How Much Are African Grey Parrots? All You Need To Know

One might be tempted to acquire a member of the Aves family as a pet particularly the African greys. But How Much Are African Grey Parrots? Well, In terms of one-time fees and recurring monthly payments, African Grey Parrots, like many other exotic birds, are pricey. Therefore, if you aim to enjoy the gift of the African Greys, now is the time to work upon your savings account and prepare to make a long-term financial commitment.

Nonetheless, the expenses outweigh the benefits. In fact, any existing owner of an African Grey Parrot will tell you that these bright, graceful, and curious birds are well worth the money. Let’s take a look at all of the expenses that come with owning an African Grey Parrot.

Parrots have always been an all-time favorite with Birds lovers. And when you get the species with the particular specifics of incredible intelligence, zealous temperament, and sheer inquisitiveness, it is just the icing on the cake.

Having said that, you can get this amazing package of stunning attributes in African Grey Parrots. African Grey Parrots are popular among bird enthusiasts because they are extremely intelligent, entertaining, and talented. These avians also have a distinctive appearance that sets them out from the mob.

how much are parrots?

There are over 370 different varieties of parrots, with more being discovered all the time. Only a few of these species are often seen as pet birds. Nevertheless, Parrot species, like any other cherished pet, have their own set of obligations for getting started. 

The cost of taking your new feathered buddy home might vary greatly depending on where your bird comes from, as well as the specific species and color mutation.

Depending on the species of parrot you aim to acquire, you might easily spend thousands of dollars over the course of the bird’s lifetime. Smaller birds are naturally less expensive to care for than larger birds such as macaws, but they are still expensive pets to buy.

However, size isn’t necessarily determined by the price. A larger parrot that is more common will cost less than a smaller bird that is rarer.

Here we have listed the breakdown of the typical costs associated with purchasing a parrot: 

• While buying a parrot, it can cost anywhere from $20 to $3,000 or more, depending on the breeder. 
• Adoption is a fantastic method to bring your new feathered companion home. Adopted parrots are often less expensive, with costs ranging from $20 to $1,000.

Keep in mind that the price of your parrot will often be determined not only by its size but also by where you buy it from. Although a private vendor may offer lower-cost birds, a reputed breeder is more likely to sell healthier parrots.

how much are African grey parrots?

African Grey parrots are a great choice if you are aiming to bring home a feathered companion.

These birds, with several admirable attributes such as inquisitiveness, intelligence, lots of harbored energy, and zeal, are perhaps one of the smartest species of bird. Therefore, the expense of owing so much goodness in life is naturally high. 

The expected price of an African grey parrot ranges between $1500 to $4,000. The price of the bird varies relatively little depending on whatever subspecies you choose.

The subspecies include a Timneh African Grey or a Congo African Grey, with the Congo Grey being the most popular. Furthermore, the price of the bird varies depending on its type, age, gender, and other factors.

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 shipping, a travel cage, and toys with the bird.

Having said that, the expenses after acquiring the African Greys include the basic necessities such as food, a spacious parrot cage, toys, perches, dishes, and vet bills/insurance, which might cost up to $3,200 per year.

how much are African grey parrots worth?

African Greys come along with an assemblage of wonderful attributes that definitely prove their worthiness. In fact, due to their great intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition, African grey parrots are quite popularly in demand.

These birds are known to form great connections with their owners as a result of their excellent characteristics. So you’re probably wondering how much are African grey parrots worth.

Well, the cost of an African grey parrot ranges between $1,500 and $4,000. At the same time, the expense of owning these lovely pets might cost up to $3,200 per year (including the basic expenditure of food, spacious cage, toys, dishes, and vet bills/insurance, etc.).

Remember, maintaining these amazing birds is a huge responsibility. An experienced owner with adequate spare time to devote to keeping an African grey parrot enriched and entertained is absolutely essential to owning these parrots. 

How much does an African Grey Cost?

If you want a smart and intellectual animal, African Grey parrots are a fantastic choice. They have a lot of energy and curiosity, and they’re possibly the smartest bird species on the planet.

