| $ Continuous Expenses: $100 - $300 | $ $ Primary Expenses: $100 - $1,1K |
Birds have been one of the most common pets, besides dogs and cats.
There are numerous bird breeds with different colors, sizes, and personalities that can become ideal companions for people.
But as with any pet you want to bring home, there are a few factors you should consider before deciding whether to get one or not.
Let’s check some of those basic factors, as well as the approximate cost of owning a bird as a pet.
Table of Contents
Is A Bird The Right Pet For Me?
The first thing you should ask yourself before getting a bird as a pet is whether you’ll have the time to look after your new pet.
Birds need attention, routines, and time to bond with their human companions.
It’s not recommended to have them in their habitat all the time.
They should have the opportunity to interact outside their cage, so they won’t get bored.
Birds also live for many years, even decades, depending on the breed, so they are definitely a long-term commitment.
Do you have enough space in your house to put a cage for your bird?
In their cage, birds will need to have not only basic supplies, like food and water dishes but also toys and any other accessory that will help to keep them entertained.
They must have a quiet place in the house to sleep, where they won’t be disturbed.
Even when they are properly trained, birds will tend to make a mess in their habitat and when spending time outside of it, so be prepared for accidents.
They will happen and it’s only natural.
Primary Expenses
These are the basic things you’ll get when first getting a bird as a pet.
Adopting Or Buying A Bird
Although birds are not as common as cats or dogs, you might still find them in shelters or rescue centers for adoption.
Some owners can no longer take care of them or realize they are not the pet for them.
The adoption fee will vary depending on the breed of the bird and what they decide to include, such as food, a small cage or vet visits the bird might have needed while staying there.
Adopting a bird can cost from $30 to $200.
If you decide to buy a bird instead, the main two options are buying from a pet store (normally $40 – $600) or from a breeder, which usually is the most expensive option.
The breed is the main thing here, but you can pay from $10 to $40 for a parakeet, $25 to $150 for a canary, and $50 to $150 for a cockatiel, which are the most common birds kept as pets.
The most expensive ones are the cockatoo ($500 to $3,000), the Amazon parrot (1,000 to $3,000), and the macaw ($1,000 to $5,000).
Cages Or Habitats
The cost of a cage is going to be based on the size your bird needs, or if you plan on getting two birds instead of one.
Usually, wire cages with a plastic base cost between $45 to $300.
Accessories
You’ll also need water bowls and feeders ($3 to $10 each), perches and swings ($5 to $20 each), a habitat cover ($10 – $30), and any toys that could help to keep your bird active and entertained.
Toys usually cost from $5 to $30, depending on size and features.
Continuous Expenses
These are the main things you’ll have to buy either monthly or annually for your bird.
Food
Food will also depend on what breed your bird is.
There are specific blends for the most popular bird breeds, but generally, food for your bird should cost from $30 to $200.
The price will increase if your bird is large or if it has special nutritional requirements.
Vet Visits
Regular vet check-ups are also necessary for birds.
They can get parasites or viruses that could seriously harm their health.
Some bird breeds are more vulnerable to diseases than others, so it’s always better to check first with your vet.
An annual vet visit could cost from $40 to $100.
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