotic parakeet for a cost as high as $700, which is very much!

2. How a Parakeet is Raised

Your price can vary for a parakeet depending on whether the bird was raised in human flocks or whether it was raised in a pet store with other birds.

This greatly affects the behavior of the parakeet which can also vary the cost of that bird.

Usually, the price for a parakeet that is raised in a pet store with other birds is $20 per bird.

Such birds can get along better with other birds rather than getting along with human beings.

3. Age of Parakeet

Old parakeets don’t have much value as they are not very active and they are not very entertaining.

Young parakeets are active and aggressive, and they tend to respond well to your commands which makes them high in demand as compared to older birds.

It is easier to train these young fellows as well.

Parakeet’s Price Comparison with Other Birds

We have shared a price comparison of parakeets with other birds in the table listed below for a more detailed view.

Bird Species	Cost per bird
Canary	$150-200
Zebra Finch	$20-$30
Australian Parakeet (Green)	$20-$30
English Parakeet (Blue)	$25-$40
Parrot	$100-$300
Cockatiel	$50-$150

You can buy these parakeets and birds from different pet stores and online marketplaces available that are selling birds.

You can also buy extra equipment for parakeet care.

It’s not only about how much a parakeet will cost but also the factors and equipment that are required to take care of that parakeet as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of owning a parakeet involves more than just the initial purchase price.

While the cost of the bird itself may vary based on factors such as the species and breeder, it’s crucial to consider the ongoing expenses to provide your parakeet with a happy and healthy life.

Aside from the parakeet’s cost, you should budget for essential items like a spacious cage, nutritious food, and enrichment toys to keep your feathered friend engaged and mentally stimulated.

Regular veterinary check-ups are also necessary to ensure your parakeet’s well-being and catch any potential health issues early on.

Moreover, don’t forget to account for additional costs, such as bedding materials, cleaning supplies, and potential emergency veterinary expenses.

Proper budgeting and planning will ensure that you can provide the best care for your parakeet without financial strain.

While owning a parakeet comes with expenses, the joy and companionship these vibrant birds bring to your life are truly priceless.

With the right preparation and love, your parakeet can become a beloved member of your family, enriching your days with cheerful songs and playful antics.

So, take the time to understand the costs involved, and you’ll be well on your way to fostering a wonderful and fulfilling relationship with your feathered companion.

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Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by Lily Aldrin