As a result, the African grey parrots are quite a pricey species, as well. The average price of these incredible birds is between $1,500 and $4,000. Furthermore, the amount you’ll pay for these amazing avians may vary and will be determined by the following factors:

• Age
• Looks
• Gender
• Genetics
• Breeder 
• Subspecies 

There are also the expenditures of long-term care to consider. Because, like any other pet, African Grey Parrots have monthly expenses. The necessary items include:

• Treats and food 
• Games and toys 
• Perches 
• Cages 
• Cleaning Agents 
• Insurance and veterinary care
• A valid permit (in some states)

Owning an African grey is a significant financial commitment, so consider thoroughly if you can afford the annual costs before purchasing one. Once you’ve formed a bond with your feathered companion, the last thing you want to do is put him up for adoption.

Factors Influencing the Cost of African Grey Parrots.

There are several elements that influence the price of an African grey parrot when buying one. Let’s take a look at aspects that influence the pricing of African Greys:

• Age: A featherless newborn African Grey is less expensive but takes a lot of care at first, but a young African Grey that can eat adult food is much more expensive. The older an African Grey becomes, the less expensive it becomes after a certain age.
• Looks: The price of an African Greys ranges depending on how attractive, healthy, or free of flaws they are. The more desired or pleasant the bird’s qualities are, the higher the price climbs.
• Genetics: The quality of an African Grey’s genetics has an impact on its pricing. It is through DNA testing, which may be done for a fee, that one can determine the African Grey’s genetic history or whether it is a breed of its two subspecies, Congo and Timneh, which has an impact on the purchasing price. Amongst the two subspecies, the Congo Grey is more popular and shot after. 
• Purchase location: The place from where a bird is purchased has an impact on its pricing. For example, while obtaining this natural bird in Western Africa is simple, it is automatically more expensive in America due to the country’s laws and regulations about registration, licensing, and purchase.
• Gender: As females produce eggs, they are generally more appealing for purchase.

Why is it so expensive to raise the African Greys?

Apart from the cost of purchasing African Grey Parrots, maintaining them incurs additional costs. In fact, did you know, when kept in captivity, African Grey Parrots can live for 50 to 70 years; required, they are carefully cared.

Therefore, purchasing this incredible intellectual bird is not the only high cost; due to the high level of care that this type of parrot demands on a daily basis, as well as the long lifespan of this kind of parrot, growing African Grey Parrots can be costly.

• Choosing appropriate toys and perches. Factually speaking, African Grey Parrots are quickly bored; therefore, it is necessary to provide plenty of toys and a diverse range of nests in their cages to keep them active and occupied. African Greys enjoy going on adventures and playing games. To keep your feathered companion active and mentally stimulated, appropriate toys must be provided. Though bird toys may appear to be less expensive and not something that an African Grey Parrot owner should be concerned about, keep in mind that these parrots have a strong beak, thereby reducing a piece of wood into dust matter of seconds.
• Maintaining a healthy diet plan. For African greys to be healthy, energetic, and happy, they require high-quality, balanced nutrition. Healthy seed mix, high-quality pellets, and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits on a regular basis, as well as occasional treats, are the essential requirements for an African Grey’s proper diet. 
• Providing a large, sturdy cage. If you fail to secure a cage with the purchase of your African Grey Parrot, remember it will be absolutely necessary to acquire a large and suitable cage for your avian companion. The cage, working the triple ‘s’ principal, should be sturdy, spacious, and safe, with separate play stands or tops for cage activities and play. And procuring such a case for a bird species such as African Grey Parrot will not come inexpensive. In case you’re pondering over purchasing a used cage for your African Grey Parrot, in order to save money, keep in mind that there’s always the possibility of the cage becoming infected and infecting your valued bird with a viral disease. Therefore, choose with utmost care.
• Necessary avian veterinary care. When you buy a valuable bird, such as an African grey parrot, be sure it is protected from disease and illness. As a result, there are the fees of pet insurance as well as the price of vet visits to ensure your feathered friend’s good health.

In conclusion, while African Grey Parrots are excellent friends, lively, and intellectual pets, raising them is expensive, both in terms of a pet owner’s time, attention, and energy as well as financially.

