Bird lovers are drawn to African Grey Parrots because they are incredibly intelligent and amusing. They also have a distinct appearance that distinguishes them from the crowd. Due to their great intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition, African grey parrots are in high demand. They form great ties with their owners as a result of these factors.
Any current owner of an African Grey Parrot will tell you that these intelligent, beautiful, and curious birds are well worth the money. As a result, in this post, we’ll look at all of the costs associated with having an African Grey Parrot.
How much do African Grey Parrots cost?
An African grey parrot costs between $1,500 and $3,500. Timneh African greys are slightly smaller than their Congo counterparts, measuring 13 to 15 inches as opposed to 14 to 16 inches in the Congo. They have somewhat darker grey feathers as well. Both have a bright red tail that sets them apart from other parrots.
Congo African greys are less expensive than Timneh parrots since they’re simpler to get in the pet trade. Other necessities such as food, a spacious cage, toys, perches, dishes, and vet bills/insurance, on the other hand, might cost up to $3,200 per year.
One-Time Fees
There are a few one-time charges that you will have to spend when you initially buy the African Grey Parrot. Because of these one-time fees, the first year of ownership is by far the most expensive. The most costly item on this list will be the bird.
Adoption
$500–$1,000
You might be able to adopt an African Grey Parrot that was previously owned. People frequently purchase one of these birds only to discover that they lack the means or time to devote to it.
Adopting an African Grey Parrot is less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder, but it is still a worthwhile investment. At the very least, you’re purchasing a parrot in need of a nice home that is already used to humans.
Breeder
$500–$4,000
If you want a top-of-the-line African Grey Parrot, you’ll have to acquire one from a reputable breeder. Breeder rates are higher, but they frequently include free delivery, a travel cage, and toys with the bird.
The price of the bird will vary depending on its kind, age, gender, and other factors, but an African Grey Parrot should cost anywhere between $500 and $4,000. Look around for an African Grey Parrot that is within your price range.
Supplies and Initial Setup
$231–$700
You’ll need to set up the bird’s cage and habitat in addition to the bird itself. To reduce disease transmission, we recommend purchasing a new parrot cage rather than a used one (unless it was your bird’s cage from the prior owner). The cost of a nice parrot cage that is large enough for the African Grey Parrot is around $120.
You’ll also need to purchase stainless steel bowls, perches, wood, transportation, and licenses and permissions for the cage. If you’re importing the parrot into the US, you’ll also need to pay an import permission charge, which may range from $111 to $565.
A health certificate will almost certainly be required. To do so, a veterinarian will need to conduct an examination. The cost of a health certificate is determined by the veterinarian you see.
How much does it cost monthly to keep an African Grey Parrot?
There are monthly payments involved with African Grey Parrots, just like any other pet. A nutritious diet, physical activity, and mental stimulation are essential for an African Grey Parrot’s well-being. The African Grey Parrot should be healthy if fed properly and kept in a clean cage. In terms of monthly expenses, this can range from $0 to roughly $250.
However, you must take the bird to an exotic vet for an annual checkup. In the best-case scenario, your parrot’s health care should cost between $100 and $250 each year. Unless it’s old or ill, you shouldn’t have to pay for it on a regular basis. Only if your African Grey Parrot becomes ill and requires veterinary care should your monthly expenditures skyrocket. As a result, we strongly recommend exotic pet insurance.
Food
The African Grey Parrot’s food is the most visible monthly expenditure. Your African Grey Parrot’s typical monthly grocery expense is between $45 and $70 per month. This is roughly the same monthly cost as feeding a cat or dog, possibly less for large dog breeds.
Pellets should account for about 80% of your parrot’s diet. The remaining 20% should come from snacks and vitamins such as fruits and vegetables on occasion. You can feed grains, seeds, and nuts on occasion.
Medications and vet visits
Because these birds are so distinctive, health care costs may increase if your African Grey Parrot becomes ill. Depending on the disease, emergency care for these birds might cost anywhere from $300 to $1,200.
Keep in mind that you must also pay for each veterinarian appointment. For a single appointment, most exotic veterinarians charge between $100 and $250.
Insurance
We strongly advise you to obtain pet insurance if you have invested the time and money in purchasing an African Grey Parrot. It’ll probably set you back between $200 and $400 every year. This equates to around $20 to $40 every month.
You might even open a bank account for your bird. This account will assist you if your parrot is hurt, and it does not need you to pay an insurance provider. In any case, prepare a backup plan in case your bird becomes ill.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a major expenditure that you probably haven’t considered, amounting to roughly $20-$50. African Grey Parrots have a high level of intelligence. As a result, people require amusement in order to maintain their mental stimulation. These birds will grow sad and destructive if they are not given adequate mental stimulation.
