How Much Does an African Grey Parrot Cost? 2024 Price Guide

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Evan

Have you ever wondered how much an African grey parrot costs? They are known for being highly intelligent birds.

If you are interested in learning more or purchasing one for your family, this is the ideal spot.

These parrots, much like other exotic birds, come with a hefty cost. The more visually appealing the bird’s color and markings are, the more expensive it will be.

The cost of owning an African grey parrot goes beyond its purchase price.

Read on to discover if these friendly birds are a good fit for you before you commit to caring for them!

How Much Does an African Grey Parrot Cost?

Generally, African grey parrots cost between $1,500 and $4,000; however, pricing can depend on the age and gender of the bird, as well as the bird breeder’s reputation.

Adopting a rescued parrot usually costs between $500 and $1,000.

African grey parrots come in two varieties: Congo and Timneh. The former is larger and paler, whereas the latter is smaller with a darker grey coloration.

These birds, which both have white masks around the eyes and bright red tail feathers, have significantly different price tags.

As an example, Timneh parrots are more uncommon and cost more than African Congo parrots.

The following table illustrates the cost difference between these two African grey parrots:

People who want to have a pet can look into raising an African grey chick.

Typically, African Grey eggs can range from $30 to $100; however, they have a low success rate and need special care.

It’s important to remember that the price estimates of African grey parrots are just general approximations.

The price of a bird depends on different aspects which will be explained in the next part.

Factors Affecting the Cost of an African Grey Parrot

African grey costs vary depending on several factors, such as those related to cockatiels and cockatoos. This means that some breeders can offer much higher prices than others for African greys for sale.

Several variables determine the cost of an African grey parrot, including:

• Age: African grey parrot prices vary depending on their age – baby birds tend to be more expensive because they haven’t been trained yet, while an older bird can become a premium purchase if it is already adept at talking or performing tricks.
• Appearance: African grey parrots with red tails are usually more expensive than those with regular grey plumage. Even a hint of pink or reddish feathers can make them more expensive, as well as parrots that have silver tail feathers.
• The Rarity of Subspecies: Even though originally from the same area in West Africa, Timneh African greys are more expensive than Congo ones. Timnehs have become less common and endangered, resulting in their higher cost.
• Quality: An African grey’s price can be determined by its genetics, lineage, and breeding. Birds with no unusual markings or proven to not be a crossbreed are usually more expensive than others.
• Breeder’s Reputation: African grey parrot breeders who are well-regarded typically charge more for their birds and have built a trustworthiness over the years.
• Gender: Although uncommon, female African grey parrots are significantly more expensive than male birds. This is due to their need for a nest box and incubator to lay eggs, thus necessitating an additional cost if breeding these birds.

You may be able to find a grey parrot at a cheaper cost, but you should be aware that purchasing from an unreliable breeder can lead to a loss of quality.

Often, stores offer parrots that are ill or that have been abused.

Initial Costs to Own an African Grey Parrot

After getting an idea of the cost of an African grey parrot, you can now look into the initial expenses of owning one.

When getting a new pet, you should consider the expenses for treats, toys, and other supplies.

See the list below for an accurate estimate of the cost to own an African grey parrot:

• Food and Treats: Once your African grey surpasses its infancy, you will typically spend between $10 and $50 on food and treats for them. It is essential to choose items designed for adult parrots as their diet can greatly influence how long they live.
• Mineral Supplements: African grey parrots typically don’t get enough nutrients from seeds, so you should plan to spend between $10 and $30 on mineral supplements that contain the necessary calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins they require.
• Food and Water Bowls: It’s important to invest in a food and water bowl set for your African grey parrot, which can cost between $10 – $40. This will ensure it has access to food and water daily.
• Cage: African greys are large birds, meaning they need a big and durable stainless steel cage. These range in price from around one hundred to fifteen hundred dollars.
• Cage Stand: A good cage stand for an African grey parrot typically costs between $35 and $70.
• Cage Cover: African grey parrots require a cage cover to help limit their distractions, and the cost can vary depending on the size of the cage. Generally, you should plan to spend between $17 and $40 on a cover.
• Cage Liners, Bedding, and Litter: To make a comfortable home for your African grey parrot, you’ll need to get a cage cover and stand, as well as some cage liners, bedding, and litter -all of which should cost no more than $30.
• Cage Skirt: A cage skirt is not a must-have for your African grey parrot, but it can be beneficial to help keep the cage clean. These are usually available in pet stores and online retailers, with prices ranging from $7 to $12.
• Perches and Ladders: For your African grey parrot to thrive, it is important for them to have access to ladders and perches. The cost of high-quality ladders and perches can range from $75 to $300.
• Nesting Material: African grey parrots need nesting items, like wood shavings, pine chips, newspaper, or any other soft material they can shred or pull apart, which generally cost between $5 and $15.
• Hideaway: An African grey parrot can be provided with a hut or tent that costs between $9 and $17, providing it with both a rest area and a hiding place.
• Travel Cage: If you own an African grey parrot and enjoy travelling, investing in a travel cage is a wise choice. Their price range typically starts from $30 to up to $115.
• Toys: To keep your African grey from getting bored or experiencing separation anxiety, give it access to a variety of toys like mirrors and swings. These can be found online for $25 – $150.
• Grooming Supplies: Grooming supplies for your African grey parrot will cost between $60 and $100, including a comb, nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors.
• Cleaning Supplies: Caring for African greys requires a clean environment, so be sure to budget for cleaning supplies, which usually run from $30 to $40.
• First Aid: If you’re bringing home an African grey, it’s important to have a first aid kit. For a small one containing gauze and antiseptic wipes, expect to spend around $6-$11.
• Microchip or Leg Band: If you are a beginner in African grey bird ownership, it is wise to think about having your pet microchipped or leg-banded. This could cost between $80 and $100, depending on where you live and the rate of your vet.