African Greys should only be kept as pets by individuals who are willing and competent to face both the non-financial and financial costs. Remember that African Grey Parrots are more than simply a pet; they are an expensive, long-term investment.

What’s so special about African Grey Parrots?

This amazing variety of parrots are construed to be one of the most intellectual, charming, and brilliant mimicking and talking birds belonging to the family of Aves.

It is due to the numerous remarkable attributes that they are adorned with the nickname “The Einsteins of the Bird World.” To learn what is so special about wonderful feathered creatures, let us reflect on some amazing facts about them.

• If you’ve ever seen an African Grey parrot, you know they’re stunning creatures, but did you know they can build vocabularies of up to 1,000 phrases and use the words they learn in context?
• African grey parrots are not just one of the most popular pet bird species, but they are also one of the most intelligent ones. Scientists from all around the world have been studying the mental capacity of African grey parrots in recent years. Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s work with her famous African grey, Alex, and other African greys is the most notable example of the same. According to Pepperberg’s studies, greys are not only excellent learners, but they also frequently speak in context and appear to be very sensitive to their Human feelings. These magnificent birds are supposed to have the mental and emotional capabilities of a 5-year-old human child.
• African Greys are medium-sized parrots and are frequently regarded as enchanting companions. They are intelligent, well-spoken birds who, unlike other parrot species, seek sufficient attention, care, and love. African grey parrots build very close ties with their owners and can be quite emotionally needy. And owing to their sensitivity, grey requires special attention, as even minor alterations in their daily routine or boredom in any form might cause behavioral problems. As a result of this tendency, they do best with owners who can dedicate a significant amount of time to handling and associating with them on a daily basis.

Maintenance Costs of Owning an African Grey Parrot

The maintenance cost of owning the amazing African grey parrots varies, depending on numerous factors. To begin with, there are a few one-time charges that you will have to pay when you initially obtain the African Grey Parrot.

Because of these one-time fees, the first year of ownership is by far the most expensive, geared up to work on your savings account. Nevertheless, the most expensive item on this list will be the bird.

Following the initial ownership charges, the maintenance expense will depend on the following:

Health Care

A nutritious diet, physical stimulation, and mental stimulation are essential for an African Grey Parrot’s physical, psychological and social well-being. The African Grey Parrot is more likely to remain healthy if fed properly and kept in a clean cage.

However, it is highly recommended to take your bird to an experienced vet for an annual examination. In the best-case scenario, your parrot’s health care should cost between $100 and $260 each year. Unless it’s old or sick, you shouldn’t have to pay for it on a regular basis.

Food

The African Grey Parrot’s food is the most apparent monthly expense. Your African Grey Parrot’s typical monthly grocery expense will probably range somewhere between $40 and $75 per month.

This is around the same monthly expense as feeding a cat or dog, possibly less when compared to the charges of larger canine breeds. Pellets should account for the larger portion of your parrot’s diet.

The remaining portions can be contributed by 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 members of the avian family 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 would also be expected to pay for each veterinarian visit. For a single appointment, most exotic veterinarians charge between $100 and $250.

Pet Insurance

It is strongly advised 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 can also work on setting up a savings account for your feathered friend. This account will assist you in having a backup plan in case your bird becomes ill or injured. 

Entertainment

Entertainment is a major expense that you probably haven’t considered. African Grey Parrots have a high level of intelligence, which is even scientifically proven. As a result, people require amusement in order to maintain their mental stimulation.

These birds will grow miserable and destructive if they are not given enough 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.

Native Habitats of African Grey Parrots

In their native lands of West and Central Africa, African Greys generally prefer savannas, coastal mangroves, woodland, and the boundaries of forest clearings.

Though the Congo African grey is the bigger of the African grey subspecies, this bird has a far broader natural range in Africa, encompassing southeastern Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The Timneh African grey is only found in a tiny area along the Ivory Coast’s western border and through southern Guinea. Palm nuts, seeds, fruits, and green materials make up the majority of their food in the wild.