Unfortunately, the toys will most likely be destroyed while the birds are playing with them. As a result, you’ll have to acquire new parrot toys on a regular basis. It’s a significant outlay, but it’s one that must be made.
Additional Fees to Consider
There are extra costs to consider in addition to the standard monthly costs. When you travel on vacation, for example, you will need to board your bird. You could have a friend who knows how to care for birds if you’re lucky. This, however, is a dangerous proposition. Instead, we propose paying for vacation boarding.
Buying an African Grey Parrot may not be the greatest place to start if you are on a restricted budget. After all, these birds are originally rather costly. There are, however, ways to save money on the first purchase.
You can, for example, adopt an adult African Grey Parrot who is looking for a new home. This is a fantastic method to adopt a stray bird without having to spend a bunch. The original owner will most likely be more than pleased to give you the bird’s cage and toys.
Consider if you can afford the recurring fees of owning an African grey before making the investment. Once you’ve formed a relationship with your African grey, the last thing you want to do is put him up for adoption.
Why Do African Grey Parrots Cost So Much?
One of the most costly pet birds is an African grey parrot. While we’ve explored some of the reasons for their high price, there are others, including the cost of getting legal ownership of it.
You’ll need two types of CITES Article 10 (A10) certifications to sell, buy, exhibit, or use an African grey parrot commercially: a TSC (Transaction Specific Certificate) and TSC (Transaction Specific Certificate) and A Certificate for a Specific Specimen (SS).
A closed leg ring or a microchip must also be placed on the parrot. Because African greys were placed on the CITES Appendix 1 list, they are now considered endangered. This list, which includes the United States, outlines the creatures that require protection from over-exploitation. It is recognized by 178 member nations.
While most new owners won’t need to register for a commercial use certificate (since the seller should already have one), it’s a good idea to do so in case you ever need to rehome your pet. You can only give your parrot as a gift if you don’t have the necessary documents.
Before paying any money, prospective owners must request to view the certificate from the vendor. Otherwise, you can end up in hot water with the authorities. The cost of a license is roughly $500. Because vendors often pass on the expense of a license to purchasers, an African grey’s price rises.
What Is The Price Of An African Grey Cage?
African greys are medium-sized birds that require plenty of room to wander about. This keeps them from feeling claustrophobic and irritated.
As a result, they require a huge cage with a width of at least 3 feet and a height of at least 4 feet. It should be 2 feet deep as well. To provide them lots of space, aim for a cage that is 36 x 24 x 48 inches in size. The bars should be placed 3/4 to 1 inch apart, according to the Center for Animal Rehab and Education. They can now climb up and down the sides without risking injury. It also stops them from fleeing.
The average African grey cage price ranges from $400 to $600 due to these specialized requirements. The best quality cages, on the other hand, cost $1,000. Because African grey parrots are intelligent enough to break out of cages, you’ll need a cage that is strong and sturdy.
Similarly, because your parrot will spend most of its life in its cage, choosing the proper one is critical. If it’s too tiny, your African grey will develop a variety of behavioral issues, including plucking of feathers, self-mutilation, Restlessness, and appetite loss.
What Is The Average Cost Of African Grey Food?
The cost of feeding an African grey varies from $45 to $70 a month, depending on its size and appetite. The following foods must be included in a parrot’s diet.
Pellets should account for about 75 to 80 percent of your parrot’s diet. Fruits and vegetables are healthy choices. These are a once-in-a-while treat that should account for 20 to 25% of the parrot’s overall diet. Grains, which are good for you if you eat them in moderation. Seeds that African greys like to eat. Another popular snack is nuts.
These meals might add up to be pretty costly when combined. However, rather than throwing away your fruit and vegetable scraps, you can save money on your monthly food costs by sharing them with your pets.
What Are the Prices of African Grey Eggs?
African grey parrot eggs may be purchased if you want to hatch an African grey chick and care for it from birth. They usually range in price from $30 to $75. Because there’s a risk they won’t hatch, even if the vendor promises it’s fertile, they’re far less expensive than fully-fledged birds.
Buying African grey eggs, on the other hand, is a contentious practice. It is prohibited in several nations. For one, the egg is unlikely to hatch. Taking care of eggs is a challenge and you’ll require specialist gear. Incubating and hatching a parrot should only be attempted by the most experienced owners.
Conclusion
Expect to spend a lot of money when purchasing an African Grey Parrot for the first time. The bird alone may be as expensive as $4000. The other initial first-time charges, on the other hand, might cost up to $700.
Fortunately, the monthly costs of owning an African Grey Parrot are substantially lower. Unless the bird becomes unwell, you should expect to pay roughly $250 monthly. If the bird becomes unwell, you will almost certainly have to pay a higher monthly fee. We recommend that you purchase exotic pet insurance to protect yourself in the event that something goes wrong.