by Shell Martin

Created on: December 12, 2008

The cost of pet birds

There are three costs associated with pet birds. First, the initial cost of the bird. Second is the initial cost of setting up a cage and other accessories for your bird. The last cost is the ongoing maintenance of keeping a bird; things like food, toys, and vet bills.

The Bird.

Birds can be purchased at many pet stores, in the newspapers, through online listings, and of course through breeders. There are many types of birds that are kept as pet birds. Some are very small birds such as Finches and others are large birds such as a Macaw. Generally, speaking the more colorful and big the bird is the more you can expect to pay for that bird. Also playing into the price of the bird is how common or exotic the bird is. For example, a Ringneck Dove can be priced under $20 or a Society Finch can be found for about $15. These are common birds. On the other hand, an uncommon bird such as a Hyacinth Macaw can be in the neighborhood of $10,000. If you have your heart set on a particular species of bird then shop around. Prices can differ dramatically between pet stores and breeder and amongst different breeders. If you are buying from a breeder that is not local make sure to check into airfare transportation costs of the bird. This can cause the initial purchase price to rise as well.

Cage and Accessories

Once you know what kind of bird you are going to buy, then you need a cage and accessories. The bigger the bird, the bigger cage that is necessary. A Finch can live in a very small cage that is just 12 X 8X 10, sits on an end table, and runs about $15. On the other hand, a Macaw needs a lot of space. A cage that is large enough for a Macaw can be as big as 7ft high, 4ft, wide, and 3 ft deep. Depending on the quality of this cage, it can cost between $350 and $3500.

Cages are usually sold with one perch, sometimes two but this is not enough. A bird needs multiple size perches. Extra perches will run you from $5 on sale to $40 depending on the size and material of the perch. Some perches are wood, others are plastic, and still others are like calcium blocks, just to name a few.

Then there is the cost of toys. If you are buying a Parakeet there will be fewer toys than if you are buying a Macaw. Toys range from $5 to $40 depending on size and material.

Monthly Maintenance

Then there is the maintenance costs. First most birds need more than just a seed diet. This diet can consist of pelleted food and fresh fruits and vegetables. Some birds will even eat cooked

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