Caring for and Feeding African Grey Parrots

While caring for your beloved African Greys, look out for the following: 

• There’s a reason why the African grey is generally regarded as the poster bird for parrot intelligence: not only does this bird have a large vocabulary, but it also has the ability to recognize the meaning of words and phrases. To maintain their zeal, African greys require a variety of toys that test their brains, such as foraging and puzzle games. And thereby, investing time and money in keeping them mentally stimulated is highly advised. 
• A well-balanced diet is essential for African grey parrots. Seeds, leafy greens, fruits, and nuts will make up the majority of their diet. They should eat berry-shaped food since it is the most similar to what they would eat in the wild, and it stimulates African greys to hold, munch, and even play with the Berries.
• African greys appear to be particularly sensitive to stress and disturbance in their surroundings. By placing one corner of the cage against a wall rather than in the center of the room, you can ensure more peace for your feathered friend. 
• Beta-carotene/Vitamin A deficiency is common in all African grey parrot breeds. This means that an African grey should be fed a lot of beta-carotene-rich foods. Fresh greens and roasted sweet potatoes are both excellent choices. Vitamin D deficiency is also a problem for African grey parrots. Providing a balanced pellet diet for these parrots may assist in preventing these deficiencies. You shouldn’t need to add supplements to your African grey diet if you make sure they eat a balanced diet.

Similar to the case of other pets, there are certain monthly payments involved with caring for and feeding your African Grey Parrots. Fortunately, these birds are not as expensive to care for as dogs or cats.

You merely need to supply them with food, entertainment, and, if required, medical treatment. As a result, on average, caring for and feeding your favorite feathery companion will cost between $185 and $1800 every month. 

Personality & Behavior

African grey parrots are intelligent, sensitive, and a little demanding birds. They’re also charming and smart, but their combination of sensitivity and intelligence can lead to behavioral problems.

These avians are creatures of habit, and even a minor disruption in their schedule could make a sensitive grey unhappy. Among other unpleasant behaviors, they are prone to plucking and nibbling their feathers.

African greys are gregarious parrots who require a lot of interaction, but they are not really the snuggle buddies. They will tolerate a little head rubbing and stroking but not much physical contact.

Nevertheless, some of these charming birds may endure a little snuggling with their favorite people. Every bird has its own likes and tastes. Despite the fact that every member of the household socializes with it from the start, a grey can become a “one-person bird.”

Furthermore, keep in mind that most bird keepers consider that a grey should only be owned by an experienced bird enthusiast.

African grey parrots eggs

If you aim to hatch an African grey chick and care for it from birth, you can achieve the same, as the eggs of African grey parrots can be easily purchased. They usually range in price from $30 to $75.

Because there’s a chance they won’t hatch, even if the seller promises it’s fertile, they’re far less expensive than fully grown birds.

Nevertheless, buying African grey eggs is a disputed practice (it is even prohibited in several nations) Because of the following reasons, purchasing African Grey eggs are really not advisable: 

• the greater changes of infertile egg (unlikely to hatch)
• Improper care or other reasons leading to the death of the chick
• Eggs are tough to look after and require specialist equipment
• This price does not reflect the long-term expenditures of care.

Remember, incubating and hatching a parrot should only be attempted by the most experienced owners. It’s a difficult procedure, and the infant will require round-the-clock attention.

Are African grey parrots loud?

Yes, African Grey parrots are quite a vociferous species of birds. They are known for their loudness. They are acknowledged to be among the most communicative birds.

They don’t scream often, but they are continuously talking. When desired, they can be rather noisy. African Greys are highly interactive birds that enjoy interacting with their surroundings and imitating sounds.

What is the price of a newborn African GREY parrot?

While the general price range of African Grey parrots lies between $1500 to $4,000, you can acquire African grey parrot infants for sale, which can also cost up to $3,600 for both the subspecies, that is, Congo and Timneh African grey parrot babies.

However, this value is determined by a number of parameters such as subspecies, source, and so on. 

Is owning an African GREY parrot legal?

All cross-border commercial trading in African grey parrots caught in the wild has been outlawed. Captive-bred birds can be traded, but only from CITES-registered breeding facilities.

According to WWF, the Congo basin produces the majority of African grey parrot exports.

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