The following table outlines the initial expenses associated with owning an African grey parrot:

The cost of owning an African grey parrot goes beyond the initial purchase price; this is something to keep in mind.

Therefore, if you’re planning to buy one, set aside enough money to cover the starter supplies mentioned.

Annual Cost to Own an African Grey Parrot

Prospective owners of African grey parrots should take into account the annual cost of ownership when making their decision.

When getting a pet bird, it’s important to understand that they typically can live between 45 and 50 years, making it a serious long-term obligation.

Initially, you need to allocate a portion of your budget for essential items like bird food, vitamins, and other essentials.

When planning for your pet, don’t forget to include the cost of insurance, pet sitting services, and vet check-ups.

As an example, here is a rough calculation of the yearly costs associated with owning an African grey parrot:

Be mindful, however, that these expenses can accumulate quickly if you don’t keep an eye on your finances.

Therefore, it’s important to calculate the cost of owning this pet to determine if it fits within your budget before making a purchase.

Other Potential Expenses

Before getting an African grey, be aware of the initial and continual costs you will have to pay. Additionally, there are a few additional expenses that may arise which should not be overlooked. It is important to plan for them in advance.

As a parent of an African grey parrot, you may need to pay the expenses listed below:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: It is advisable to put aside between $300 and $2,000 in case of a medical emergency concerning your African grey parrot, as veterinary care can be costly.
• Bird Pet Sitters: If you have a full-time job and can’t look after your African greys, it might be a good idea to hire a bird sitter. This service usually costs between $10 and $20 per day, depending on the location.
• Professional Grooming Services: A professional groomer is the best option if you’re unsure how to groom your African grey parrot. On average, expect to spend $35-$50 per grooming session.
• Boarding: People who own African greys have the option to either hire a pet sitter or board them at a facility. The cost for bird boarding usually ranges from $20 to $50 per day.
• Pet Bird Breeding Expenses: Breeding African grey parrots may not be as difficult as you imagine. To get started, pay attention to their breeding season and gather the necessary materials. However, keep in mind that this procedure can be pricey, varying between $1,000 and $5,000.

The costs mentioned above are usually optional. That being said, it’s helpful to know the expected cost of each option so that you can budget accordingly for your new pet bird.

Places to Find African Grey Parrots for Sale

If you’re looking for an African gray parrot as a pet, this section is the place to look. We’ve gathered a list of locations where these birds are available for purchase.

Caution should be taken when buying birds from a mill or breeder that imports wild animals.

Avoiding this will help protect birds and their natural habitat from illegal activities.

Below are some highly respected African grey parrot breeders you can reach out to:

• Mika Birds Farm (MBF)– MBF specializes in breeding birds that are not only healthy, but also very friendly. Furthermore, if you wish to purchase African grey parrot eggs, then this is the place to go.
• African Grey Parrot Farm (AGPF)– For the past 10 years, AGPF has been breeding African greys to the highest standard. Every customer receives a health certificate confirming their bird’s good condition, plus a written guarantee and a parrot care guide.
• Bird Jungle– Established in New York, Bird Jungle has been a leader in exotic bird breeding for 40+ years. They specialize in cockatoos, budgies, and African grey parrots. Also available are affordable grooming and boarding services for your feathered pet.

To ensure your pet bird is healthy and well-looked after, purchase from a trustworthy breeder who can present evidence of the bird’s health, heritage, and personality.

If you’d like to own an African Grey parrot but don’t want to break the bank, rescuing one from a shelter is a great option.

Many African grey parrots are in need of new homes after being abandoned by their original owners.

Money-Saving Tips for African Grey Parrot Owners

Learning how to maintain your African grey parrot’s health on a budget is essential, even though they can be pricey birds.

Here are some tips for lowering the cost of keeping an African grey parrot:

• Ask for affordable recommendations.The high cost of an African gray parrot can put it out of reach for many people. However, if you take the time to research online and ask questions in forums, you may find a reputable seller with more affordable prices.
• Invest in pet insurance. Veterinary care isn’t always cheap, so it’s a good idea to purchase pet insurance for your African grey in case of an emergency. It’s also important to be aware that illnesses like psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), avian influenza, and bacterial infections can be expensive to treat.
• Buy bird food in bulk. When you want to save money, buying bird food in bulk is a wise idea. This is particularly true if you’re buying pellets and seeds for an African gray parrot, as they usually cost less when bought in large amounts.
• Look for deals, special offers, and discounts. To save money, you can check for discounts and second-hand items when purchasing a cage, toys, and other supplies for your African grey. Online stores and pet shops often have special offers.

Although you may feel skeptical, these money-saving advice can help you lower expenses without compromising on the health and quality of life of your pet bird.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Generally, owning an African grey parrot requires a lot of dedication and isn’t just a recreational activity.

It’s apparent that these active animals need more than the standard care, given their high cost.

To ensure a healthy lifestyle, they will require big cages, enriching toys, necessary supplies, and an appropriate diet that will come with a cost.

Additionally, you should seek out a reputable breeder that has been recognized by an avian organization or club.

An African grey parrot is generally costly, but the long lifespan of these birds make them worth your money if you want a healthy pet.

Now that you know the price of African grey parrots, let us know your opinion in the comments section!