African Grey Parrot Prices 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, and More!

African grey parrots are popular pets worldwide for their high intelligence and lengthy lifespans. These parrots have distinctive grey plumage and red tail feathers, an average size of 10 to 14 inches tall. In the wild, they are found in Equatorial Africa, specifically Congo, Kenya, and Angola.

Let this article be a price guide if you want to welcome an African grey parrot into your home.

How Much Do African Grey Parrots Cost?

The price of an African grey parrot will vary depending on their type, size, age, and overall health. However, most African grey parrots cost between $500 and $4,000. African greys are much more expensive than smaller bird species, such as finches and budgies. This is probably due to their larger size, longer lifespans, and species specialty.

Type

Two subspecies of African grey parrots are the Timneh and Congo African grey.

The Timneh African grey is smaller, less popular, and more expensive. You can expect to spend about $1,500 to $4,000 for a Timneh African grey parrot from a breeder or pet store.

The Congo African grey parrot is widely distributed in the pet trade and the larger subspecies. These parrots are priced between $500 and $2,800, depending on where you purchase them.

Size and Age

The age and size of an African grey parrot could influence their price. Juvenile African greys are usually slightly cheaper than the young adults who are fully grown. Older African greys around the 20-to-50-year mark will be more affordable than healthy young adult African grey parrots. This is mainly because there is no guarantee that an older African grey parrot will be free from any age-related health issues or live much longer.

Health

A healthy African grey parrot will naturally cost more than an unhealthy one. African grey parrots can suffer from common health problems like feather plucking and psittacosis. A sick African grey parrot can rack up expensive veterinary bills every month, which not everyone is ready for immediately.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an African Grey Parrot?

Adopting an African grey parrot from a rescue organization or shelter could be possible, depending on where you live. Adopting an African grey parrot will likely cost less than purchasing them from a breeder. You will only pay the adoption fee, usually about $50 to $500. Most adoption fees cover the cost of caring for the animal at the shelter or rescue, such as food, medical, and housing.

Checking at local animal shelters and rescue organizations that take in African grey parrots is a great first step if you want to give an animal a second chance at life before buying one.

Price of African Grey Parrot Supplies and Housing

Caring for an African grey parrot properly costs money, and they are not the most budget-friendly pets compared to other birds.

Cage

Expected cost: $80 to $600

An African grey parrot cage can vary in price depending on its size, quality, and whether it was purchased new or second-hand. However, most large cages that comfortably house an African grey parrot can be pricey, sometimes a few hundred dollars. You generally want a cage above the recommended minimum of 3 feet by 4 feet. A larger cage is always better for these parrots.

Accessories

Expected cost: $40 to $120

You generally want to avoid keeping your African grey parrot in a boring and plain cage. It is a good idea to look at accessories like purchases and climbing ropes that can liven up their cage. An empty cage can be boring for African greys. However, one that is too cluttered can be overwhelming and unnecessarily take up space.

Toys

Expected cost: $20 to $40

African grey parrots can benefit from having toys in their cage. You do not need to choose the most lavish toys for them, as budget-friendly options are available. Most large chew toys marketed towards large parrots are suitable for African greys. They typically only cost a few dollars. Remember that the toys must be replaced when dirty or worn. This could make the toys a monthly cost.

Food and Water Bowls

Expected cost: $4 to $8

Your African grey parrot will need a quality food and water bowl to eat and drink from. The bowls should be large enough to accommodate your African grey parrot’s size and be made from a durable material. African grey parrots may chew through their food and water bowls, so it must be chew-proof and safe.

Stainless steel bowls are recommended for African grey parrots and are relatively easy to keep clean. If their cage is particularly large, you might need to invest in three or four bowls. This is so they can access water at various levels of their cage.

Cage liners

Expected costs: $15 to $38

The bottom of your African grey parrot’s cage should be lined with a safe, absorbent, and hygienic material. The cage liner will collect your African grey parrot droppings and fallen food while helping to control odor and make cleanup easier.

Veterinary Treatment

Like most pets, African grey parrots should be taken to a veterinarian when sick, injured, or needing a health evaluation. The costs of taking your African grey parrot to the veterinarian can vary depending on what needs to be done.

If you only took your African grey parrot for a routine health check-up, you can expect to pay about $30 to $120. If your African grey parrot is sick or injured and needs costly surgeries, the costs could be up to $3,000. This excludes the costs of any medications your African grey parrot might need afterward.

Furthermore, African grey parrots might need their nails and beak trimmed to prevent them from becoming overgrown. This can cost around $20 to $50, excluding the appointment cost.

How Much Does It Cost to Feed African Grey Parrots?

A healthy and balanced diet is essential for African grey parrots; cheaper foods are not always a good choice. You ideally want to feed your African grey high-quality food with wholesome ingredients. African grey parrots are herbivores and eat seeds, nuts, and fruit.

Although cheaper food might seem promising for your budget, the potential medical bills associated with feeding an inexpensive and low-quality diet are not worth it. Most nutritious foods for African grey parrots are around $20 to $40 and will cost monthly.

Are You Ready for An African Grey Parrot?

Even if you feel you can handle the finances of caring for an African grey parrot, there are more considerations. Always research before getting an African grey parrot to ensure you can commit to all their care needs. There is a possibility that a young and healthy African grey parrot could outlive you, making them a lifelong commitment.

Below are important factors to consider before purchasing an African grey parrot.

• African grey parrots can live for 40 to 100 years with proper care. This is an incredibly long time to care for a pet. Their lifespan should be carefully considered if you do not want a long-lived pet.
• African grey parrots require daily mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored. A bored African grey parrot may result in destructive behaviors such as bar biting, feather plucking, or screeching. You should not get an African grey parrot if you cannot dedicate a few hours to caring for and interacting with them.
• African grey parrots are vocal birds that can mimic various sounds and words they hear. They can also screech and squawk very loudly and annoy you if you work from home or stay in an apartment. They are not the best choice if you want a quiet pet or a bird that only chirps and sings.

Conclusion: Monthly and Annual Costs of Owning an African Grey Parrot  

You can expect to spend a few hundred to a thousand dollars for an African grey parrot without supplies or housing. Their cage and accessories costs will be about $150 to $800, with the bulk of the expenses being one-offs.

Monthly or ongoing costs for African grey parrots, such as toys and food, will be between $20 to $60. You will also need to keep money aside for a possible emergency veterinary bill that could cost a few thousand dollars.

The costs of routine health check-ups should also be considered before getting an African grey. All of these costs will be for the next 40 to 100 years of their life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © GaevoyB/Shutterstock.com