Parrots are lovely creatures, but it always pops the question of how much they cost.
Considering all parrots have different requirements and wants, it makes it a challenging manner to pinpoint what costs are related to the subject.
Plus, not knowing the bills attached to a specific parrot like an African Grey can potentially hinder someone from adopting one.
Nevertheless, with the topic of African Grey parrots in mind, how much does an African Grey cost?
To answer this question…an African Grey can be thousands of dollars for the adoption price alone. However, this price can be a bit less or more depending on the situation. Most people tend to cite $1,500 as a good estimation for the initial cost of an African Grey, but that price has only increased since their such rare parrots. Not to mention the additional costs of food, their cage, health, and much more.
Although African Greys are awfully expensive parrots, they’re incredible creatures.
They’re affectionate and careful parrots who fall under the larger section of parrots.
Nevertheless, down below, we’re going to discuss all of the costs associated with African Greys.
We’re going to discuss aspects such as vet bills, food costs, accessory costs, cage costs, and much more.
Let’s get started!
How much are African Grey veterinarian bills?
Although African Greys are costly parrots, vet bills tend to be the same among all parrots.
This bill can either be on the low or high-end, depending on how healthy your parrot is.
Considering African Greys are larger parrots, expect to visit the vet a bit more than a smaller parrot.
Generally speaking, larger breeds of parrots tend to have more costs associated with them than smaller breeds.
An average vet visit is around $35, but if complications or medicine is required, expect to spend well over $100.
Obviously, no one wants to spend over $100, but if it’s for the betterment of your parrot, realize it’s for the best reason.
Plus, if you feed your African Grey decent food and take care of them, there’s a good chance you won’t have to run into the unfortunate bill pilings from vets.
Nevertheless, here are a few common health concerns of African Greys to be aware of:
Feather picking
Calcium deficiency
Vitamin A and D deficiency
Respiratory infection
Feather disease
Psittacine beak
Psittacosis
How much is food for an African Grey?
As noted, African Greys are relatively large parrots, which means they’ll need quite a bit of food.
Generally speaking, they need to eat roughly a half or quarter of their body weight per day.
For example, if they weigh around 500 grams, they’ll need 250 or 125 grams of food per day.
Like most parrots, the majority of their diet should consist of veggies, nuts, seeds, and fruit that’s okay for them to eat.
The other portion of their diet should include smaller makings of protein.
For the most part, a lot of these foods can come from what you already own, but there is specially made food meant for parrots.
Basically, if you can manage a budget of $20 a week, that should be more than enough for your African Grey.
Keep in mind, that this number is very vague, and you may find yourself spending a lot more or less.
How much do accessories and toys cost for an African Grey?
Outside of the necessity involved in the management of an African Grey, what’s the fun in adopting a parrot without giving them fun accessories and toys?
Just like us, parrots enjoy having fun, which should prompt you to get them some fun toys.
For the most part, toys and accessories can be anywhere from a few dollars to well over $100.
Keep in mind, that your budget will play a significant role in this since they’re not a necessity.
However, your African Grey will have a significantly better life with these fun additions in their life.
Depending on your willingness to spend, it’s entirely up to you what you want to get your parrot.
If you have the money, don’t be afraid to get them something new every month or so.
On the other hand, try getting them some stuff upfront and wait a few months to upgrade their toys and accessories.
Here’s a list of some fun toys and accessories to consider:
Extra bed support
Ladder toy
Ring toys
Mini playground
How much is an African Grey cage?
No matter the parrot, a parrot’s cage tends to be the most vital component.
Since African Grey parrots are such large parrots, their cages tend to be on the pricey side.
Obviously, this pricey side has a large zone that it can fall under, but don’t be afraid to spend money.
Nevertheless, expect to spend around $300 for a decent African Grey cage.
If you really need to cut corners, you can get one just below $200, but don’t go below $100.
If a cage is that cheap, it won’t last long and will deteriorate very quickly.
Considering parrots are in their cage for most of their lives, make sure you invest a decent amount into their cage.
Plus, the better the cage, the longer it’ll last and will be easier to clean.
Once installed, you can add a few additions for them, and they’ll fall in love with their cage.
How much does hygiene and cleaning supplies cost for an African Grey?
For whatever reason, many people tend to completely forget about the hygiene and cleaning costs associated with pets.
Since parrots, in general, are very messy, especially larger parrots, expect to spend a decent amount on cleaning supplies.
Having a decent amount of cleaning products, paper towels, and newspapers at all times will go a long way for when your parrot goes to the bathroom or has an accident.
On the other hand, there are hygiene costs associated with African Greys.
Parrot shampoo and various other hygiene products can go a long way with grooming your parrot.
Plus, there are special grooming services available that you can utilize for your parrot.
Grooming services are typically $35 to $50 for a session but don’t expect to do these too often.
With all of this in mind, expect to spend $50 or more per month for hygiene and cleaning supply costs for an African Grey.
African Greys are magnificent parrots that are becoming rarer for us to adopt.
Although this is a dejected reality, for those of us fortunate enough to adopt an African Grey, they’ll surely transform our lives.
If you have any questions about these costs, be sure to reach out to a veterinarian or parrot specialist, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.